Principal Investigators

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christian Behl
Institute for Pathobiochemistry
University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Duesbergweg 6
55128 Mainz
Phone: +49 6131 39-25890
cbehl@uni-mainz.de
Homepage

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BAG3-mediated selective autophagy in neuronal protein homeostasis and neurodegeneration

Based on our previous findings, we now aim to decipher the detailed function of BAG3-mediated selective autophagy in neuronal proteostasis and neurodegeneration employing cellular models of ALS and Alzheimer´s disease. We will analyze the clearance of aggregation-prone disease proteins, define the aggresome content and the required autophagy machinery downstream of BAG3-driven aggresome formation. Further, we will elucidate the impact of upstream modulators and signaling pathways. Finally, we will analyze the relevance of BAG3-mediated autophagy for neuronal mitochondrial quality control and examine its role in mitophagy and during the adaptation of neuronal cells to redox stress.