Molecular interactions between microfibrils and basement membranes

• Applicant: Dr. Dieter Reinhardt
• Subject Area: Dermatology
• Term: from 2000 to 2005
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5250556

Anchorage of microfibrils to basement membranes is a universal principle of multicellular organisms. The specific subjects of this proposal focus on molecular mechanisms of microfibril-basement membrane interactions. We propose the following approaches:1. Ligand binding between microfibrillar and basement membrane proteins will be examined with highly purified proteins from either recombinant or tissue sources. 2. To detect protein interactions not covered under "1", we will develop a new surface display technology and use it to screen for ligand binding interactions between microfibrillar and basement membrane proteins.3. A model system with human lens capsules will be developed. This system allows us to test anchorage and growth of microfibrils within basement membranes.4. Electron microscopic characterization of the microfibril-basement membrane interface.From these projects, we expect important contributions for (i) the understanding of functional relationships of basement membranes with their environment, (ii) new strategies in tissue engineering (e.g. blood vessels and skin equivalents), and (iii) the development of therapeutic concepts for diseases characterized by distrubed microfibrils-basement membrane interfaces.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1086: Genetic and Molecular Analysis of Basement Membranes and Basement Membrane Anchorage
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Thilo Wedel