Function of the novel genes apoptosis-related proteins (APR)-1 and APR-2

• Applicant: Mohamed Hassan, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Dermatology
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 76899428

The availability of the almost complete human genome greatly assists in the identification of genes and their regulatory elements. One of the current major challenges is to functionally analyze both, known genes and their biologically active domains in vitro and in vivo, to understand their physiological role and to investigate their potential in the treatment of human disease. In our laboratory, we have established a functional screening system using randomized fragmented cDNA libraries for the isolation of functional genes in CD95-mediated apoptosis (Hassan et al., Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005, 62, 2015-2026). Using this gene discovery procedure, we have successfully isolated a number of novel and known genes including apoptosisrelated proteins APR-1 (acc: CA948027) and APR-2 (acc: AF143236). Therefore, the aim of this research project is to analyze in more detail the function of APR-1 and APR-2 in vitro and to provide insight into their potential in tumor therapy.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Ulrich R. Hengge