Research group Anne Spang

How do protein and mRNA transport within the cell function?

Understanding the molecular transport processes responsible for the correct distribution of protein and mRNA molecules in the cell so that they can fulfill their functions contributes also to drug development.

C. elegans with fluorescently labeled protein.

Correct intracellular localization of proteins and mRNA ensures cell survival. Specific localization of these molecules allows the development of multicellular organisms such as humans. Were this distribution to be disrupted, two identical cells would always result from cell division. No specific cells with different cell fates could be formed, and in turn, no organs would develop.

Basic principles of intracellular transport

Our work aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that enable precise protein and mRNA localization. While we are concentrating on the transport pathways between different cell organelles and the cell membrane for protein localization, in the RNA part, we are focusing on mechanisms determining the compartmentalization of mRNAs in the cytoplasm.

Baker's yeast and earthworms as model organisms

We use the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the earthworm Caenorhabditis elegans for our research. Since transport mechanisms are evolutionary conserved, we can extend our findings from the unicellular yeast to the multicellular worm.

Transport and disease

Many diseases are based on defects in the correct intracellular protein localization, i.e. the hereditary form of Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, lysosomal storage diseases and cancer. Moreover, pathogenic organisms highjack cell transport pathways to be effective. Better understanding of cell transport mechanisms may be useful in developing targeted drugs.