O'Shea Lab > People > Nan Hao

Numerous intracellular and extracellular signals regulate cellular events through the ubiquitous cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. However, it is not clear how cells distinguish and interpret such a variety of environmental signals through this one signaling pathway. I am interested in understanding how different environmental signals are encoded by the S. cerevisiae cAMP-PKA activity. My hypothesis is that different environmental signals induce quantitatively distinct dynamical behaviors of cAMP-PKA signaling, which contribute to achieving specific transcriptional responses. To test this hypothesis, I will adapt fluorescent protein-based cAMP/PKA biosensors and systematically examine real-time cAMP-PKA signaling and transcriptional responses in single cells exposed to different environmental conditions. This study will significantly advance our understanding of how modulating the dynamics of signaling can allow individual cells to respond appropriately to environment stimuli.