John Murphy

ZFP36 family proteins and their roles in normal and malignant B cells.
The ZFP36 family consists of 3 major human proteins and include ZFP36 (TIS11, TTP, Nup475, GOS24), ZFP36L1 (TIS11b, Berg36, ERF-1, BRF-1) and ZFP36L2 (TIS11d, ERF-2, BRF-2). ZFP36 family proteins function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They appear to interact with mRNAs containing adenine-uridine rich elements (AREs) in their 3’ untranslated regions and destabilise them. Our studies focus on ZFP36L1 which we originally cloned from human B leukemic cells. There is currently limited information on the mRNA targets and cell functions of this protein. Current interests are in studying the role of ZFP36L1 in normal and malignant B cell development and function and identifying novel target mRNAs of this protein.

Autoantibody targets and functions in anti-phospholipid syndrome and Lupus
We have been interested in characterising autoantibody gene targets in Lupus using cDNA expression libraries. More recently we have focussed on anti-Beta 2 GPI antibodies in anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) as compelling evidence suggests these antibodies are responsible for pathology in this disease. We characterized APS-derived anti-Beta 2 GPI regulated gene targets in human endothelial cells using gene microarray analysis. Current interests are in trying to identify new therapeutic strategies for APS by interfering with anti-Beta 2 GPI interactions and functional effects using biologics and small molecule inhibitors.

1. ZFP36 proteins and B cell functions 2. Autoantibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus