Biography
Overview of interests
Dr. Trinkle-Mulcahy is a cell biologist who uses a unique combination of fluorescence microscopy and quantitative proteomics to map the targeting of protein phosphatase complexes throughout the cell. These key enzymes contribute to the regulation of nearly all cellular signaling pathways; aberrant phosphorylation is a causative factor in a range of human diseases. A greater understanding of their regulation at the cellular level is thus essential for the development of therapeutic strategies targeted at these dysfunctional pathways.
Scientific breakthroughs / impact
Given that the PP1 phosphatase is involved in so many signaling pathways and has been implicated in disease states ranging from cancer to neurological disorders, our seminal work on the dynamic subcellular targeting of its activity has impacted numerous fields. Highlights include the first demonstration of the distinct localization of PP1 isoforms throughout the cell cycle and the identification of RepoMan (Recruits PP1 Onto Mitotic chromatin at Anaphase) as an essential PP1 regulator important for both mitotic progression cell survival. Dr. Trinkle-Mulcahy’s work has also impacted the wider scientific community through the development of reliable and straightforward methods for mapping protein-protein interactomes and for validating specific interactions in living cells.
Accomplishments / Awards
In 2008, Dr. Trinkle-Mulcahy was elected as a faculty member in the Cell Biology/Nuclear Structure and Function in the Faculty of 1000, contributing monthly evaluations that highlight publications in her fields of research. She is also on the editorial board of the newly launched F1000 Reports journal and holds a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator Salary Award.
Grant support
Work in the Trinkle-Mulcahy laboratory is funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. Collaborative work has been funded by Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and J.P. Bickell Foundation Awards.