Understanding the function of Lethal (2) giant discs (Lgd) and ESCRT-III (B01)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267205415

The ESCRT-III complex is required for abscission of membrane vesicles away from the cytosol in many situations in cells. We will determine how polymerisation of the ESCRT-III core component Shrub is initiated by Vps20 and how these two proteins bind to membranes during this process. To further understand the interaction between Shrub and its regulator Lgd, we will determine their full-length structure alone and in complex and investigate the meaning of the binding of Lgd to Shrub. These results will reveal how the ESCRT-III complex forms during membrane abscission. It will also explain how Lgd interacts with Shrub to prevent Notch induced cell over-proliferation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1208: Identity and Dynamics of Membrane Systems - from Molecules to Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas Klein