Research Topics

Cellular adhesion molecules play an essential role for multicellular organisms by mediating the direct association of cells with each other and with proteins of the extracellular matrix, respectively. Members of different protein families such as integrins, cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs), selectins, or syndecans not only support the structural integrity of cells and tissues, but also contribute to signal transduction. We are interested in elucidating the role of cellular adhesion molecules and associated signalling enzymes in physiological processes such as cell adhesion and migration. In addition, these studies aim to understand the role of these proteins in disease settings involving wound healing, tumor cell survival and metastasis, as well as inflammation.

It is increasingly recognized that cellular adhesion molecules are also exploited by bacterial pathogens trying to establish tight contact with eukaryotic cells. Investigations on the cellular and molecular levels have begun to illuminate the intricate cross-talk between bacterial adhesins and their host receptors. Not surprisingly, this initial encounter at the cellular level often is a critical determinant of pathogen-host specificity and constitutes a decisive point for the infection process as a whole. Therefore, we are currently analyzing selected human pathogens with regard to adhesin-receptor interactions and their role in the course of infection.

Through a combination of diverse approaches it is our ultimate goal to attain a deepened molecular understanding of cellular adhesion molecule biology and to open up new avenues for modulating cell adhesion and migration.

 

Selected Review Articles:

Hoffmann, C., Ohlsen, K., and C.R. Hauck, 2011
Integrin-mediated uptake of fibronectin-binding bacteria.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY, doi:10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.03.001.

Pils S., Gerrard, D., Meyer, A., and C.R. Hauck, 2008
CEACAM3, an innate immune receptor directed against human-restricted bacterial pathogens.
INTL. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, 298: 553-60.

Hauck, C.R., 2007
Microbiology: Preparing the shot.
NATURE, 449: 798-799.

Kuespert, K., Pils S., and C.R. Hauck, 2006
CEACAMs: their role in physiology and pathophysiology.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY, 18:565-571

Hauck, C.R. and K. Ohlsen, 2006
Sticky connections: ECM protein recognition and integrin-mediated cellular invasion by Staphylococcus aureus.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY, 9: 5-11

Hauck, C.R., Agerer, F., Münzner, P., and T. Schmitter, 2006
Cellular adhesion molecules as targets for bacterial infection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY, 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. and T.F. Meyer, 2003
"Small"-talk: Opa proteins as mediators of Neisseria-host cell communication.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY, 6: 43-49

Hauck, C.R., 2002
Cell Adhesion Receptors - Signaling Capacity and Exploitation by Bacterial Pathogens.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, 191: 55-62