Project Details
Projekt
Molecular interactions between microfibrils and basement membranes
Subject Area
Dermatology
Term
from 2000 to 2003
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5253835
Anchorage of microfibrils to basement membranes is a universal principle of multicellular organisms. The specific subjects of this proposal focus on molecular mechanisms of microfibrilbasement membrane interactions. We propose the following approaches:1. Ligand binding between microfibrillar and basement membrane proteins will be examined with highly purified proteins from either recombinant or tissue sources.2. To detect protein interactions not covered under "1", we will develop a new surface display technology and use it to screen for ligand binding interactions between microfibrillar and basement membrane proteins.3. A model system with human lens capsules will be developed. This system allows us to test anchorage and growth of microfibrils within basement membranes.4. Electron microscopic characterization of the microfibrilbasement membrane interface. From these projects, we expect important contributions for (i) the understanding of functional relationships of basement membranes with their environment, (ii) new strategies in tissue engineering (e.g. blood vessels and skin equivalents), and (iii) the development of therapeutic concepts for diseases characterized by distrubed microfibrils-basement membrane interfaces.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
Subproject of
SPP 1086:
Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Basement Membranes and Basement Membrane Anchorage
Participating Person
Dr. Dieter Reinhardt
