DMMC Course: MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY IN ACTION

0930-1050 Monday 31 January 2005. Conway Institute Lecture Theatre, UCD

Extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and migration Dr John Crean, UCD

We view cell biology in a larger context that includes extracellular matrix and cell-cell interaction. Interactions of cells with matrix regulate processes including cell differentiation, wound healing and cell migration. These interactions are complex: Cells synthesise and degrade the matrix in which they live and the matrix in turn presents the cells with growth factors and substrate, signals which regulate the cells. Our research explores the dynamic equilibrium between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) in various kidney cells. In these studies we recapitulate, in culture, the diabetic environment and investigate the interactions and interplay between growth factors, integrins and ECM that initiate signals that modulate mesangial cell function.