Oncological Sciences

E-mail: donald.ayer@hci.utah.edu
Address: 2000 Circle of Hope
Phone: 581-5597

Research Title: Investigating the mechanisms that control MondoA subcellular localization and its activity as a transcription factor

Research Description:

Glucose is an ancient and fundamental nutrient, yet how cells respond to changes in extracellular glucose levels at the transcriptional level is poorly understood. However, as misregulation of glucose homeostasis underlies the genesis of both diabetes and cancer, unraveling the mechanisms that control glucose-induced transcription are of critical importance. We have discovered a novel transcription factor called MondoA that is held in a latent state on the outer mitochondrial membrane.  When glucose levels increase, MondoA leaves the mitochondria, translocates to the nucleus, occupies the promoters of glucose-induced target genes and activates their expression.  Our current data suggests that MondoA accounts for about 90% of glucose-induced gene expression.  Projects are available in two broad areas:

1) investigating the mechanisms that control MondoA subcellular localization and its activity as a transcription factor, and 2) using a conditional knockout of murine MondoA to study its function in vivo in both diabetes and cancer settings.

Does this research involve human subjects or animals? No

If yes, what is the protocol number?

1/2008