C5: Chromatin modification in immune- and tumor cells by toll like receptors (TLRs)
Toll-like receptors (TLR) are pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system that recognize pathogens via conserved structures such as lipopolysaccharide, lipoproteins and nucleic acid. Consequently, they activate immune cells and lead to the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, an inflammatory response must be tightly regulated to avoid tissue damage. Recently it has been demonstrated for TLR4 activation that gene-specific regulatory mechanisms such as chromatin modification exist that allow individual aspects of the TLR-induced response to be differentially regulated. The molecular mechanisms and the role of the nucleic acid recognizing TLRs such as TLR3 (double stranded RNA), TLR7/8 (single-stranded RNA) and TLR9 (CpG DNA) in these processes are unknown. Since TLR expression on tumor cells can promote tumor growth, it will be also important to analyze, if regulatory mechanisms such as chromatin modifications are absent in tumor cells.

The goal of this project is to analyze the gene expression and chromatin modification of proinflammatory and immunomodulatory genes mediated by nucleic acid stimulate TLRs in immune and tumor cells. These experiments will lead to a better understanding of TLR-mediated molecular processes during inflammation and tumor growth and in addition may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Last Updated on Monday, 15 June 2009 11:48