EXC 1003 A4 - Cell Programming and Mobility of Bone Marrow-Derived Cells

Basic data for this project

Description

The knowledge on cell fate programmes and fundamental principles of cell polarization, membrane compartmentalization and cell motility is also relevant for individual cells that are involved in pathophysiological processes. Based on the existing expertise in Münster and the relevance for many inflammatory conditions, this project will focus on the distinct mechanisms underlying the differentiation and specific recruitment of subpopulations of macrophages and dendritic cells that mediate either pro- or anti-inflammatory responses. Knowledge obtained from analysing the basic dynamic properties of these cells will be transferred to clinically relevant inflammatory diseases of the skin and the joints. This involves monitoring the migration and recruitment of specific leukocyte subsets using 2-photon microscopy and 5D fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) in experimental models of inflammation in vivo. Whole-body morphological, functional and molecular imaging (CT, MRI, PET, Fluorescence reflectance imaging - FRI) will complement these approaches in animal models and patients. Leukemic cells also show a high degree of plasticity which is evident in their altered cell programmes resulting in abnormal mobility. These dynamic aspects of leukemic cells will be investigated in CiM by identifying and functionally characterizing genes relevant for leukemic cell migration and analysis of this migration using the above described molecular and cellular imaging tools. Long-term, these studies will define molecular parameters that can be used for the establishment of specific imaging strategies to monitor the outcome of therapeutic interventions in clinically relevant diseases.