Analysing the function of CIN85 in development and carcinogenesis using Drosophila melanogaster as model organism

The aim of this project is to understand molecular processes governing epithelial and neuronal functions during normal development and in carcinogenesis using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. We will analyze the function of the mul tiadaptor protein CIN85 and its associated complexes, which function in important cellular processes, including endocytosis and cytokinesis. The in vivo functions of CIN85 have not yet been elucidated and the molecular functions of CIN85 and its effectors in cytokinesis remain unknown. We therefore plan to perform a thorough investigation of their role in biological and pathological processes in a multicellular organism. Any results that indicate a role of CIN85 or its interaction partners in a specific b iological process or oncogenesis/tumor suppression will be further analyzed in human cancer cells and in collaboration with cancer geneticists at the Centre for Cancer Biomedicine. We hope that this cross-disciplinary approach will provide novel and valua ble information that will contribute to understanding of epithelial and neuronal development, as well as mechanisms involved in the development of human cancer.