FOR 1036:  Mechanisms, Functions and Evolution of Wnt-signalling Pathways

• Subject Area: Biology
• Term: from 2009 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 58160712

This Research Unit focusses on the analysis of the Wnt-signalling network. This regulator module is essential for embryonic development and is responsible for a number of human diseases. The signalling event triggered by Wnt-type growth factors are competitive research filed with high relevance for biological and medical research. Eight groups, which work on different aspects of Wnt-signalling joined the Research Unit. The participating groups are affiliated with the University of Heidelberg (T. Holstein, zoology; S. Özbek, zoology; S. Hardt, Cardiology; H. Steinbeisser, human genetics), the University of Karlruhe (D. Wedlich, zoology; D. Gradl, zoology) and with the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg (M. Boutros; C. Niehrs).
The Research Unit addresses the following questions: How are Wnt-proteins modified, secreted and how do they form activity gradients? How do components of the Wnt-signalling cascade interact inside and outside the cell? What are the roles of Wnt-signalling molecules in organ formation and remodelling? The Research Unit uses a structure function approach, which requires an arsenal of techniques from biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and physiology. The members contribute a very complementary set of expertise and experimental models. In this context the animal/embryo models (Hydra/Nematostella; Drosophila, Xenopus und mouse) used by members of the Research Unit are of particular importance.

• DFG Programme: Research Units

Projects

• Function of Wnt signaling in Hydra regeneration (Applicant Holstein, Thomas W. )
• Identification and characterization of functional modules in Lef/Tcf (Applicant Gradl, Dietmar )
• Mechanisms, functions and evoution of Wnt-signaling pathways (Applicant Boutros, Michael )
• Modulation of myocardial remodeling by Wnt-signaling (Applicant Hardt, Stefan )
• Modulation of ß-catenin-independent Wnt-signaling by secreted frizzled related proteins (sFRPs) (Applicant Kaufmann, Lilian Tamara )
• Molecular control of cell migration during Xenopus gastrulation by different Wnt signaling pathways (Applicant Wedlich, Doris )
• Roles and mechanisms of asymmetric LRP6 localization in Xenopus embryonic cells (Applicant Niehrs, Ph.D., Christof )
• Structure-function relationships and evolution of wnt signaling molecules (Applicant Özbek, Suat )
• Systematic in vivo analysis of Wnt secretory routes (Applicant Boutros, Michael )
• Tyrosine Phosphorylation of LRP6 and its role in regulation Wnt signaling (Applicant Davidson, Gary )

• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael Boutros, since 9/2014