Signal transduction

Signal transduction at the cellular level refers to the transduction of signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. This involves the coupling of ligand-receptor interactions to intracellular events. Post-translational modifications change protein conformations and enzyme activities. The eventual outcome is an alteration in cellular activity and changes in the program of genes expressed within the responding cells. Numerous diseases are caused by a dysfunctional cellular signal transduction. For example, the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells is caused by mutations in the genes encoding growth factors, their receptors, signal transducing enzymes (mostly kinases), and transcription factors. Recent exciting examples of successful transpositions of basic signal transduction research into clinical applications include kinase inhibitors used in tumor therapy or cytokine traps used in chronic inflammatory diseases. Thus, a thorough understanding of cellular signal transduction and its underlying molecular mechanisms is crucial for the development of novel drugs targeting cellular communication pathways.

Research

Our main research focus is the signal transduction of cytokines and the development of cancer.
In particular, we are interested in the elucidation of

• molecular mechanisms of signal transduction mediated by Janus kinases and STAT transcription factors,
• (patho)physiologic consequences of Jak/STAT signalling, e. g. the role of constitutively active Jak mutants in myeloproliferative disorders,
• the role of microRNAs in melanoma development and growth regulation,
• cross-talk of cytokine signal transduction with other signalling pathways (growth factors, hypoxia).

Team members

• Iris Behrmann , PhD, Prof.
• Stephanie Kreis , PhD
• Claude Haan , PhD
• Christiane Margue , PhD
• Catherine Rolvering , MSc (technician)
• Demetra Philippidou , BSc (technician)
• Martina Schmitt , PhD student
• Karoline Gäbler , PhD student