BIOCHEMISTRY

Characterization of CAPS interactions with dense core vesicles

For her Ph.D. in the Martin Lab, Ellen Crummy investigated the intricacies of a protein called CAPS in the cellular process of regulated vesicle exocytosis, which is responsible for the secretion of neurotransmitters and peptide hormones. Previously the Martin Lab discovered CAPS and how it is involved in steps immediately prior to the fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane. However, there is also evidence that CAPS localizes to vesicles and is involved in regulating vesicle activities prior to exocytosis. Ellen discovered a new protein vesicle-localized interaction partner for CAPS, and learned how both proteins promote the acidification of vesicles, which is important for neurotransmitter loading and prohormone processing. Without CAPS, cells cannot secrete important signaling molecules so investigation of how the process works is of great interest.

Learn more at her Thesis Review at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21 in Room 1211 of the HFD Biochemical Sciences Building.