Project Details
Projekt
Crosstalk between cAMP and ERK signalling pathways in tubulogenesis
Applicant
Dr. Pavel Nedvetsky
Subject Area
Developmental Biology
Term
from 2008 to 2011
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 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 Programme
Research Fellowships
International Connection
USA
