Seminar with Prof. Tobias Madl from the Medical University of Graz

he integration of signaling pathways and transcription factor interactions plays a crucial role in regulating numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. In our research, we focus on the cross-talk between and regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, p53, and FOXO signaling networks. By using a multidisciplinary approach that combines Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy with complementary biophysical, computational and cell biological methods, we provide a detailed understanding of how these signaling networks interplay at the molecular level. Specifically, our research sheds light on the critical roles of intrinsically disordered regions within these proteins and their functional implications.

A major aspect of our research is the dynamic and structural investigation of transcription factor interactions, particularly focusing on how IDRs modulate these interactions. In my presentation I will focus on selected examples and aim to demonstrate how the interplay between transcription factors and co-regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin, p53 and FOXO signaling pathways and in turn their activity is regulated by disordered motifs. Moreover, I will present how targeting of the disordered region of p53 represents a promising strategy for modulating this pathway in therapeutic contexts.