Idaira María Guerrero Fonseca, MsC

Inflamed venular endothelial cells actively regulate neutrophil transmigration. Although the surface molecules involved in luminal neutrophil-endothelial interactions are very well described, the role of intracellular actin-binding proteins (ABP) regulating this response in endothelial cells is still not well understood. Endothelial cortactin is a cortical ABP that modulates the formation of ICAM-1 clusters at the site of adhered neutrophils, however, its specific dynamic localization and functions have not been investigated. By using confocal microscopy of post-capillary venules in inflamed cremaster muscle, we are investigating the localization and modifications of cortactin triggered by neutrophil adhesion and how this response supports neutrophil transmigration. This project is realized in collaboration with Prof. Sussan Nourshargh in London, UK, where I realized two 6-months research stays supported by a Newton Advanced Fellowship Award.

Other lines of research: 

• To explore the role of the actin-binding protein HS1 in neutrophil recruitment and lung damage during sepsis.
• To analyze the role of HS1 in neutrophil effector functions.