Uncovering novel molecular mechanisms within Wnt signaling (B07)

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

The project by the Sinning and Özbek labs integrates structural and developmental biology to uncover novel molecular mechanisms within Wnt signaling. Building on Özbek’s discovery of Wnt-specific astacin proteases in Hydra, this collaboration established a new research line that explores the conserved function of astacins in vertebrates, focusing on Xenopus hatching enzyme. In parallel, the Sinning lab, as a hub for structural biology in the CRC, continues two collaborative research lines: with Niehrs (B01) to investigate Dishevelled regulation via the DDX3X-Casein Kinase 1 interplay; and with Boutros (A01) to characterize the structure and interaction dynamics of Wntless (Evi/Wls), Wnt ligands, and components of the ERAD pathway.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1324: Mechanisms and functions of Wnt signaling
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Irmgard Sinning; Professor Dr. Suat Özbek, since 7/2021