Moreau's lab

Eukaryotic cells have a highly evolved system of protein secretion, and dysfunction in this pathway has been associated with several diseases including cancer, infection, metabolic disease and neurological disorders. Most proteins are secreted using use the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi. However, several cytosolic proteins are secreted by unconventional transport pathways. These include members of the annexins, glycolytic enzymes, heat shock proteins, interleukins, fibroblast growth factors, galectins, transglutaminases and more recently misfolded proteins. The extracellular functions of these proteins and their associations to several diseases due to perturbations in their secretion are well documented. However, the mechanism of secretion and its regulation remain largely uncharacterised. This represents a major gap in our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms supporting protein trafficking and secretion.

 

Aim:

I will combine biochemical and cell biological approaches with functional studies to identify the major players necessary for unconventional secretion and to decipher the mechanisms underpinning this process.

 

Research questions:

1. Does unconventional secretion require protein translocation across the plasma membrane?

2. Does unconventional secretion involve secretory autophagolysosomes?

3. Does unconventional secretion involve extracellular vesicles?

4. Which genes regulate unconventional secretion?