Role of DDX56 in GSK3β regulation during Wnt signaling (B01)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 331351713

The project investigates the molecular mechanisms through which the DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX3X regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by modulating Casein kinase 1 epsilon (CK1ε). We now focus on how DDX3X and CK1ε interact to control Dishevelled (DVL) protein behaviour, essential for Wnt signaling. We hypothesize that DDX3X changes CK1ε specificity and regulates a phospho-switch in DVL2 polymers. Through cell biological, biochemical, and structural analyses, we aim to uncover how DDX3X modulates CK1ε activity and DVL2 phosphorylation, in collaboration with Irmi Sinning’s group on structure-function studies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1324: Mechanisms and functions of Wnt signaling
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Professor Christof Niehrs, Ph.D.