Project Details
Projekt
GRK 1409: Molecular Interactions of Pathogens with Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces
Subject Area
Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
Term
from 2006 to 2015
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 20088716
Microbes (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) are in a constant interaction with biotic (cellular) and abiotic surfaces. These dynamic interactions are directly related to microbial virulence and play a central role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Overcoming or modulating the cellular barriers and the associated defenses of the host represents an essential survival strategy of pathogenic microorganisms.
In the past, pathogenesis research in the areas of bacteriology, mycology and virology has been conducted largely without cross-fertilisation inside traditional boundaries. However, the more common infection and immunological defense mechanisms are described, the more these artificial borders collapse.
In the Research Training Group the molecular interactions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses with cellular barriers and abiotic surfaces are studied using selected examples. The research groups contribute their various expertise in cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology and infectiology to the Research Training Group. An important goal is to enhance and focus the already existing collaborations between the various research laboratories engaged with the overall topic. In addition, novel developments in modern methods and technologies (imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM), siRNA technologies, total internal reflection microscopy (TIRF), single molecule manipulation with laser tweezers etc.) will be incorporated within the focus of the Research Training Group. The resulting synergistic effects will specifically provide further training and education for the graduates.
The Research Training Group focusses on the following central questions:
(1) Gene regulation and mechanisms in the primary interaction with biotic and abiotic barriers,
(2) molecular interactions and signalling with target cells and
(3) extra- and intracellular transport processes of microbial virulence factors.
In the past, pathogenesis research in the areas of bacteriology, mycology and virology has been conducted largely without cross-fertilisation inside traditional boundaries. However, the more common infection and immunological defense mechanisms are described, the more these artificial borders collapse.
In the Research Training Group the molecular interactions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses with cellular barriers and abiotic surfaces are studied using selected examples. The research groups contribute their various expertise in cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology and infectiology to the Research Training Group. An important goal is to enhance and focus the already existing collaborations between the various research laboratories engaged with the overall topic. In addition, novel developments in modern methods and technologies (imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM), siRNA technologies, total internal reflection microscopy (TIRF), single molecule manipulation with laser tweezers etc.) will be incorporated within the focus of the Research Training Group. The resulting synergistic effects will specifically provide further training and education for the graduates.
The Research Training Group focusses on the following central questions:
(1) Gene regulation and mechanisms in the primary interaction with biotic and abiotic barriers,
(2) molecular interactions and signalling with target cells and
(3) extra- and intracellular transport processes of microbial virulence factors.
DFG Programme
Research Training Groups
Applicant Institution
Universität Münster
Spokesperson
Professor Dr. Marcus Alexander Schmidt
Participating Researchers
Professor Dr. Ulrich Dobrindt; Professorin Dr. Christina Ehrhardt; Professorin Dr. Susanne Fetzner; Professor Dr. Hans Joachim Galla; Professor Dr. Volker Gerke; Privatdozentin Dr. Christine Heilmann; Privatdozent Dr. Johannes Gerhard Heusipp; Professor Dr. Hans-Ulrich Humpf; Professor Dr. Helge Karch; Professor Dr. Stephan Ludwig; Professorin Dr. Berenike Maier; Professor Dr. Johannes Müthing; Professor Dr. Georg Peters (†); Professorin Dr. Ursula Rescher; Professor Dr. Mario Schelhaas; Professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Schnittler; Professor Dr. Victor Shahin; Professor Dr. Paul Tudzynski; Professorin Dr. Bettina Tudzynski
