The role of PI3K-signalling in the selection and survival of B cells (01)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 215346292

Our project aims at investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate B cell differentiation and function. We are particularly interested in understanding how phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) and the counteracting Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) control key processes in B cells. We found that the expression of IgD-type BCR is regulated by PTEN and therefore B cells are unable to upregulate IgD in the absence of PTEN. We have identified glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling as additional regulator of IgD expression and plan to investigate the interaction between glucocorticoids and PI3K signaling during development, function and survival of distinct B cell populations.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 130: B Cells: Immunity and Autoimmunity
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Hassan Jumaa