Objetivo
OBJECTIVES: the dynamic process of neural development essentially depends on the co-ordinated performance of cellular adhesion events. Among the best characterised molecules involved in the regulation of these processes is the neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM. A remarkable feature of NCAM is its ability to carry an unusual posttranslational modification, the polysialic acid (PSA). PSA expression correlates with stages of cellular motility and recent data implicate its function in synaptic plasticity and in tumor malignancy. The first molecular cloning of PST-1 in the coordinator's laboratory is a pioneering step in evaluating the biological function of PSA. The large number of neurobiological studies spurred by the availability of PST-1 cDNA and genomic clones exceeds by far the capacity of a single laboratory. Full exploitation of these resources thus requires a co-ordinated, transnational research effort. The studies decribed in this proposal are aimed at enlightening the molecular features of PSA, the biosynthetic pathway and the dynamics of PSA-expression and thus, build the basis for the development of therapeutics suitable to nudge up PSA synthesis (e.g. after nerve injury), or to block PSA-expression at the cellular level (e.g. tumors). Objectives of this proposal therefore are:
- Physicochemical studies on the recombinant PST-1 should provide the three dimensional structure of this enzyme, allowing the definition of functionally active sites, and the design of specific PST-1 agonists and antagonists.
- Physicochemical data will be confirmed by site directed mutagenesis and analysis of newly generated mutants in a specific in vitro assay system.
- Determination of the catalytic mechanism of PST-1 and definition of its acceptor structure further complements the development of agonists and antagonists.
- Creation of null-mutants, of mice, which overexpress PST-1, and of mice with cell-type specific conditional expression will help to elucidate PSA functions during development and plastic processes in vivo. Moreover, these animals will provide new model systems to investigate the role of PSA in bacterial meningitis.
- Identification of PSA-binding partners and of PSA conformational structure will provide information on the molecular mechanism of PSA-guided processes and on the regulation of PSA-expression.
Ámbito científico
Convocatoria de propuestas
Data not availableRégimen de financiación
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinador
30625 Hannover
Alemania