Molecular principles of ER-phagy pathways (D05*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2020 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259130777

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is dynamically remodeled to adapt its structure to cellular needs. This process is mediated via selective autophagy (ER-phagy) involving reticulon-type receptors, namely FAM134B and RTN3. Here, we propose to analyze how the ER-phagy receptor FAM134B is regulated and how cargo selection is driven. In particular, we will investigate the interactome of FAM134B to identify potential regulators of ER-phagy. In addition, we aim to further study the role of ER chaperones Calnexin (CANX) and SIGMA-R1 that may act as FAM134B co-receptors for ER-phagy. Taken together, this study will help deciphering the role of ER-phagy in maintaining ER size, functionality, and turnover.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1177: Molecular and Functional Characterization of Selective Autophagy
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ivan Dikic; Professor Dr. Gerhard Hummer