9724821 Stahl This Americas Program award will fund a collaborative research project between Dr. Philip Stahl, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and Dr. Marisa Colombo, Institute for Histology and Embryology (IHEM), Mendoza, Argentina. They will conduct experiments, using in vitro and in vivo approaches, to determine the possible involvement of key proteins in controlling phagocytosis, the process by which cells internalize large particles. These particles, often including live microorganisms, are sequestered within membrane-bound compartments called phagosomes. The focus of the proposal is to develop an understanding of the mechanism of phagosome-endosome fusion and phagosome maturation.. In vitro reconstitution assays will be used to dissect the molecular mechanisms that regulate membrane fusion and transport. This technology, developed in the PI laboratory in Washington University, is being further developed and refined by the Argentinean collaborator in Mendoza This is an important area of basic research that could elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanisms during phagocytosis necessary for the future development of anti- infective strategies. ***
