Functional characterisation of Kinesin using the Drosophila oocyte as a model system. (360G-Wellcome-083349_Z_07_Z)

The goal of this project is to understand how the motor protein Kinesin recognises its cargoes, achieves specificity in its transport and is regulated during Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis. Kinesin is a molecular motor that uses energy utilised from the hydrolysis of ATP to move cargo towards the plus ends of microtubules [1]. Kinesin-mediated cargo transport is conserved in vertebrate and invertebrates and is essential for cell viability. By using D. melanogaster oocytes as our model we have the opportunity to link the biochemistry, cell biology and genetics of Kinesin mediated transport directly to its essential function during development. The research topics of this project can be breakdown into three points: 1. Identification of Kinesin binding proteins and characterisation of their roles in Kinesindependent mechanisms. 2. Characterisation of the Kinesin domains required for its function during oogenesis. 3. Investigation into the functions of Kinesin phosphorylation.