Graduate Faculty Directory
Daniel Marenda
Department of Biological Sciences
Education
- BS (Loyola College)
- PhD (Syracuse University)
Faculty Appointments
Assistant Professor of Biology
Research Interest
MAPK Subcellular Localization
Lilliputian
Synopsis
A cell’s decision to divide or to differentiate is one of the central properties that defines how that cell will function within the greater context of a developing tissue. This crucial decision is therefore subject to precise control by a number of different mechanisms. Our research focuses on one of these mechanisms: How the localization of the Mitogen Associated Protein Kinase (MAPK) protein, a central member of the Ras signal transduction pathway, contributes to this decision.
MAPK Subcellular Localization
The Ras/MAPK pathway is a signal transduction cascade involved in a broad number of cellular processes. Previously we have shown that subcellular localization of MAPK influences how MAPK directs a cell’s decision to either divide or differentiate. When MAPK is restricted to the cytoplasm of developing
Drosophila wing cells, these cells differentiate. When MAPK moves into the nucleus of these cells, the cells divide. These results are particularly exciting as the Ras/MAPK pathway is very well conserved in higher eukaryotes, and mutations in members of the Ras/MAPK signal transduction pathway are associated with approximately 25% of human tumors, as well as neurodegeneration. Thus, further understanding this mechanism by which MAPK can signal two different cellular outcomes (differentiation vs. division) based on the subcellular localization of MAPK may have broader societal implications in our understanding of human cancers and disease.
Lilliputian : Good things come in small packages
We have identified the lilliputian gene from a genetic screen aimed at identifying genes involved in the subcellular localization of MAPK. Lilliputian is the Drosophila homolog of the FMR2 protein, mutations in which are involved in a hereditary form of mental retardation. Currently, our lab is interested in understanding how this protein is involved in MAPK signaling and localization.
Publications & Presentations
- "MAP kinase subcellular localization controls both pattern and proliferation in the developing Drosophila wing.", Marenda DR, Vrailas AD, Rodrigues AB, Cook S, Power MA, Lorenzen JA, Perkins LA, and Moses K., Development, 133, 43–51, 2006
- "smoothened and thickveins regulate Moleskin/Importin 7-mediated MAP kinase signaling in the developing Drosophila eye.", Vrailas AD, Marenda DR, Cook SE, Powers MA, Lorenzen JA, Perkins LA, and Moses K, Development, 133, 1485–1494, 2006
- "The Drosophila Brahma (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex exhibits cell-type specific activation and repression functions.", Marenda DR, Zraly CB, Dingwall AK, Developmental Biology, 267, 279–293, 2004
- "SNR1 (INI1/SNF5) mediates important cell growth functions of the Drosophila Brahma (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex.", Zraly CB, Marenda DR, and Dingwall AK, Genetics, 168, 199–214, 2004
- "The Drosophila SNR1 (SNF5/INI1) subunit directs essential developmental functions of the Brahma chromatin remodeling complex.", Marenda DR, Zraly CB, Feng Y, Egan S, and Dingwall AK, Mol. Cell. Biol., 23, 289–305, 2003
- "SNR1 is an essential subunit in a subset of Drosophila brm complexes, targeting specific functions during development.", Zraly CB, Marenda DR, Nanchall R, Cavalli G, Muchardt C, and Dingwall AK, Developmental Biology, 253, 291–308, 2003
Contact Information
Office:
Science and Technology Center
Room # 271
Box # 38
Phone: 215.596.8923
Email: d.marend@usp.edu
