© Raphael Schleutker

Research Topic

We are focused on the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the host inflammatory response, especially the signaling events that lead to changes in cellular structure and function.

Receptors on the cell surface sense and respond to extracellular ligands and transmit the signals to the cell interior. We are particularly interested in the signal transduction pathways elicited through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We address the dynamics of signaling complexes at the cell surface and the endocytotic mechanisms that govern receptor trafficking and signal termination. We are especially interested in the function of the late endosome, an important hub for the segregation of incoming cargo and also the site of the endosomal escape for Influenza A as well as other enveloped viruses.

Our comprehensive range of molecular, biochemical and cellular methods includes analysis of gene regulation through microarray and quantitative Real-Time PCR technique, analyses of protein functions in vitro and in vivo using biochemical techniques, cell models, flow cytometry and microscopy.

Selected Publications

  • Gerke, V., Gavins, F.N.E., Geisow, M., Grewal, T., Jaiswal, J.K., Nylandsted, J., Rescher, U. (2024). Annexins-a family of proteins with distinctive tastes for cell signaling and membrane dynamics. Nature Communications, 15:1574. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45954-0.

  • Goretzko, J., Pauels, I., Heitzig, N., Thomas, K., Kardell, M., Naß, J., Krogsaeter, E.K., Schloer, S., Spix, B., Linard Matos, A.L., Leser, C., Wegner, T., Glorius, F., Bracher, F., Gerke, V., Rossaint, J., Grimm, C., Rescher, U. (2023). P-selectin-dependent leukocyte adhesion is governed by endolysosomal two-pore channel 2. Cell Reports, 42:113501. doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113501.

  • Vöing, K., Michgehl, U., Mertens, N.D., Picciotto, C., Maywald, M.L., Goretzko, J., Waimann, S., Gilhaus, K., Rogg, M., Schell, C., Klingauf, J., Tsytsyura, Y., Hansen, U., van Marck, V., Edinger, A.L., Vollenbröker, B., Rescher, U., Braun, D.A., George, B., Weide, T., Pavenstädt, H. (2023). Disruption of the Rab7-Dependent Final Common Pathway of Endosomal and Autophagic Processing Results in a Severe Podocytopathy. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 34:1191-1206. doi.org/1010.1681/ASN.0000000000000126.

  • Ehring, K., Manikowski, D., Goretzko, J., Froese, J., Gude, F., Jakobs, P., Rescher, U., Kirchhefer, U., Grobe, K. (2021). Conserved cholesterol-related activities of Dispatched drive Sonic hedgehog shedding from the cell membrane. Journal of Cell Science, 135:jcs258672. doi.org/10.1242/jcs.258672.

  • Schloer, S., Brunotte, L., Goretzko, J., Mecate-Zambrano, A., Korthals, N., Gerke, V., Ludwig, S., Rescher, U. (2020). Targeting the endolysosomal host-SARS-CoV-2 interface by clinically licensed functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMA) including the antidepressant fluoxetine. Emerging Microbes & Infections, 9:2245-2255. doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2020.1829082.