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

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Drosophila Genome-Scale Screen for PAN GU Kinase Substrates Identifies Mat89Bb as a Cell Cycle Regulator. Developmental Cell (2005) 8:435-442