Functional analysis of human delta-protocadherin 11 (PCDH11) and its implications in the progression of cancer

• Antragstellerin: Dr. Uta Brunner
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Zellbiologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 2007 bis 2010
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 63669501

The proposed research project aims to analyze the function of human Protocadherin 11 (PCDH11), a delta-protocadherin that was recently linked to tumor development. It will investigate how this delta-protocadherin and associated proteins influence the cellular processes implicated in morphogenesis and tissue architecture, such as controlled proliferation, migration, differentiation and programmed cell death. The biological function of PCDH11 will be characterized by conditional expression experiments in the mouse (including overexpression). These transgenic mice will enable us to analyze the causal correlation between the delta-protocadherin and tissue-specific processes, including tumor progression. Furthermore, putative interaction partners of PCDH11 will be identified by using the Mammalian Protein-Protein Interaction Trap (MAPPIT). The proposed research work will allow solid confirmation of a causal role of PCDH11 in particular cancers, and will provide specific in vivo models for therapy development. A contribution to important and challenging fields of biomedical research is expected.

• DFG-Verfahren: Forschungsstipendien
• Internationaler Bezug: Belgien
• Gastgeber: Professor Dr. Frans van Roy