Interactions among signaling modules in cell migration

Cell migration is important for embryonic development, immune response, tissue regeneration and cancer metastasis. Recent reports have indicated that different signaling modules have to coordinate temporally and spatially for efficient cell migration. However, how these modules are controlled for synchronized activities is still not clear. Our preliminary data suggest that these signaling modules interact closely to each other, for proper cell migration and for maintenance of vascular integrity. This hypothesis will be examined by multi-disciplinary approaches, including the combination of small molecule inhibitors and RNA interference, 2-dementional cell migration assays and 3-dimentional angiogenesis experiments, computational image analysis and quantification. Through these approaches will we better understand cell migration and cell-cell interaction, and further identify molecular targets for novel therapeutics.

Publications:

1] A polarized Ca²⁺, diacylglycerol and STIM1 signalling system regulates directed cell migration. Nature Cell Biology 16(2):133-44, 2014.  [Abstract]

2] Dosage of Dyrk1a Shifts Cells within a p21-Cyclin D1 Signaling Map to Control the Decision to Enter the Cell Cycle. Molecular Cell 52:87-100, 2013. [Abstract]

3] The proliferation-quiescence decision is controlled by a bifurcation in CDK2 activity at mitotic exit. Cell 155:369-83, 2013. [Abstract]

4] A localized Wnt signal orients asymmetric stem cell division in vitro. Science 339:1445-8, 2013. [Abstract]

5] External push and internal pull forces recruit curvature-sensing N-BAR domain proteins to the plasma membrane. Nature Cell Biology 14:874-81, 2012.  [Abstract]

6] Ca²⁺ pulses control local cycles of lamellipodia retraction and adhesion along the front of migrating cells. Current Biology 22:837-42, 2012.

7] Pyogenic liver abscess as endemic disease, Taiwan. Emerging Infectious Diseases 14:1592-600, 2008.

1]  Synthetic interactions among signaling modules in cell migration

2]  Switch role of FGFR3 signaling in cancer metastasis

3]  Significance of HBx-induced Ca²⁺ signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

        1] Live cell imaging system

        2] Ca²⁺ imaging system

 (Figure: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells migrate toward

 the central open space in a wound-healing assay. The nuclei are labeled

 with Hoechst. Color lines represent traces of cell migration over 12 hours.)