Molecular switches in the spatio-temporal coordination of the FGF2 membrane translocation machinery (A01)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 278001972

FGF2 is an unconventionally secreted protein transported into the extracellular space by direct translocation across plasma membranes. This process is based upon PI(4,5)P2 as a molecular switch that triggers FGF2 oligomerization and membrane pore formation. The goal of this project will be to reveal the spatial organization of the FGF2 translocation machinery with the hypothesis of liquid-ordered membrane nanodomains to represent the structural principle that allows FGF2 membrane translocation to occur within time intervals of about 200 ms. A detailed understanding of this process will drive the development of drugs to block the function of FGF2 in tumor-induced angiogenesis.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 186: Molecular Switches: Spatio-temporal Control of Cellular Signal Transmission
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Helge Ewers, until 6/2024; Dr. Fabio Lolicato, since 7/2024; Professor Dr. Walter Nickel