Functions of Reggie proteins and microdomains

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The cellular plasma membrane is a highly organized structure and posseses, among other specialized regions, microdomains which enhance cell-signaling efficacy through protein cluster formation. Reggie-1 and -2 form oligomeric scaffolds for one type of such microdomains, the Reggie microdomains. Reggie microdomains are crucial for the localized assembly of signalling complexes regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and coordinating cellular prion protein (PrP) function in lymphocytes and neurons. Furthermore, vesicular trafficking of reggie microdomains apparently defines a novel vesicular pathway for endo- and exocytosis. Here, we will analyse 1. vesicular trafficking, associated cargo molecules and axonal transport to understand the dynamics of microdomain formation and maintenance, 2. growth cone motility and elongation to uncover the function of the Reggies during neuronal differentiation and axon regeneration, 3. the role of Reggies and their interaction with PrP in cell contact and focal adhesion formation, 4. the role of Reggies during axon growth and regeneration in fish and mammals in vivo. Finally, we will correlate the function of mammalian Reggies with Reggie-like proteins in bacteria, plants and Drosophila and attempt to solve membrane interaction and structure of Reggies in collaboration with the members of the Reggie cluster.