The Means laboratory is interested in the study
of cell signaling cascades that regulate cell proliferation,
differentiation or function and how alterations in
these pathways contribute to oncogenesis. It is hoped
that an understanding of these pathways may provide
clues to novel targets that may be amenable to the
drug discovery process. Current major research projects
under investigation include:
1. The cellular mechanisms that govern regulation
of CaMKIV, how this enzyme modifies the activities
of transcriptional components such as CREB and CBP,
and how these calcium-mediated signaling cascade affects
cell fate decisions. Examples of such decisions include
apoptosis, differentiation and self-renewal of hematopoietic
stem cells.
2. Evaluating the pathways that are involved in regulating
cell migration and invasiveness. One project investigates
the protein kinase MLK3 and how it is involved in
the cascade of events by which small G proteins such
as Rac and Rho control directed cell movements via
changes in the cytoskeleton.
3. Examining the role of the prolyl isomerase Pin1
in oncogenesis. Studies are focused on the Ras-mediated
pathways involving Pin1 that control accumulation
of oncoproteins such as Myc and how these pathways
participate in human cell transformation and tumorigenesis.
