Centre for Innate Immunity & Infectious Disease Student Projects

Cytokine Signalling in Cancer & Inflammation Research Projects

The role of gp130 receptor signalling in cancer and inflammation 

Project leader:  Dr Brendan Jenkins

Phone:  9594 7128

The gp130 receptor is used by all members of the interleukin-6 cytokine family to transmit intracellular signals controlling cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation/maturation, and survival. This cytokine family plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis of various biological systems, including haemopoiesis, immunity, the lung and gastrointestinal systems. Importantly, in mice bearing a specific mutation in gp130, we have recently demonstrated the pathological consequences of uncontrolled gp130-dependent signal transduction from this cytokine family, resulting in blood disorders, chronic inflammatory responses lung disease and stomach cancer. This project encompasses numerous approaches to better understand how gp130 signaling pathways are controlled, and in doing so elucidate the mechanisms by which uncontrolled signal transduction from this cytokine family leads to these disease states.