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Effects of Plakophilins on binding properties of desmosomal cadherins

Institution: Anatomische Anstalt, LMU München
Applicant: Franziska Vielmuth, Jens Waschke
Funding line:
First and Second Applications
To elucidate the binding properties of desmosomal cadherins we use atomic force microscopy.

Desmosomes represent cell-cell-contacts required for proper intercellular adhesion. Thus, they are most important in tissues constantly exposed to mechanical stress. With our research we aim to investigate the regulation of desmosomal adhesion in the skin where their dysfunction leads to the bullous dermatosis pemphigus as well as to the ectodermal dysplasia skin fragility syndrome.

In the current project we characterize the effects of the desmosomal plaque proteins, especially of plakophilins, on single molecule binding properties of desmosomal cadherins which maintain intercellular adhesion by interactions with their extracellular domains. Therefore, we use biophysical techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, in combination with biochemical approaches and molecular biology methods.

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