Functional characterization of parvins on the regulation of endothelial actin cyto skeleton during angiogenesis Role of integrin/parvin-signaling in the neurovascular unit during central nervous system development

• Applicant: Dr. Eloi Montanez Miralles
• Subject Area: Developmental Biology ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2012 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 226461155

The overall aim of the research project is to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and how the interplay between different cell types governs vascular morphogenesis, and tissue homeostasis and function. As an experimental system we use the neurovascular unit (NVU) of the central nervous system (CNS) in mice. The NVU consist of an endothelial cell (EC) monolayer, sealed by tight junctions (TJ) and resting on a basal lamina, integrated pericytes, astrocytes and occasionally neuronal terminals. The dynamic interactions within the NVU are critical for the homeostasis of the CNS, and disruption of the NVU integrity is associated with neurological pathologies, including stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage and ocular diseases. The proposed project focuses on the role of integrin/parvin-signaling within the NVU in physiological conditions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants