Next-generation fluorescence imaging for unraveling signaling pathways

Signaling pathways (SP) are the cell's way of responding to its surroundings. Aberrant signaling is often fatal or the cause of serious illness. Despite a vast amount of research on SPs, visualizing their principle components in real time has critically remained challenging. At the crossroads of biophysics and cell biology, this project aims to develop and validating novel fluorescence methods for mapping the interaction networks of biomolecules inside live cells. More specifically, two signaling pathways are investigated in detail: the ErbB pathway (including the epidermal growth factor receptor, a major actor in cell growth and differentiation) and the glycine receptor (the main receptor responsible for synaptic inhibitory neurotransmission). Ultimately, the twofold result of this project (broadly applicable novel methods and increased insights into SPs) will contribute to a strengthened position of the Chemistry Department and KU L euven in today's competitive scientific landscape.

Keywords:signaling pathways

Disciplines:Biochemistry and metabolism, Medical biochemistry and metabolism