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The Ethan Lee laboratory is interested
in understanding the basic mechanisms by which a Wnt signal is propagated
to coordinate
embryonic
development and to understand how its dysregulation can lead to disease
states such as cancer. A major experimental approach in the Lee laboratory
involves the use of Xenopus extracts to biochemically reconstitute
Wnt signaling in vitro. Lab members recently developed a mathematical
model of the Wnt pathway. Signal transduction through the Wnt pathway
involves
regulated turnover of the transcriptional coactivator b-catenin. Using
their mathematical model, the Lee laboratory demonstrated the role
of Axin (scaffold protein required for b-catenin degradation) degradation
as
a mechanism
to control Wnt signaling behavior. Current research will determine
how Axin degradation is regulated. Another goal of the lab is
to
identify
small molecules that affect Wnt signaling, which would be useful both
as biological tools and potential chemotherapeutic agents.
For
more information about Dr. Lee visit his Vanderbilt
Faculty Page or his Lab
Website
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