SPP 1028: Molekulare Differenzierungsmechanismen von Epithelien

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Structure and function of epithelial organs, such as skin, mucosa, lung, and the digestive tract are produced and maintained by tissue specific differentiated cell types. Both the permanently self-renewing epithelia as well as their supporting connective tissues are in a dynamic process of continuous growth, reorganization and differentiation. These processes involve and are controlled by both tissue-resident and infiltrating cells. The mechanisms controlling these complex processes are only partially understood. It is known that complex interactions between epithelial, mesenchymal and neuroectodermal cells are involved mediated by diffusible factors as well as by direct cell-cell contact. In view of the complexity of these mechanisms, it appeared reasonable to coordinate the work of different groups with expertise in studying differentiation of isolated cells as well as epithelial organs in a research program to study basic mechanisms of tissue interactions controlling epithelial differentiation. The specific tasks of this research program shall focus on the following subjects:1. Production, release and mechanism of action of diffusible factors regulating epithelial differentiation,2. Analysis and characterization of the changes produced by these factors in target cells on transcription, translation level of target genes,3. Analysis of regulatory mechanisms based on cell-cell interactions in experimental models, such as conventional and organotypic cocultures, organ cultures and seclected animal models.