Identification of fusion-relevant proteins that are involved in the signalling transduction of the first and second temporal fusion phase in founder cells and fusion-competent myoblasts during Drosophila myoblast fusion.

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Susanne Oenel
• Subject Area: Developmental Biology ; Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2008 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 70346063

The rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in founder cells (FCs) and fusioncompetent myoblasts (FCMs) ensures successful myoblast fusion. Our work on WASP and SCAR/WAVE suggests that the actin cytoskeleton is differently regulated during the first and the second fusion step. Thus, there must be different signaling pathways during both fusion steps. To elucidate the signaling cascade that follows cell recognition and adhesion during both fusion steps, we will obsess two different experimental approaches. Firstly, we will screen for interacting partners of the functionally redundant adhesion molecules Duf/Kirre and Rst/IrreC specifically in FCs and with respect to Rst/IrreC also in FCMs. Candidates will be analyzed in relation to their functions during the first and the second fusion step with focusing mainly on the first fusion step. Secondly, we will continue to screen a protein trap collection to identify selectively new fusion-relevant components. This is important to get access to new components including functionally redundant proteins.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants