Mechanisms, functions and evolution of Wnt signaling pathways
Concept
1st Funding Period (9.12.2008 - 8.12.2011)
2nd Funding Period (9.12.2011 - 9.12.2014)
The projects described in this proposal address the analysis of β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent Wnt functions in embryonic development, organogenesis and organ remodeling in several animal models including Hydra/Nematostella (TP01), Drosophila (TP02, TP04), Xenopus (TP03, TP04, TP05, TP06, TP08), mouse (TP07, AP1), Zebrafish and Medaka (TP08, AP2, AP3). The focus of the Forschergruppe is the functional analysis of Wnt pathway components in the context of embryonic development and evolution. In contrast, we will address neither the crosstalk between the Wnt pathway and other signaling cascades nor the role of Wnt signaling in tumor formation and progression. Instead, structure-function and comparative studies of Wnt signaling components, pathways and regulators between invertebrates and vertebrates, are the main focus in our research group.
Projects
Thomas Holstein |
Function of Wnt-signaling in Hydra regeneration |
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Michael Boutros |
Systematic analysis of Wnt secretion in vivo | |
Christof Niehrs |
Roles and mechanisms of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling for cell polarity in Xenopus embryonic cells | |
Dietmar Gradl |
Identification and characterization of functional modules in Lef/Tcf |
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Doris Wedlich |
Molecular control of cell migration during Xenopus gastrulation by different Wnt signaling pathways |
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Herbert Steinbeisser |
Modulation of β-catenin-dependent and independent Wnt-signaling by secreted frizzled related proteins (sFRPs) |
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Stefan Hardt |
Modulation for myocardial remodeling by Wnt signaling |
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Gary Davidson |
Tyrosine phosphorylation of LRP6 and its role in Wnt signaling |
Associated Projects
Alexander Aulehla |
Oscillations of Wnt signaling activity during mesoderm patterning in the mouse embryo – identification of the core mechanism |
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Matthias Carl |
The genetic network downstream of tcf mediated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling during the establishment of brain asymmetries |
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Steffen Scholpp |
Functional analysis of canonical Wnt gradient formation in vitro and in vivo |
