Integration of inflammation and pattern recognition receptor signaling into unfolded protein response-driven colonic tumorigenesis

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dirk Haller

Technical University of Munich
School of Life Sciences
Chair of Nutrition and Immunology(link is external)

E-Mail(link sends e-mail)

  

Project Summary


Unfolded protein responses (UPR) of the endoplasmic reticulum is associated with intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis. We created novel mouse models in which epithelial cell-specific activation of the UPR pathway is enforced using constitutively active forms of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Using germ-free mice, we made the striking observation that the presence of microbiota in the context of aberrant UPR activation is necessary for spontaneous colon tumor formation. In the proposed project, they will study which innate immune receptors and pathways are engaged by the microbiota and synergize with epithelial cell-specific UPR to promote tumorigenesis.