Position Title
Assistant Professor
Position Title
Assistant Professor
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
Briggs 102C
Bio
Research Interests
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate RhoGEFs, which are enzymes that activate GTPases, key signaling proteins involved in various cellular processes such as cytoskeleton dynamics, cell migration, and cell growth. My lab employs a combination of biochemical, structural, and cellular approaches, including methods in cryo-electron microscopy, to investigate the function and regulation of RhoGEFs. By exploring how these proteins interact with their regulators and effectors, we aim to provide insights into their roles in health and disease, particularly in cancer progression and metastasis. Our ultimate goal is to uncover potential therapeutic targets for diseases related to RhoGEF dysregulation.
Graduate Program Affiliations
Education and Degree(s)
- B.S. in Zoology, Kent State University
- Ph.D. in Structural Biology, University of Cincinnati
- Postdoc in Structural biology, University of Michigan
Publications
- Cash, Jennifer, Chandan, N., Sharma, P., Smrcka, A., and Tesmer, J. (2020) Discovery of Small Molecules that Target the P-Rex1 PIP3-binding Site and Inhibit P-Rex1-dependent Functions in Human Neutrophils. Molecular Pharmacology, 97, 226-236. DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.117556
- Cash, Jennifer, Urata, S., Li, S., Ravala, S., Avramova, L., Shost, M., Gutkind, J., Tesmer, J., and Cianfrocco, M. (2019) Cryo-electron Microscopy Structure and Analysis of the P-Rex1–Gbg signaling scaffold. Science Advances 5, eaax8855. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax8855
- Cash, Jennifer, Sharma, P., and Tesmer, J. (2019) Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Pleckstrin Homology Domain of the RhoGEF P-Rex2 and Its Regulation by PIP3. Journal of Structural Biology: X 1, 100001. DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2018.100001
- Cash, Jennifer, Davis, E., and Tesmer, J. (2016) Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Catalytic Core of the Metastatic Factor P-Rex1 and Its Regulation by PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Structure 24, 730-740. DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2016.02.022
- Cash JN, Angerman EB, Kirby RJ, Merck L, Seibel WL, Wortman MD, Papoian R, Nelson S, Thompson TB. Development of a small-molecule screening method for inhibitors of cellular response to myostatin and activin A. J Biomol Screen. 2013 Aug;18(7):837-44. doi: 10.1177/1087057113482585. Epub 2013 Mar 29. PubMed PMID: 23543431.