Molecular parameters for the dynamic assembly of Hedgehog signaling platforms (A08)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 386797833

The transporter protein Dispatched (Disp) solubilizes lipidated Hedgehog (Hh) morphogen proteins from the plasma membrane (PM) of Hh-producing cells. In the previous funding period, we showed that Disp extracts the cholesteroylated C-terminal Hh peptide and transports it to high-density lipoproteins (HDL), while the N-terminal peptide anchor is cleaved by the protease ADAM10. Additionally, we found that Disp also transports free PM cholesterol to HDL, revealing a non-canonical role of Disp in cholesterol homeostasis. We will now investigate the consequences of the two Disp functions for Hh morphogen transport and cellular physiology.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1348: Dynamic cellular interfaces: formation and function
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Kay Grobe