title: Molecular mechanisms controlling cell cycle and oncogenic transformation.
reg no: SF0182532s03
project type: targeted financing
subject: 1.6-1.9. Chemistry and Molecular Biology
status: accepted
institution: University of Tartu
head of project: Toivo Maimets
duration: 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2007
description: We plan to study the molecular mechanisms controlling the cell cycle and the damage of which leads to oncogenic transformation of cells and formation of tumors. We plan to describe the role of tumor suppressor protein p53 in cellular rections to DNA damage (both chemical and physical). Because tumors are mostly monoclonal, we will first of all study the changes of p53 status and the influence of its different forms to the cell cycle at a single cell level. We will also include studies on the regulators of p53 (i.e. ARF and mdm2), characterising the changes of their activity and localisation after DNA damage.
We also plan to characterise functional interactions between transmembrane protein CD43, signal transduction protein beta-catenin and p53 and the influence of Transforming growth factor to the proliferation of different B- and T-lymphocytes. To develop these studies a post-doc position will be applied for under this Project.
The long-term objective of the Project is to create a rational basis for designing new drugs inhibiting the proliferation of tumors.

project group
no name institution position  
1.Sulev IngerpuuUniversity of Tartudotsent 
2.Viljar JaksUniversity of Tartuteadur 
3.Ksenja JudinaUniversity of Tartumagistrant 
4.Arvi JõersUniversity of Tartuteadur 
5.Jaak JänesUniversity of Tartumagistrant 
6.Lilian Kadaja-SaarepuuUniversity of Tartuteadur 
7.Arnold KristjuhanUniversity of Tartuvan.tead 
8.Dina LepikUniversity of Tartuvan.tead. 
9.Toivo MaimetsUniversity of Tartuprofessor 
10.Ilvi RimmUniversity of Tartulaborant 
11.Anu SikutUniversity of Tartudoktorant 
12.Signe VärvUniversity of Tartumagistrant