Research

The Kong Lab is interested in understanding how a cell changes its response to extracellular cues via the remodeling of proteins at its cell surface. The Kong Lab will utilize mouse genetics, embryonic stem cells, neural cell culture systems, biochemical assays, and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens to identify modulators of signaling sensitivity and understand how this level of regulation is important for embryonic development and the maintenance of adult tissues. Among the projects that we are excited to pursue immediately in the lab is one to explore the role of the MMM complex in regulating Hedgehog signaling. The MMM complex is comprised of three proteins: the tetraspan MOSMO, single-pass transmembrane protein MEGF8, and E3 ubiquitin ligase MGRN1. In previous work, we showed that the three proteins form a stable membrane-bound ubiquitin ligase complex that suppresses a cell’s sensitivity to Hedgehog morphogens by removing a critical pathway receptor from the cell surface. In research moving forward, we will examine how the MMM complex is regulated and design tools to modulate its activity in cells and tissues.