The role of proteins in cancer

Oncogenic mutations and the stability of signalling proteins

DNA mutations are a major cause of disease. How mutations translate into the encoded protein’s structure and function is poorly understood. Medical biologist Madelon Maurice and chemist Stefan Rüdiger will study how protein damage affects protein function. 'Similar to frying an egg, also proteins in the living cell can unfold. They loose shape and structure, which are needed for proper function'. Changes in protein structure pose a threat to all processes in the cell. 'We will study damaged proteins both at the atomic level and in live cells to test the biological and medical meaning of our concepts. In this way, we aim to elucidate the principle of development of cancer and other diseases resulting from protein damage'.

Dr M.M. Maurice (University Medical Center Utrecht)
Dr S. Rüdiger (Science)