Vimentin-mediated cellular uptake of C3 exoenzyme

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Gudrun Ahnert-Hilger; Privatdozent Dr. Markus Höltje; Professor Dr. Ingo Just; Dr. Astrid Rohrbeck
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 323567781

C3bot transferase from Clostridium botulinum and the peptide thereof covering amino acids 154-182 induce axonal and dendritic growth and branching, effects verified on primary neuronal cells in culture as well as in a neuronal lesion animal models. Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein appears to work as the membrane receptor for C3bot. Besides vimentin additional membrane surface molecules (carbohydrates, lipids) may be relevant for C3bot binding and internalization. Using a vimentin knock out (mice) model we confirmed the role of vimentin for C3bot-mediated axonal growth. We now aim to identify and characterize additional cell surface and intracellular receptors relevant for neuronal effects of C3bot. Additionally, we will study the poorly characterized secretion of vimentin and its role in neuronal regeneration.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants