Dr Iqbal Dulloo
Supervisor Details
Research Interests
Membrane proteins are the gatekeepers of cellular communication, essential for keeping cells, tissues, and whole organisms healthy. They are also key players in many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, developmental defects, cancer.
Yet, one fascinating signalling mechanism has been largely overlooked - the proteolytic release of transcription factors directly from membrane proteins. This “cut-and-release” strategy seen across all forms of life allows cells to send messages straight from the membrane to the nucleus, triggering rapid changes in gene expression. While common in some microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) and eukaryotes (plants), only a few examples have been found in mammals… and we think there are many more waiting to be discovered.
Signal peptidase complex (SPC), a membrane protease best known for trimming proteins during synthesis, was recently found to generate a new membrane-bound transcription regulator. Building on this discovery, the lab will be exploring exciting new directions:
(1) Revealing a hidden network of membrane-bound transcription regulators
(2) Understanding how these pathways play key roles in pathologies namely viral infection
(3) Redefining the role of SPC and other membrane proteases as signalling hubs
This research will uncover new cellular communication pathways that could transform our understanding of cellular biology and disease.
MIBTP Project Details
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