The Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory combines basic research in molecular and cell biology to study fundamental biological processes in plant and animal cells and to elucidate the mechanisms of action of novel bioactive components from Chinese medicinal plants.
ACTIVITIES
The actin cytoskeleton is a complex intracellular system of dynamic filaments supporting various biological processes in higher eukaryotes, including cell division, growth, contraction, motility and defense against pathogens. In humans, deregulation of its dynamics or organization can have dramatic consequences on health, e.g. myopathies and cancers. Aims of the PMB unit are to unravel the actin cytoskeleton functions and its regulation. Particular focus is on evolutionary conserved actin regulatory proteins expected to participate in fundamental cellular actin-based processes. Comparative analyses in different kingdoms should identify central actin regulators and uncover common pathways involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. By studying LIM proteins with dual cytoskeletal and nuclear functions, the unit addresses the emerging issue on cytoskeleton-nuclear cross-talks.
Chinese herbal medicine , which is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long tradition in the prevention and treatment of diseases, including cancer. Components responsible for these therapeutic effects belong basically to four groups of plant secondary metabolites: alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids. In a collaboration with research groups from China and Norway we are studying anti-cancer effects of novel purified components from Chinese medicinal herbs and from a number of local plants, with the aim to identify novel lead compounds for potential use in cancer therapy. The most promising candidates identified from a screening in various cancer cell lines will be selected for more in-depth in vitro investigations including the identification of their targets in the cell membranes and the pathways affected, as well as for in vivo studies such as the analysis of their pharmacological properties in the mouse model.