The role of the RNA binding protein HuR in inflammatory pathways underlying cancer and airway remodelling

It has become increasingly clear that inflammation is a critical component of cancer and inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma. Over the past couple of years, my lab has focused on post-transcriptional regulation of genes that promote inflammation in breast cancer cells and cells responsible for the airway remodelling phenotype in asthma (1-3). In order to aid the future design of novel and efficacious anti-inflammatory strategies, we need a greater understanding of the molecular mechanism/s underlying inflammatory pathways. In this project we focus on the examination of HuR, an RNA binding protein known to bind to the 3’-untranslated region of a number of inflammatory genes to increase their messenger RNA stability. Because increased messenger RNA stability ultimately controls the amount of protein produced, post-transcriptional regulation is a critical point in gene expression. We will utilize technology designed to reduce the levels of HuR, that is, small inhibitory RNA towards HuR, and examine the effect on the production of pro-inflammatory genes. We envisage that this project may elucidate novel therapeutic targets for future pharmacological intervention in inflammatory disease.

Supervisor: Dr Alaina Ammit

Address: Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Pharmacology, Room S222 Pharmacy

Phone: 93516099 (office), 93515225 (lab)

Email: ajammit@pharm.usyd.edu.au