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Dr Catherine AbbottContact Details
Key Responsibilities
Teaching
ResearchMy current research focuses on a family of peptidases that are interesting due their heightened expression by activated cells, particularly T cells and hepatic stellate cells, their involvement in cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and their roles in leukocyte chemotaxis, T cell proliferation, HIV infection and tumor growth (McCaughan et al 2000).Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPPIV)/CD26 is a multifunctional protein which has three unique biological functions (1) an enzyme activity (2) binding to adenosine deaminase (ADA) and (3) T cell activation. The expression of DPPIV on the lymphocyte surface is important for lymphocyte function and in the pathogenesis of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Three other DPPIV-like proteins, with significant sequence homology have been cloned: DPPX-l, DPPX-s and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The DPPX proteins are expressed in the brain and are thought to be involved in signalling processes. FAP has been shown to be important in the pathogenesis of both cancer and cirrhosis of the liver . The identification of these molecules suggests the existence of a highly specialized DPPIV-like gene family in which members will probably share gene structure, three-dimensional protein structure and perhaps functions. Recently we have cloned novel members of this gene family (Abbott et al 2000a&b). Honours projects in this lab will involve further biochemical characterization of these new proteins and examination of the role of these proteins in human disease. Long term Goal of this research: The discovery of novel DPPIV-like genes will lead to increased understanding of the role of this emerging family in the immune system and in disease pathogenesis. In addition, the discovery of new genes may lead to new targets and inhibitor based therapies for the treatment of such diseases as diabetes, obesity, inflammation of the bowel and HIV. See publication list Other ProfessionalMemberships of Boards and other duties
Current PhD students
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