Behrendt Group

Key research interests

The projects of Niels Behrendt´s research group are focused on cellular invasion and matrix degradation through extracellular and endocytic mechanisms, with particular emphasis to collagenolysis.

The work includes multidisciplinary studies on the protein structure, cellular function and physiological role of collagen receptors and collagenolytic proteases. The proteins particularly in focus are uPARAP/Endo180 and other endocytic receptors for extracellular matrix proteins, as well as membrane type matrix metalloproteases (MT-MMPs). In addition, we explore the possibility to utilize endocytic processes for killing or inactivation of cells that possess specific surface receptors.