Project Details
Projekt
Functional role of centrosomes and cilia in stem cells (A14)
Subject Area
General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology
Term
from 2014 to 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 122491522
Stem cells divide symmetrically or asymmetrically to renew themselves and to generate daughters with different fates. The correct balance between these two processes is essential for tissue homeostasis and development. Here, we are particularly interested in the function of centrosomes in stem cell divi-sion. Centrosomes are microtubule organising centers that are involved in spindle formation and posi-tioning as well as in the formation of signaling centers (namely cilia and flagella). Recent studies, including our own, showed that centrosomes are inherently asymmetric structures that have the potential of working as a scaffold for asymmetric distribution of components, including cell fate determinants. Therefore, the aims of this proposal are to understand how centrosome asymmetry is regulated in stem cells and how this asymmetry is translated into signals to control stem cell division.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
Applicant Institution
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
Project Head
Professorin Dr. Gislene Pereira
