Mechanisms, functions and evoution of Wnt-signaling pathways

DFG自2008年12月起资助研究小组(Forschergruppe)，专注于WNT信令网络的分析。这种调节模块对胚胎发育是必不可少的，并与许多人类疾病有关。由WNT型生长因子触发的信号转导事件是与生物和医学研究高度相关的竞争性研究领域。研究WNT信号不同方面的8个小组加入了Forschergruppe。参与小组隶属于海德堡大学(T.Holstein，动物学；S.Özbek，动物学；S.Hardt，心脏病学；H.Steinbeisser，人类遗传学)、卡尔斯鲁厄大学(D.Wedlich，动物学；D.Gradl，动物学)和德国癌症研究中心(DKFZ)海德堡(M.Boutros；C.Niehars)。Forschergruppe解决了以下问题：-Wnt-蛋白质如何修饰、分泌以及-它们如何形成活动梯度？-Wnt-信号级联的组件如何在细胞内外相互作用？-Wnt-信号分子在器官形成和重塑中扮演什么角色？该小组使用结构功能方法，这需要生物化学、结构生物学、细胞生物学和生理学的多种技术。成员们贡献了一套互补性很强的专业知识和实验模型。在这方面，Forschergruppe成员使用的动物/胚胎模型(九头蛇/线虫；果蝇、非洲爪哇和小鼠)特别重要。

The DFG funds since December 2008 the research group (Forschergruppe) which focuses on the analysis of the Wnt-signaling network. This regulator module is essential for embryonic development and is responsible for a number of human diseases. The signaling event triggered by Wnt-type growth factors are competitive research filed with high relevance for biological and medical research. 8 groups which work on different aspects of Wnt-signaling joined the Forschergruppe. The participating groups are affiliated with the University Heidelberg (T. Holstein, Zoology; S. Özbek, Zoology; S. Hardt, Cardiologie; H. Steinbeisser, Human Genetics), the University Karlsruhe (D. Wedlich, Zoology; D. Gradl, Zoology) und with the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg (M. Boutros; C. Niehrs). The Forschergruppe addresses the following questions:- How are Wnt-proteins modified, secreted and - how do they form activity gradients?- How do components of the Wnt-signaling cascade interact inside and outside the cell?- What are the roles of Wnt-signaling molecules in organ formation and remodeling?The group uses a structure function approach which requires an arsenal of techniques from biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and physiology. The members contribute a very complementary set of expertise and experimental models. In this context the animal /embryo models (Hydra/Nematostella; Drosophila, Xenopus und mouse) used by members of the Forschergruppe are of particular importance.