Jean M. Wilson
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy
Ph. D., The University of California, Davis, Postdoctoral Research- Harvard University
Teaching Areas- Human Gross Anatomy, Embryology, Graduate Cell Biology
E-mail: jeanw@email.arizona.edu
Research Interest:
Epithelial cells and neurons:regulation of development and polarity
Epithelial cells and neurons are both cell types that must segregate their membrane domains to be functional. In the case of epithelial cells, the cell is divided into the apical domain, the domain facing the outside world, and the basolateral domain, the side facing the bloodstream. These domains are composed of distinct proteins and lipids, and they must remain segregated from each other for the cells to function normally. In fact, recent data from several groups suggests that loss of polarity may be the basis for malignant transformation. In our laboratory, we are studying the molecular machinery that regulates the polarized targeting of proteins in epithelial cells. We utilize an array of techniques, including yeast two-hybrid screens, affinity columns, and fluorescence and electron microscopy to study the role of these proteins in establishing and maintaining polarity.
In the case of neurons, polarized development is critical to normal development and function of the nervous system. Cells extend processes known as axons and dendrites, which are responsible for both transmitting and integrating information. The tight regulation of the formation of these extensions is the basis for normal development. We are currently studying the role of the ARF family of small-GTPases in the initiation and extension of axons and dendrites. These studies could provide insight into mechanisms of nerve regeneration as well as the molecular basis for syndromes such as mental retardation.
Selected Publications:
Hernandez-Deviez, D, J.E. Casanova, and Wilson, J.M. (2002) Regulation of dendritic development by the ARF exchange factor ARNO. Nature Neurosci. In press.
Gokay, K.E., R.S. Young, and J.M. Wilson. (2001) Cytoplasmic signals mediate apical early endosomal targeting of endotubin in MDCK cells. Traffic, 2:487-500.
Gokay, K.E. and Wilson, J.M. (2000) Targeting of an intestinal apical endosomal protein to apical endosomes in MDCK cells requires two sorting motifs. Traffic, 1:354-365
Garver, W.S., R. Heidenreich, R.P. Erickson, M.A. Thomas, and J.M. Wilson. (2000) Localization of the murine Niemann-Pick C1 protein to two distinct intracellular compartments. J. Lipid Res. 41:673-687.
Wilson, J.M., M. deHoop, B.H. Toh, N. Zorzi, C.G. Dotti, and R.G. Parton. (2000) EEA1, a marker of the early sorting endosome, shows a polarized distribution in neurons, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Molec. Biol. Cell 11:2657-2671.
Wilson JM and Colton TL (1997) Targeting of an intestinal apical endosomal protein to endosomes in non-polarized cells. J Cell Biol 136:319-330.
Speelman BA, Allen K, Grounds T, Neutra MR, Kirchhausen T and Wilson JM (1995) Molecular characterization of an early endosomal glycoprotein from developing rat intestine. J Biol Chem 270:1583-1588.
Wilson JM, Whitney JA and Neutra MR (1991) Biogenesis of the apical endosome-lysosome complex during differentiation of absorptive epithelial cells in rat ileum. J Cell Sci 100:133-143.
Wilson JM, Whitney JA, and Neutra MR (1987) Identification of an endosomal antigen specific to absorptive cells of suckling rat ileum. J Cell Biol 105:691-703.
