The proposed project plans the precise molecualr analysis of structure-function relationships of the basement membrane protein nidogen-2. Individual domains of the protein will be produced recombinantly and serve for the mapping of binding sites for protein ligands (laminin, perlecan, etc.) and cell adhesion. These epitopes will be additionally characterized by site directed mutagenesis and X-ray crystallography of individual domains and their complexes with ligands. Further studies will be performed to characterize some autosomal dominant mutants of human nidogen-2 which could be associated with a vascular phenotype.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
