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Scripps Research Joint Appointments

Department of Molecular Biology
Faculty, Kellogg School of Science and Technology

Research Focus

Our laboratory is studying nucleocytoplasmic transport and the role of the nuclear envelope in the regulation of cell signaling, chromosome organization and differentiation. Nucleocytoplasmic transport is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), large supramolecular assemblies that span the nuclear envelope. Transport of proteins and RNAs through the NPC is dependent on specific transport signals on the cargoes, the small GTPase Ran, and nuclear transport receptors called karyopherins, which carry protein and nucleic acid cargoes through the NPC by interaction with a series of nucleoporins. We are implementing a chemical biology approach, involving identification and analysis of small molecule inhibitors of nuclear import, to provide the basis for understanding the nuclear protein import pathway at a molecular level. Our studies also involve an analysis of the nuclear import of adenovirus DNA, and the nuclear export of HIV-1 mRNA. To study the nuclear envelope in cell signaling and differentiation, we are focusing on the nuclear lamina, a protein meshwork that lines the inner nuclear membrane. The lamina provides a structural framework for the nucleus, and helps to regulate epigenetic states of cells through effects on signaling and chromatin structure. We are analyzing a group of lamina-associated transmembrane proteins that we identified in a proteomics screen, for their roles in differentiation of striated muscle, adipocytes and other cells.

Education

Ph.D., Rockefeller University, 1979

Awards & Professional Activities

Editorial Boards, Journal of Cell Biology, BMC Cell Biology

Selected References

Chen IH, Huber M, Guan T, Bubeck A, Gerace L. Nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins (NETs) that are up-regulated during myogenesis. BMC Cell Biol. 7:38. 2006.

Wodrich H, Guan T, Cingolani G, Von Seggern D, Nemerow G, Gerace L.Switch from capsid protein import to adenovirus assembly by cleavage of nuclear transport signals. EMBO J. 22:6245-55. 2003.

BSchirmer EC, Florens L, Guan T, Yates JR 3rd, Gerace L. Nuclear membrane proteins with potential disease links found by subtractive proteomics. Science 301:1380-2. 2003.

Bednenko J, Cingolani G, Gerace L. Importin beta contains a COOH-terminal nucleoporin binding region important for nuclear transport. J Cell Biol. 162:391-401. 2003.