Cell Division and Cancer Laboratory
Research Interests
The aim of our research is to understand the genetic control of cell division, using the most powerful model system available, Drosophila melanogaster.
Drosophila has the great advantages of a completely sequenced and annotated genome, an existing detailed description of its development at the cellular level and the availability of mutants for most genes. In addition, it is a convenient system for sophisticated molecular, genetic and cell biological techniques, allowing us to probe cellular and developmental processes. Drosophila therefore provides the most exciting intellectual challenges in studying developmental biology, because so many experimental approaches are possible. Experience has shown that discoveries made in Drosophila often lead the way by explaining mechanisms or providing tools that help the analysis of cell and developmental biology in other organisms - hence the Nobel prize in Medicine to three pioneering Drosophilists in 1995.
Our work has identified key genes that control cell division and allowed us to see what they are doing in their normal setting: a live, developing animal. We are currently working towards being able to visualise the cellular machinery that divides cells in two at the end of mitosis, and to find the genes that regulate this process. This work is critical for an understanding of how normal growth works, but also to give us potential therapeutics that will allow us to block the uncontrolled cell division seen in cancer.
Current Research Projects
To find out what is currently happening in the lab, and how you could be involved, check the current projects page.
Who to Contact:
Room 1.30 Molecular Life Sciences Building (1st floor)
email: stephen.gregory@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: 8303 7536
Recent Publications:
Z. Shaukat, H. Wong, S. Nicolson, R. Saint and S. L. Gregory (2012). A screen for selective killing of cells with Chromosomal Instability induced by a spindle checkpoint defect. PLoS One In press
Z.I. Bassi, K.J. Verbrugghe, L. Capalbo, S. Gregory, E. Montembault, D.M. Glover and P.P. D’Avino (2011). Sticky/Citron Kinase maintains proper RhoA localization at the cleavage site during cytokinesis. Journal of Cell Biology Impact 9.6
S. Ebrahimi and S. L. Gregory (2011). Dissecting protein interactions during cytokinesis. Communicative and Integrative Biology 4:1-2
S. Ebrahimi, H. Fraval, M. Murray, R. Saint and S. L. Gregory (2010). Polo kinase interacts with RacGAP50C and is required to localize the cytokinesis initiation complex. Journal of Biological Chemistry 285:28667-28673. Impact 5.3
S. L. Gregory, S. Ebrahimi, J. Milverton, W. H. Jones, A. Bejsovec and R. Saint (2008). Cell division requires a direct interaction between microtubule-associated RacGAP and the contractile ring component Anillin. Current Biology 18:25-29. Impact 11. Citations 50
S. L. Gregory, T. Shandala, L. O’Keefe, L. Jones, M. J. Murray and R. Saint (2007). A Drosophila overexpression screen for modifiers of Rho signaling in cytokinesis. Fly 1:13-22. Citations: 9
S. L. Gregory, T. Shandala, H. Dalton and R. Saint (2005). Rho signalling in cytokinesis. Mechanisms of Development 122:S143.Impact:3.3
S. L. Gregory, T. Shandala and R. Saint (2005). Regulation of Rho small GTPase signaling during cell division. In “Signal Transduction of Cell Division”, T Miki, ed. Research Signpost Press. pp285-305.
T. Shandala, S. L. Gregory, H. E. Dalton, M. Smallhorn and R. Saint (2004). Citron kinase is an essential effector of the Pbl-activated Rho signalling pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Development 131:5053-5063. Impact: 7.6, Citations: 31
N. H. Brown, S. L. Gregory, W. L. Rickoll, L. I. Fessler, M. Prout, R. A. H. White and J. W. Fristrom (2002). Talin is essential for integrin function in Drosophila. Developmental Cell 3:569-579. Impact: 14.8, Citations: 143
K. Roeper, S. L. Gregory and N. H. Brown (2002). The 'Spectraplakins': cytoskeletal giants with characteristics of both spectrin and plakin families. Journal of Cell Science 115:4215-4225. Impact: 7.2, Citations: 92
A complete list can be found here
