Sub-project A02: pH in the TGN/EE as specificity determinant in post-Golgi trafficking

Principle Investigator

Prof. Dr. Karin Schumacher
Universität Heidelberg
COS, Entwicklungsbiologie der Pflanzen INF 230
69120 Heidelberg
+49 6221-54-546436
Fax +49 6221-54-546404
karin.schumacherspam prevention@cos.uni-heidelberg.de

Prof. Dr. Ursula Kummer
Universität Heidelberg
COS/Bioquant, Modellierung biologischer Prozesse INF 267
69120 Heidelberg
+49 6221-54-51278
Fax +49 6221-54-51483
ursula.kummerspam prevention@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de
 

Summary

The TGN/EE is a highly dynamic compartment through which both newly synthesized and endocytosed proteins have to pass. Acidification of the TGN/EE by the V-ATPase is an important determinant of compartmental identity and we will elucidate the molecular mechanism that targets a specific isoform of the V-ATPase to the TGN/EE where it can act as a pH-sensor that directly interacts with components of the trafficking machinery. Super-resolution microscopy will be used to identify functionals subdomains of the TGN/EE and to correlate them with their luminal pH. Based on the data obtained, our mathematical model of pH-homeostasis in the TGN/EE will be refined and tested.