Xyloglycans and their interaction with human skin cells:
Influence on extra cellular matrix and signal pathways of human skin cells leading to an increased cell proliferation
Dr. Alexandra Deters
PhD projects to be supervised by Dr. Deters can be designed in the area of cell based and functional assays, molecular biologic analysis of signal way proteins, immunologic enzymatic analysis of extra cellular matrix proteins and studies of endosomal uptake. The following steps are proposals to map out a strategy and not all are compulsory to be included in the project. But necessary is to carry out one step in cooperation with an Indian partner.
- Isolation purification and structural analysis of xyloglucans form medicinal plants used for skin treatment (structural analysis maybe in cooperation with Andhra Pradesh).
- Reduction of xyloglucans to their necessary structural features accountably for their activity on skin cells (possible is a cooperation with Andrah Pradesh to modificate xyloglucans by plant cultures).
- Investigation of xyloglucan influence on extra cellular receptors, adhesion molecules, matrix metallo proteases and ECM proteins.
- Discrimination of metabolic to specific effects upon endocytotic uptake of xyloglucans. Characterization of endosomal transport to cell organelles followed by destruction and incorporation in cellular products or transport to special receptors of nuclear membrane or proteins within the cells.
- Confine of effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts including the special signal pathways activated by xyloglucans.
