Reet Kurg

Research:

Our research is focused on cancer antigens, specifically on melanoma associated antigens (MAGE-A proteins) and their usage as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. MAGE-A proteins are known to be highly expressed in a wide range of cancers including bladder, lung, skin and breast malignancies. Our preliminary data show that MAGE-A proteins are incorporated into extracellular vesicles released by cancer cells. We are interested in the characterization of these extracellular vesicles and furthermore, generation of extracellular vesicles with desired properties carrying different cancer-testis antigens. This projects also involves generation and development of antibodies suitable for cancer therapy. We are also looking for other biomarkers which can be used for detection and monitoring of malignant melanoma.

The second interest is RNA methyltransferases and their role in cell proliferation. Many methyltransferases encoded by human genome are associated with disorders, most frequently with cancers and mental disorders. We have shown that the WBSCR22 protein, encoded by the Williams-Beuren Syndrome region, is involved in ribosome biogenesis, specifically in late steps of rRNA processing occurring in the nucleus of the cell. The activity of WBSCR22 is regulated by co-activator TRMT112. Our current work is concentrated on the characterization of the whole network of proteins interacting with the TRMT112 “hub” protein in mammalian cells. This will help to understand the role of RNA methyltransferases in cell proliferation, the cross-talk between different cellular pathways, and factors regulating WBSCR22 activity within the cell.

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Publications

Team:

Research Fellow:

Margit Mutso

PhD Students:

Lilian Leetsi

Kristiina Kurg

Anneli Samel

Baiba Brumele

Master´s Students:

Mihkel Suija

Aleksandra Lupp

Alexey Nesterovich

Laboratory Assistant:

Eve Toomsoo (eve.toomsoo@ut.ee)

Evgeniia Serova

Fred Väärtnõu