Calcium mediated actin rearrangement (CAR) in podocyte development and pathogenesis (B10)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2016 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 194468054

We have characterized a large panel of mutants in the calcium-regulated actin nucleator inverted formin 2 (INF2) that cause the kidney disease “focal segmental glomerulosclerosis” (FSGS) and the neurological disorder Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT). While all CMT linked INF2 mutations result in complete activation of the formin, many FSGS-linked mutations mediate partial INF2 activation. We will now characterize the actin regulatory network in podocytes during recovery from plasma membrane damage and characterize the consequences of INF2 deletion in mice on glomerular morphology, function and repair.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1009: Breaking Barriers - Immune Cells and Pathogens at Cell/Matrix Barriers
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Hermann Pavenstädt; Professor Dr. Roland Wedlich-Söldner