Project 466516

Our natural defence against disease-causing germs is known as the immune system. The immune system is constantly protecting our bodies from disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses. To fight disease-causing agents, the immune system produces molecules called antibodies. Antibodies specifically recognize germs to stop them from causing disease. The production of antibodies is carried out by a group of cells called B cells. B cells function as tiny antibody-producing factories, constantly generating antibodies that can bind and eliminate germs before they make us sick. The gene, PRMT1protein arginine methyltransferase 1is a mediator of antibody production. PRMT1 controls the activity of our cells by modifying the chemical structure of cellular molecules. PRMT1 is known to help B cells release antibodies against germs. However, the mechanism by which PRMT1 acts within B cells is unclear. Recently, PRMT1 was shown to be deregulated in B cell cancersa disease in which B cells divide uncontrollably and cause damage to our bodies. Importantly, the de-regulation of PRMT1 in B cell cancers is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Yet, the role of PRMT1 in B cell cancers is poorly studied. Thus, how PRMT1 functions in B cells under normal and diseased states requires further investigation. This project aims to determine the function of PRMT1 in B cells under normal and diseased states using advanced techniques in molecular biology and immunology. This project will illuminate the role of PRMT1 to antibody-mediated immunity. Furthermore, this research project will reveal the role of PRMT1 in cancers arising from B cells themselves and will rationalize the use of therapies that specifically target PRMT1to treat B cell cancers.