Frauke Melchior's Group (»Add to Infobox)

Internet:  http://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/melchior/defa...

Links: Frauke Melchior's Laboratory The Cellular Networks Homepage

General description: Research in our group centers around posttranslational modification with small ubiquitin-related proteins of the SUMO family. Like ubiquitin, these proteins can be covalently and reversibly linked to other proteins. Attachment of SUMO does not lead to degradation, and instead serves to regulate protein-protein interactions, subcellular localization, enzymatic activity, and in some cases protects proteins from ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Projects in the lab aim to understand mechanism, regulation and function of SUMOylation. We are especially interested in the connection between SUMOylation and nucleocytoplasmic transport, the function and regulation of the SUMO model target RanGAP1, and links between SUMO- and ubiquitin-conjugation pathways. Expertise: The group of Frauke Melchior has pioneered work in the field of SUMOylation, using biochemistry and mammalian cell biology. Specific fields of interest are: (1) basic mechanisms of posttranslational modification with SUMO (2) crosstalk between SUMO and ubiquitin pathways (3) redox-regulation of sumoylation (4) sumoylation and nucleocytoplasmic tranport. Facilities: Core facilities at the ZMBH include mass spectrometry and proteomics, confocal microscopy, FACS, animal facilities, and computing, mechanical and electrical support and workshops. ZMBH groups also have access to a wide range of core facilities at the DKFZ. Other European projects the organization has been involved in: EUSTROKE (coordinator), SHIVA (coordinator), DIANET, CENTZIN and others, including RUBICON and UbiRegulators (since 2009). Role in RUBICON: Research of our group relates especially to Theme 2 of WP8, as we aim to identify and characterize substrates, E3 ligases, deconjugating enzymes and co-factors involved in posttranslational modification with ubiquitin related modifier SUMO. Collaborative work within the Network is planned, e.g., with the group of Dr. Titia Sixma, on target recognition sites and consequences for sumoylation. Specific technical expertise that will be provided to the network includes reagents, in vitro sumoylation assays with recombinant enzymes, including a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based assay, and in vitro and in vivo analysis of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking.

MEMBERS (12/12)

Melchior Frauke (Principal Investigator / Frauke Melchior's Group)