1.) Trichoplein (or mitostatin) is a keratin-binding protein that mediates anchoring of microtubules (MTs) to centrosomes and suppresses primary cilia. It is downregulated in prostate, bladder, and breast cancers. It is suspected to be a tumor suppressor but its exact role in cancer has not been elucidated.
2.)
3.) i. Determine nature of interaction with VHL.
ii. Examine mechanisms of cancer downregulation of trichoplein protein.
iii. Investigate transcriptional downregulation of trichoplein.
4.) MSc project is on the structural analysis of the HIF-1a - VHL interaction, via crystallization of the interaction complex containing the oxygen-dependent domain and associated functional studies.