Currently the SFB 629 comprises 12 groups which work on two main topics:
- Analysis of intracellular transport mechanisms and subcellular structures
- Cell movement in the organism
One group (Projektbereich A) focuses on the analysis of intracellular transport mechanisms and subcellular
structures. The lab of V. Gerke analyzes the role of annexin proteins in regulating membrane dynamics (project
A1). In addition to using different tissue culture models genetic
approaches are followed using Drosophila as a model system. The lab of M.
Bähler (A2) studies unconventional myosins and their contribution to the organization of the actin
cytoskeleton. A. Püschel (A4) addresses how extracellular signals such as the Semaphorins instruct a
growing tip of an
axon to finally find its target during growth cones pathfinding. H. Oberleithner and S. Schillers (A6) study how
large protein clusters are integrated into the plasmamembrane by using Atomic Force Microscopy. The project of
B. Engelhardt (A9) focuses on the question how specific adhesion
proteins signal to the cytoskeleton during transendothelial migration in the brain.
In the second group (Projektbereich B) the SFB analyzes problems related
to cell-cell interaction and cell migration. The lab of D. Vestweber (B1)
studies the transmigration of leukocytes through endothelia with a particular emphasis on the regulation of
interendothelial cell-cell junctions. This process which is of direct medical relevance is also in the
focus of the group of A. Schmidt (B2) who analyzes the influence of Pertussis toxin on endothelial tight junctions.
Cell-cell interaction is of
crucial importance for the human immune system and signaling cascades involved during the interaction of
antigen presenting cells with T-cells are studied by the group of S. Grabbe (B3). Cell interactions also play a
crucial role during synaptic targeting which T. Hummel studies in the Drosophila olfactory system (B4).
Disruption of normal cell-cell interaction promotes invasive behavior of tumor cells. Tumor cells and in
particular glioma cells are the focus of the group of W. Paulus (B5). Glial
cell migration during normal development of Drosophila is analyzed in the
lab of C. Klämbt (B6). Finally, directed cell growth is not only found in
vertebrate models but also in fungi. The group of P. Tudzynsiki (B7) analyses the molecular mechanisms
underlying directed fungal hyphen growth
during infection of plants with Claviceps.
Further information can be obtained under http://sfb629.uni-muenster.de
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