Project Details
Projekt
Manipulating the actin cytoskeleton from the outside - induction of focal adhesion-like protein complexes an actin cytoskeletal rearrangements by fibbronectin-binding bacteria
Applicant
Professor Dr. Christof Robert Hauck
Subject Area
Cell Biology
Term
from 2007 to 2012
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 45462491
A large number of pathogenic bacteria and viruses exploit host cell integrins to indirectly influence the cellular actin cytoskeleton and to gain access to host cells. Staphylococcus atureus, a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, utilizes fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs) to trigger actin rearrangements and uptake by mammalian cells. Here, we will investigate the FnBP-induced local assembly of focal-adhesion like complexes in the infected cells by live-cellmicroscopy and mass spectrometry, the role of recruited cytoplasmic proteins in actin dynamics as well as the connection between actin filaments and myo sin-generated forces in bacterial uptake at these sites. Together, these investigations are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of integrin-initiated endocytosis and to test the novel concept that, in addition to actin polymerization, actin-myosin-based contraction is a major driving force behind integrinmediated internalization of pathogens.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
