Uncovering novel molecular mechanisms within Wnt signaling (B07)

• Subject Area: Structural Biology ; Biochemistry ; Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 331351713

The project aims at unraveling molecular mechanisms of Wnt signaling by integration of structural, cell and molecular biology approaches. We will study key interactions in Wnt signaling focusing on selected interactions. We will continue dissecting the interplay between DEAD-box helicases and Casein kinases for regulation of Dishevelled, and perform a detailed analysis of Evi/Wls interaction with Wnt, Porcupine and novel protein partners. In addition, we will unravel the structural basis of Wnt cleavage by a conserved proteinase as a novel mechanism of Wnt signal inhibition. To this end, we will study Wnt inhibition at the ligand level by a recently identified member of the astacin proteinase family (HAS-7) as a Wnt3 processing factor.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1324: Mechanisms and functions of Wnt signaling
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Irmgard Sinning; Professor Dr. Suat Özbek, since 7/2021