Mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological roles of IRAP

Insulin regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is a multifunctional enzyme which has many different roles in maintaining normal physiology and in disease states. For example, our laboratory has identified IRAP as a new target for the treatment of organ fibrosis. However, we do not fully understand why in some cases it contributes to normal physiology while in others it contributes to disease. My project explores this concept and uncovers a novel role for IRAP in regulating the state of a cell which dictates its overall function.