Reinhard Faessler

Transmembrane-domain-driven heterodimer assembly licenses integrin head-domain folding in the endoplasmic reticulum

This study shows that transmembrane domain interactions in integrin β1-subunit are essential for proper folding and surface expression, with mutations disrupting these interactions causing functional impairments and embryonic lethality.

Integrin-identity shapes and mechanotemporally encodes the fibroblast transcriptome

This study shows integrin-identity shapes fibroblast transcriptomes under mechanical confinement, with distinct gene clusters and states depending on integrin class and confinement duration.

ILK binding to β1 Integrin is indirectly mediated by Kindlin-2

This study resolves the debate on how ILK binds to β1 integrin by showing ILK is recruited via K2, not directly, using interdisciplinary methods.

Load-dependent RGD-context sensing via αV-class integrins reprograms cellular adhesion and mechanics within seconds

This study reveals how V-class integrins rapidly sense RGD motifs and reprogram cell adhesion and mechanics through distinct mechanotransduction pathways.

The USP12/46 deubiquitinases protect integrins from ESCRT-mediated lysosomal degradation

The paper identifies USP12/46 deubiquitinases that prevent ESCRT-mediated lysosomal degradation of β1 integrin by removing ubiquitin from its cytoplasmic tail in early endosomes.

Rab7 deficiency induces lysosome formation from recycling endosomes leading to an increased degradation of cell surface proteins

Caskin2 is a novel talin and Abi1-binding protein that promotes cell motility

This study identifies Caskin2 as a novel talin-binding protein that enhances cell motility through interactions with Abi1 and the WAVE Regulatory Complex.

Pinch2 is a novel regulator of myelination in the Central Nervous System

This study identifies Pinch2 as a critical regulator of central nervous system myelination, showing that its loss leads to hypermyelination and pathological myelin outfoldings.