Flotillins in the regulation of desmosomal adhesion in pemphigus

表皮细胞的粘附对皮肤的屏障功能起着至关重要的作用，异常的粘附可导致严重的人类疾病。因此，了解调节表皮细胞粘附的分子机制是很重要的。在本项目中，我们将研究flotillin蛋白家族成员在桥粒体粘连中的作用。我们已经证明flotillins可以与桥粒黏附蛋白形成复合物并调节其表达。在这里，我们将研究flotillins如何影响桥粒粘附动力学以及它们在天疱疮发病机制中发挥的作用。将特别关注桥粒黏附蛋白的细胞运输步骤，以及天疱疮自身抗体诱导的信号事件及其对flotillins的依赖。

Cell-cell adhesion in the epidermis is of vital importance for the function of the skin as a barrier, and aberrant adhesion can result in severe human diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate epidermal cell adhesion. In this project, we will study the role of the members of the flotillin protein family in desmosomal adhesion. We have shown that flotillins can form complexes with desmosomal adhesion proteins and regulate their expression. Here, we will study how flotillins influence the dynamics of desmosomal adhesion and which role do they play in pemphigus pathogenesis. A special focus will be laid on cellular trafficking steps of the desmosomal adhesion proteins, as well as on signalling events induced by pemphigus autoantibodies and their dependence on flotillins.