Crosstalk between cAMP and ERK signalling pathways in tubulogenesis

• Antragsteller: Dr. Pavel Nedvetsky
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Entwicklungsbiologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 2008 bis 2011
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 73357210

Tubulogenesis is fundamental to the development of epithelial organs. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells growing in 3 dimensional (3D) thick collagen gels represent a useful simplified model, where tubulogenesis can be studied. In this system, tubulogenesis could be induced by treatment of the cells with Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). Downstream signaling pathways involved in the regulation of tubulogenesis are under intensive investigation. It has been demonstrated that prolonged ERK activation is a key event in this process. Therefore, identification of signaling pathways resulting in modulation of ERK activity during tubulogenesis is of fundamental significance. Surprisingly little is known about the role of the important second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) during tubulogenesis. In the present project the role of cAMP in regulation of tubulogenesis and its crosstalk with ERK signaling will be studied. Three major questions will be addressed: (i) what role does cAMP play in tubulogenesis; (ii) is there a crosstalk between cAMP-dependent signaling and ERK pathway; (iii) which role does the compartmentalization of cAMP signaling play.

• DFG-Verfahren: Forschungsstipendien
• Internationaler Bezug: USA
• Gastgeber: Professor Dr. Keith Mostov