Winnie Yao L&S Sciences
Investigating the Interaction Between RIP1 and RIP3 in T cell Necroptosis
Necroptosis, a regulated form of necrotic (inflammatory) cell death, has been shown to naturally occur in activated T-cells, a type of white blood cell crucial in cell-mediated immunity. Presently, the death domain- containing kinase protein RIP1 is suggested to recruit the key necrotic regulator protein RIP3 to form a necrosome, a protein complex, and induce necroptosis under certain conditions in T cells; however, exactly how these two proteins interact with each other to mediate between the two cell death types, necroptosis and apoptosis, is not well understood. The molecular pathways of necroptosis and their roles in T cell homeostasis are also not well defined. Through a tagged RIP3 construct, I will investigate the interaction between RIP1 and RIP3, as well as their possible interactions with other death promoting proteins, by isolating and studying the necrosome after T cell activation and treatment. Elucidating the interaction between RIP1 and RIP3 during necrosome formation may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms and the roles of necroptosis in T cell regulation and function.
Message To Sponsor
I am very grateful for this opportunity to focus on research and continue working on this project. Without classes or financial worries to be stuck on, I plan to make significant progress while polishing skills, expand my knowledge of immunology, and have fun. I believe that this opportunity will help shape my academic perspectives and prepare me for a career in the science field. Thanks to the SURF program and the Thye Fund donors for this opportunity!