SFB / Transregio 23
"Vascular Differentiation and Remodeling"

Mannheim - Heidelberg - Frankfurt

Dr. Stefan Liebner and Prof. Dr. Karl H. Plate Institute of Neurology (Edinger-Institute) Medical School Goethe University Frankfurt Heinrich-Hofmann-Str. 7 D-60528 Frankfurt/Main Phone: 0049 (0)69 6301 84154 / 84155 Lab Homepage
	stefan.liebner(at)kgu.de karl-heinz.plate(at)kgu.de
B7: Molecular analysis of the Wnt/b-catenin pathway in endothelial differentiation and remodeling
The molecular factors involved in blood-brain barrier (BBB) differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) are poorly understood. We collected evidence that Wnt/b-catenin signaling plays a major role herein but the Wnt growth factors and frizzled receptors acting upstream are poorly defined. The aim of the project is to characterize the specific role of Wnt factors and their frizzled receptors in EC differentiation to a BBB phenotype, and the implication of the barrier forming capacity in pathological angiogenesis of the central nervous system. For this aim we will employ state of the art molecular biology, cell biology and in vivo mouse transgenic approaches.

EC-derived, as well as neuroectodermal derived, Wnts potentially participate
in brain angiogenesis, BBB establishment and maintenance.