(Pseudo) Kinase Signalling

Unraveling Kinases and Pseudokinases

Within each of the cells in our bodies lies a complicated circuit – much like an electrical circuit – within which signals are relayed by signalling proteins called kinases. These signals provide instructions to cells, such as to grow, divide, move, change shape, and even whether to die.

Kinases have been studied for decades, while their zombie (catalytically-dead) cousins, the pseudokinases, have only come to prominence in the past 15 years. Despite decades of study, knowledge of about one-third of our kinases (more than 150 proteins) and most pseudokinases is scant, presenting an enormous opportunity for expanding knowledge through detailed study.

My laboratory seeks to demystify the functions of poorly-understood kinases and pseudokinases, having realised that these “dark” (pseudo)kinases represent a treasure trove of potential knowledge. We have shown that defects in these proteins can cause developmental disorders, inflammatory diseases and cancers. We use protein structure, biochemistry, genetics, microscopy, proteomics, chemical biology, animal models and studies of human biopsies to better understand how defects in (pseudo)kinases can give rise to disease. We seek to advance knowledge of their enigmatic functions and to develop targeted treatments for poorly-understood diseases.