Understanding integrin clustering to control matrix remodeling and phagocytosis

Cell surface receptors play a critical role in cellular communication and are integral to physiological regulation. Integrins, a family of cell adhesion receptors, facilitate interactions between cells and their extracellular environment, contributing to a range of biological functions. This project focuses on the development of molecular tools to precisely control integrin clustering and explores the influence of controlled integrin clustering on cell-matrix interaction and phagocytosis. Effective communication between cells and the matrix is essential for biological processes like wound healing. Therefore, better understanding of integrin-mediated matrix remodeling holds significant importance in preventing pathological conditions that may lead to undesirable outcomes, such as excessive scar formation or fibrosis. The proposed work in eye research is driven by the relevance of defects in phagocytosis, which can result in severe diseases like Age-related Macular Degeneration.