Peter Parker : Protein Phosphorylation

Goals

The development, propagation and spread of cancer are sustained by altered properties and inappropriate actions of normal physiological processes hijacked through the acquisition of genetic changes. Typically this involves gain or loss of function of certain gene products present in all of us and acting in the normal setting to effect highly orchestrated programmes of tissue maintenance, growth and regeneration in line with normal tissue size and function.

Amongst the most widely engaged gene products in these physiological and pathological events are a family of over 500 multifunctional regulators, the protein kinases. These are some of the most frequently mutated gene products in cancer. Indeed many of the new, targeted therapeutics now in use in cancer treatments are directed at members of this protein kinase family.

In the context of cancer pathophysiology, we are working to understand how particular members of this protein kinase family act to drive properties particular to cancer – specifically: growth, survival, migration/invasion. Developing a detailed molecular insight of these events and assessing how the normal, physiological requirements for these kinases compare to the abnormal pathological requirements, provides evidence on the mechanisms and progression of disease, biomarkers indicative of their action and insight into the potential value of intervention. Where appropriate, we move from these models to initiate collaborative drug development programmes, exploiting these insights to move new agents towards the clinic.