The role of Cofilin-1 in regulating podocyte actin dynamics and maintaining foot process morphology

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Britta George
• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 133611148

The Nephrin-Neph1 receptor complex is an integral part of the podocyte slit-diaphragm. It takes part in outside-in signal transduction at this intercellular junction and thereby regulates podocyte actin dynamics. Preliminary data showed that the actin filament severing protein Cofilin-1 is expressed in cultured podocytes. It interacts with Nephrin and is dephosphorylated after activation of the Nephrin receptor complex. Thus, Cofilin-1 could be necessary in Nephrin-Neph1 complex-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling. The aim of the project proposed herein is to investigate the role of Cofilin-1 in Nephrin-Neph1 receptor complex mediated regulation of podocyte actin dynamics and its role in establishing and maintaining podocyte foot process morphology in vivo.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Dr. Lawrence B. Holzman