Research Interests

My research expertise is in the area of membrane-cytoskeletal interactions and membrane protein interactions during the process of phagocytosis and the related phenomenon of cell-substrate adhesion. Using the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum (a harmless soil amoebae) as a model for phagocytes, project goals include: 1) identifying plasma membrane proteins involved in the phagocytosis process; 2) exploring the mechanisms and regulation of the signal transduction pathways mediated by these molecules; and 3) the regulation of phagosome formation and fusion with endosomes.

Presently, we are focused on a plasma membrane glycoprotein, gp130, that is exposed on the surface of amoebae of D. discoideum. We are interested in its role possibly as a phagocytosis receptor and/or adhesion molecule. By modifying the gene for gp130, we are generating cell lines that either have an inactive gene, or produce mutant forms of gp130. We are also constructing green fluorescent protein variants of gp130 that will allow us to monitor the fate of gp130 in real time. Biochemical and molecular genetic methods, as well as microscopy will be used to study the behavior of the cells and thus provide insights into the in vivo function of gp130.

Recent Publications

• Chia, C.P., Gomathinayagam, S., Schmaltz, R.J., and Smoyer, L.K. (2005). Glycoprotein gp130 of Dictyostelium discoideum influences macropinocytosis and adhesion. Molecular Biology of the Cell 16, 2681-2693
• Barent, B. L. and C. P. Chia 2001. Membrane glycoprotein gp130 of Dictyostelium discoideum is lipid-linked and its fate altered in the presence of tunicamycin. Molecular Biology of the Cell 12: 1110.
• Yuan, A. D. and C. P. Chia 2001. Giant vacuoles observed in Dictyostelium discoideum. Cell Biology International 25(2): 147-155.
• Yuan, A., C.-H. Siu, and C.P. Chia. 2001. Calcium requirement for efficient phagocytosis by Dictyostelium discoideum. Cell Calcium. 29:229-238.
• Yuan, A. D. and C. P. Chia 2000. A role for calcineurin in Dictyostelium discoideum phagocytosis. Molecular Biology of the Cell 11: 1696.
• Yuan, A. D. and C. P. Chia 2000. Integrity of the actin cytoskeleton required for both phagocytosis and macropinocytosis in Dictyostelium discoideum. Molecular Biology of the Cell 11: 1955.
• LaRosa, P. C., M. B. Meirer and C. P. Chia 2000. A receptor-like glycoprotein from Dictyostelium discoideum: Functions in phagocytosis and cell adhesion? Molecular Biology of the Cell 11: 2867.
• Yuan, A. D., R. G. Mills, C. P. Chia and J. J. Bray 2000. Tubulin and neurofilament proteins are transported differently in axons of chicken motoneurons. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 20(6): 623-632.
• Yuan, A., and C.P. Chia. 2000. Role of esterase gp70 and its influence on growth and development of Dictyostelium discoideum. Experimental Cell Research. 261:336-347.
• Yuan, A. D., R. L. Pardy and C. P. Chia 1999. Nonspecific interactions alter lipopolysaccharide patterns and protein mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels. Electrophoresis 20(10): 1946-1949.
• Taylor, K. K. and C. P. Chia 1996. Crystal protein expression during vegetative growth of Dictyostelium. Molecular Biology of the Cell 7: 693-693.

Research in the lab is supported by the National Science Foundation.