Kontrolle der Mesodermzellwanderung in der Gastrula von Xenopus

• Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Rudolf Winklbauer
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Entwicklungsbiologie
• Förderung: Förderung von 1998 bis 2003
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 5110560

The control of mesodermal cell migration in the Xenopus embryo will be further examined. We have shown in our present work that ectopic expression of the homeodomain transcription factor Siamois is sufficient to transform stationary embryonic cells into migratory ones. To analyze this process further, we will identify and characterize target genes of Siamois that mediate its effects in cell motility. This should establish a direct link between expression of a transcription factor controlling cell migration, and a defined cellular motile response, i.e. polarization of protrusive activity. Further, we will examine whether known eph receptors or ephrin ligands are involved in a cell sorting process that is essential to mesoderm migration on a cell layer substrate. Lastly, we will continue our analysis of the role of the growth factor PDGF in determining the direction of mesoderm migration. In particular, we will examine whether for this function, binding of PDGF to the extracellular matrix and formation of a gradient of PDGF mRNA in the blastocoel roof are essential.

• DFG-Verfahren: Schwerpunktprogramme
• Teilprojekt zu: SPP 1049: Molekulare Steuerungsmechanismen der Zellwanderung