Protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in cancer and neurodegenerative disease

Almost all aspects of biology are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Moreover, it is clear that there is an exquisite interplay between phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in many signalling pathways, emphasizing the importance of studying both kinds of modification in an integrated fashion, rather than considering these as separate areas to be investigated in isolation. Abnormalities in these pathways cause numerous diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration and inflammation - all conditions that we focus on in our Unit. Deciphering how disruptions in phosphorylation and ubiquitin networks lead to disease will reveal novel drug targets and improved strategies to treat these maladies in the future. Scientists in the MRC PPU are studying how phosphorylation and ubiquitin networks control a variety of cellular processes including autophagy, DNA repair, DNA replication, mitochondrial quality control, proteostasis, and the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons disease