RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ellen Reisinger
About
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.
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.
Educational program
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, embedded into the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine
(this link is only available in German).
Ph.D. program
Our training program focuses on three modular organized basic areas:
Our training program is carried out in the research groups as well as in the RTG and is complemented by activities offered by the Medical Faculty of Tübingen and the University Tübingen.
- theoretical modules
- practical scientific modules
- tutorials and training in soft skills
Ph.D. program
Our training program focuses on three modular organized basic areas:
Our training program is carried out in the research groups as well as in the RTG and is complemented by activities offered by the Medical Faculty of Tübingen and the University Tübingen.
- theoretical modules
- practical scientific modules
- tutorials and training in soft skills
M.D. program
Within the initial 12-month period the students will be enrolled in the training curriculum of the
“Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine”
of the Medical Faculty Tübingen.
The experimental part of your research project shall be completed within the first 12 months,
during which you will opt for at least one semester break from the medical school.
Within the second 12-month phase you will complete
- data analysis
- prepare your dissertation and publications
- present your data at national/international meetings
As part of our RTG2816 you always have the opportunity to participate in all events within our RTG.
Our aim is to enthusiast you about science and to attract and prepare you for a track as clinician scientists.
Gender Equality
In our RTG 2816, we have almost 65 % female Principal Investigators.
We offer various measures to support female scientists at the graduate level.
In addition, we want to support the compatibility of scientific career and family life for all RTG members. Additional financial support is provided to the scientists of our RTG 2816, taking into account the DFG standards on gender equality and the principle of no betterment.
RTG 2816
Non-canonical
G protein signaling pathways
Dear users of our website, Thank you for visiting our web pages. We appreciate your interest in the RTG2816 and the information we provide on studies and research. This privacy statement is to inform you about the processing of your personal data