Laboratory of Carlos L. Arteaga
Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center and
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
632-4, 622 Preston Research Building (MRB-II)

Research areas include:
Signal transduction in breast cancer cells
Transgenic mouse models of breast neoplasia
Proteomics-based approaches to study mammary development and transformation
Molecular therapeutic approaches in breast carcinoma

Please send CV to Carlos L. Arteaga at
Div. Oncology/VUMC
2220 Pierce Avenue
777 Preston Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37232-6307

David P. Carbone, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
648 Preston Research Building
Nashville, TN 37232

Postsynaptic activities of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) are neccessary for long-term potentiation and long-term depression, respectively, two forms of synaptic plasticity believed to underly learning and memory.

Currently we are studying molecular mechanisms for synaptic targeting of these two molecules, which is critical for appropriate synapse-specific neuromodulation. We have identified a direct molecular interaction of CaMKII with a subunit of the NMDA-type glutamate receptor which can mediate targeting of CaMKII in intact cells (Strack & Colbran, 1998. J. Biol. Chem. 273, 20689; Strack et al., 2000. J. Biol. Chem. In press). In addition, novel PP1 targeting subunits have been characterized (Colbran, R.J. et al. (1997) J. Neurochem. 69, 920-929); two of these PP1-targeting subunits have been shown to be the actin-binding proteins neurabin 1 and neurabin2/spinophilin (MacMillan et al., 1999. J. Biol. Chem. 274, 35845). New Postdocs will continue to explore the molecular basis for these interactions in vitro and in intact cells using a variety of modern techniques, with the goal of elucidating their physiological function.

Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D.
email: randy.blakely@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu or

DEPT. OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

1. Exploration of the mechanisms of activation of the Rho GTPases of the Ras superfamily. This involves studies of the phosphorylation and translocation of Rho regulatory proteins and of the role of inositol phospholipids.
2. Discovery of the cellular target proteins of the ARF GTPases of the Ras superfamily.
3. Definition of the catalytic mechanism of the ubiquitous enzyme phospholipase D and exploration of the mechanisms by which it is regulated by protein kinase C and Rho and ARF GTPases. Elucidation of the cellular roles of phospholipase D isozymes.

September 9, 2001

Two postdoctoral positions in our laboratory at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are open as of December 1, 2000. Our laboratory applies genetic and biochemical approaches to investigate mechanisms of cellular morphogenesis in the developing nervous system and vasculature. In the past few years, we have identified Frazzled, a key receptor for axon guidance (Cell 87: 197-204), a novel cytoskeletal protein, Short Stop, that links actin to microtubules and is required for motor and sensory axon growth cone motility (J. Neuroscience 3: 1096-1108). Further studies of these evolutionarily conserved molecules is likely to yield insights into how cells migrate in response to extracellular cues and how actin and microtubules are organized during morphogenesis. In addition, we have mutations in several new genes that affect axon growth and guidance that have not yet been characterized, and are studying a novel nuclear protein, Split ends, that regulates neuronal cell fate by controlling the expression of key effectors of the Notch and EGF receptor pathways (Development 127: 1517-1529). These projects provide excellent starting points for independent research careers and are fully funded for the next five years.

Genomically defined and genetically tractable model organisms such as the nematode C. elegans provide unique and powerful experimental advantages for defining sets of collaborating genes that give rise to physiological processes. Our laboratory utilizes a multidisciplinary approach including molecular biology, reverse genetics, cell genomic and proteomic profiling, electrophysiology, quantitative imaging and nematode cell culture systems to investigate the genetic basis of ion channel- and transporter-mediated cellular and integrative whole animal physiology in C. elegans. Postdoctoral and research associate positions are available for independent scientists with a broad interest in the physiology of membrane solute and water transport. Ongoing projects in the laboratory include molecular identification of phosphorylation signaling pathways involved in ClC anion channel regulation, identification of genes encoding novel anion channels and associated regulatory proteins, characterization of ion channel signaling pathways responsible for cell-to-cell communication, and characterization of the functional properties of cultured nematode sensory neurons (see Current Biol., 11:161-170, 2001). Independently conceived projects are possible and encouraged as long as they are related to the broad topic of ion channel and transporter physiology in genetically tractable model organisms.

If you are interested in a research position in the lab, please send your curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three references to:

Kevin Strange
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
T-4202 Medical Center North
1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37232-2520
Email: kevin.strange@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
FAX: 615-343-3916

Interested individuals should send their CV, bibliography, and the names of three references by email vankael@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu .