Dissecting the role of SRF-signaling in epithelial homeostasis and malignancy

• Applicant: Dr. Katja Rust
• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558245783

The Serum Response Factor (SRF) is a transcription factor with implications in a variety of diseases including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. SRF regulates gene expression in a cell type specific manner in dependence on its cofactors Myocardin Related Transcription Factor (MRTF) and Ternary Complex Factor (TCF). This project aims to investigate the functions of SRF in epithelial homeostasis and tumorigenesis using the Drosophila follicle epithelium as a model. Using genetic manipulation, transcriptome analysis and proteomics, we aim to identify cell-type specific SRF interactors and target genes in the follicle epithelium and in a novel EGFR-Hh driven follicle epithelial tumor model. Further, we will analyze SRF post-translational modifications and their influence on epithelial development. These studies will provide insight into SRF regulatory mechanisms and can lay the foundation for the identification of potential therapeutic targets to regulate SRF in disease context.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants