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:
- identification of the mechanisms regulating leukocyte/endothelium adhesion and determining the recruitment of inflammatory and immune cells in the tissues;
- 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:
- role of the interactions endothelial selectins:PSGL(P-selectin glycoprotein ligand)-1 and CLA (cutaneous lymphocyte antigen) in the induction of the disease (EAE);
- role of fucosyltransferases (Fuc-Ts) in tethering and rolling of lymphocytes in cerebral microcirculation and EAE;
- study of the meccanisms of integrin activation in brain microcirculation Study of the meccanisms of integrin activation in brain microcirculation.