Integrin alpha V beta 5-associated Focal and Reticular Adhesions in Melanoma
Principal investigator
The hypothesis of this project is that proteins of the integrin αVβ5-associated focal adhesion (FA) or reticular adhesion (RA) may serve as excellent targets to achieve increased sensitivity to paclitaxel (PTX), and, concurrently, the decreased cell migration and invasion. We hypothesize that integrin αVβ5-associated PPI (protein-protein interaction)-network proteins are part of FAs. We also hypothesize that upon depletion of FAs, we will identify protein composition of RAs. Within this project we will uncover the possible role of integrin αVβ5-associated FA and RA components in formation of FA and RA, actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, cell sensitivity to PTX, migration and invasion. This project will enhance our understanding of localisation, composition and function of FAs and RAs in the melanoma cell model and therefore increase the basic knowledge on integrin αVβ5 adhesion complexes associated FAs and RAs.