RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ellen Reisinger
Projects
The RTG2816 investigates a significant and, to date, under-explored field of signal transduction: the function of non-canonical G protein signaling pathways in physiological and pathophysiological processes. The non-canonical modulators expand the classical, “canonical” signaling, which comprises (i) the binding of an agonist to a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), thereby (ii) activating a heterotrimeric G protein, and (iii) the G protein subunits modulating subsequent downstream effectors.
Please click on the project (e.g. P1) for more information or use the menu.
Since approximately one-third of all approved drugs act directly or indirectly on GPCR-associated signaling pathways, we aim to systematically analyze these expanded regulatory levels to open new perspectives for more selective and potent therapies with fewer side effects.
Signaling via heterotrimeric G proteins is ubiquitous in virtually every cell type, but the same G proteins exert very different functions herein, mediated by non-canonical regulators. This "new world" of molecules modulates signaling cascades at the levels of the receptor, the G protein, and the effector proteins, but also integrates signaling from other pathways.
The non-canonical G protein-regulated signaling pathways play critical roles in numerous biological processes of major medical and economic relevance, affecting common diseases such as diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders (P1, P11), cancer (P6, P7, P9), cardiovascular disease (P3, P8, P10), as well as hearing disorders (P4). Due to their importance, the mechanisms, functions, and biological relevance of these pathways are still the main focus of our RTG. We dedicate our work to close these knowledge gaps by deepening our understanding of selected non-canonical signaling pathways, ultimately paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
In the RTG, we focus on selected modulators that are relevant to the pathophysiology of major health issues, such as metabolic and cardiovascular disorders or tumor biology.
Please click on the project (e.g. P1) for more information or use the menu.
Education
The accompanying educational program will provide in-depth knowledge and skills to develop your career towards early
scientific professionalism and independence.
The educational program for Ph.D. students is a three-year curriculum and for M.D. students a one-year curriculum, em-
bedded into the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine.
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