SFB / Transregio 23
"Vascular Differentiation and Remodeling"

Mannheim - Heidelberg - Frankfurt

Dr. Andreas Fischer Vascular Biology, Center for Biomedicine and Medical Technology (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13-17 D-68167 Mannheim Phone: 0049 (0)621 383 9963 Lab Homepage
	andreas.fischer(at)medma.uni-heidelberg.de
A7: The role of Notch ligands during blood vessel development
Angiogenesis is critically dependent of Delta-Notch signaling. However, it is unknown how different Notch ligands fulfill distinct functions. There is evidence that the Notch cascade also elicits reverse signaling in ligand expressing cells. We intend to clarify this new aspect of Notch signaling in endothelial biology. We will thoroughly characterize the functions and the molecular mechanisms of ligand intracellular domains in vitro and in transgenic mice and zebrafish. Furthermore, we will elicit the dynamic expression patterns of Notch1 and Dll4 during angiogenesis under real-time conditions in vivo.

Delta-Notch signaling:Interaction of Notch receptors with ligands induces cleavage of the receptor
leading to liberation of the intracellular domain followed by induction of target genes like Hes and Hey.