Research Projects

 

Some of the ongoing research projects in Scarlata lab:

Mechanism of Activation of Phospholipase Cb by G Proteins

    A major research goal is to understand the molecular mechanism through which PLCb enzymes are activated by G proteins.  We have focused on the binding and interaction between G protein subunits and the enzyme.  We also find that the membrane surface, which contains PLCb’s substrate, can direct enzyme activation. We are now trying to understand how the combination of G protein binding and membrane orientation results in an increase in catalytic activity.  For these studies, we are using biophysical and molecular biology approaches.

Localization and Function of Phospholipase Cb in Cells

   Besides studying PLCb in model systems, we are also trying to understand how this enzyme is regulated in cells. An important part of regulation is what cellular compartment the enzyme resides and we find that not only is it localized on the plasma membrane but also in the cytoplasm, and in some circumstances in the nucleus.  We wish to understand the role that PLCb is playing in these different cellular compartments as well as the factors that are responsible for localizing these different PLCb populations.   

Organization of Phospholipase Cb Signaling Domains in Cells

   There is increasing evidence gathered by our laboratory and others that PLCb and its associated G proteins and receptors reside in higher order signaling domains in cells.  We are now trying to understand how these proteins can self-scaffold and remain complexed throughout the activation cycle. Since G proteins and PLCb reside on the plasma membrane and are complexed with receptors, we are also carrying out studies to understand the organization of G protein coupled receptors on the plasma membrane and how membrane domains, such as caveolae affect their properties.