Cell adhesion: mechanisms of regulation and role in the control of cell movement, activation and survival (II)

Starting date
January 10, 2003
Duration (months)
54
Managers or local contacts
Constantin Gabriela
Keyword
Cell adhesion, Migration, Signal transduction, Integrins, Cell survival, Cell proliferation

This project is finalized to the constitution of a network of laboratories interested to characterize the mechanisms that regulate cell adhesion and its role in the control of cell movement, proliferation and survival.
The aims of the proposed network of laboratories can be briefly indicated as the follows:
  1. identification of the mechanisms regulating leukocyte/endothelium adhesion and determining the recruitment of inflammatory and immune cells in the tissues;
  2. identification of the integrin-dependent signal transduction mechanisms involved in the control of cell movement, proliferation and survival.
The principal aim of our research proposal is to study the adhesion molecules and signal transduction molecules controlling the adhesion of lymphocytes to brain endothelium in vivo in order to identify new therapeutical targets for multiple sclerosis (MS)/ experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Specific aims:
  1. role of the interactions endothelial selectins:PSGL(P-selectin glycoprotein ligand)-1 and CLA (cutaneous lymphocyte antigen) in the induction of the disease (EAE);
  2. role of fucosyltransferases (Fuc-Ts) in tethering and rolling of lymphocytes in cerebral microcirculation and EAE;
  3. study of the meccanisms of integrin activation in brain microcirculation Study of the meccanisms of integrin activation in brain microcirculation.

Sponsors:

Ministero dell'Istruzione dell'Università e della Ricerca
Funds: assigned and managed by an external body
Syllabus: FIRB

Project participants

Gabriela Constantin
Full Professor
Marianna Martinello
Linda Ottoboni
Barbara Rossi
Assistant Professor

Activities

Research facilities

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