Cell adhesion receptors play an essential role for multicellular organisms. Members of different protein families such as integrins and immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) not only support the structural integrity of cells and tissues, but also contribute to signal transduction. We are interested in elucidating the role of these receptors and their associated signalling enzymes in physiological processes such as cell adhesion and migration, but also aim at understanding the role of these proteins in disease settings involving wound healing, tumor cell survival and metastasis, as well as inflammation.
Cell adhesion receptors are also prime targets for bacterial pathogens trying to establish tight contact with host tissues. Therefore, we are currently analyzing selected human pathogenic microbes with regard to adhesin-receptor interactions and their role in the course of infection.
Supported by tight collaborations with chemists and molecular biologists alike we utilize a wide spectrum of methodological approaches ranging from genetic manipulation of bacterial and mammalian cells, advanced light and electron microscopy, flow cytometry and protein biochemistry to sophisticated spectrometrical techniques such as FLIM-FRET measurements, screening and chemical optimization of small compounds, as well as rational design of synthetic nucleotide analogues for enzyme analysis.
It is our ultimate goal to attain a deepened molecular understanding of cell adhesion receptors and to open up new avenues for modulating their contribution to pathological processes.
Selected Review Articles:
Mix, A.K., Goob, G., Sontowski, E., Hauck, C.R. 2021 Microscale communication between bacterial pathogens and the host epithelium. Genes Immun. 22(5-6): 247-254. doi:10.1038/s41435-021-00149-1.
Seumen, C.H.T, Grimm, T.M., Hauck, C.R. 2021 Protein phosphatases in TLR signaling. Cell Commun Signal 19(1): 45. doi:10.1186/s12964-021-00722-1.
Bonsignore, P., Kuiper, J.W.P., Adrian, J., Goob, G., Hauck, C.R. 2019 CEACAM3-A Prim(at)e Invention for Opsonin-Independent Phagocytosis of Bacteria. Front. Immunol. 10: 3160. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03160.
Dauner, M., Batroff, E., Bachmann, V., Hauck, C.R., Wittmann, V. 2016 Synthetic Glycosphingolipids for Live-Cell Labeling. Bioconjug. Chem. 27(7): 1624-37. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00177.
Doll, F., Buntz, A., Späte, A.K., Schart, V.F., Timper, A., Schrimpf, W., Hauck, C.R.2016 Zumbusch A, Wittmann V. Visualization of Protein-Specific Glycosylation inside Living Cells. Angew. Chem. Int. 55(6): 2262-6. doi: 10.1002/anie.201503183.
Tchoupa, A.K., Schuhmacher, T., Hauck, C.R. 2014 Signaling by epithelial members of the CEACAM family - mucosal docking sites for pathogenic bacteria. Cell Commun. Signal. 12:27.
Hauck, C.R., Borisova, M., Muenzner, P. 2012 Exploitation of integrin function by pathogenic microbes. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 24: 637-44.
Buntru, A., Roth, A., Nyffenegger-Jann, N.J., Hauck, C.R. 2012 HemITAM signaling by CEACAM3, a human granulocyte receptor recognizing bacterial pathogens. Arch Biochem. Biophys. 524: 77-83.
Hoffmann, C., Ohlsen, K., Hauck, C.R. 2011 Integrin-mediated uptake of fibronectin-binding bacteria. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 90(11): 891-896.
Pils S., Gerrard, D., Meyer, A., Hauck, C.R. 2008 CEACAM3, an innate immune receptor directed against human-restricted bacterial pathogens. Int. J. Med. Microbiol. 298: 553-60.
Hauck, C.R., 2007 Microbiology: Preparing the shot. Nature 449: 798-799.
Kuespert, K., Pils, S., Hauck, C.R. 2006 CEACAMs: their role in physiology and pathophysiology.
Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 18:565-571.
Hauck, C.R. Ohlsen, K, 2006 Sticky connections: ECM protein recognition and integrin-mediated cellular invasion by Staphylococcus aureus. Curr. Opion Microbiol. 9: 5-11.
Hauck, C.R., Agerer, F., Münzner, P., Schmitter, T. 2006 Cellular adhesion molecules as targets for bacterial infection. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 85: 235-242.
Hauck, C.R., 2006 The Role of Bacterial Adhesion to Epithelial Cells in Pathogenesis.
In: McCormick B.A. (ed.) Bacterial-Epithelial Cell Cross-Talk: Molecular Mechanisms in Pathogenesis.
Cambridge University Press.
Hauck, C.R. Meyer, T.F. 2003 "Small"-talk: Opa proteins as mediators of Neisseria-host cell communication. Curr. Opinion Microbiol 6: 43-49.
Hauck, C.R., 2002 Cell Adhesion Receptors - Signaling Capacity and Exploitation by Bacterial Pathogens. Med. Microbiol. & Immunol. 191: 55-62.
