Genes Involved in Immortalisation

We are investigating the alterations within cancer cells that cooperate with telomerase or ALT in the process of immortalisation.  We are continuing to study p53 and p16INK4a, proteins that contribute to immortalisation primarily through loss of their normal functions.  Interactions between p53 and p16INK4a are currently of particular interest to us, especially in breast epithelial cells – the cell type that gives rise to breast cancer.  We are also attempting to identify other proteins that facilitate the function of telomerase or cooperate with it in other ways.