New research focus: 15.5 million for renal cell studies in Cologne!

New research focus: 15.5 million for renal cell studies in Cologne!

Universität zu Köln, 50931 Köln, Deutschland - The German Research Foundation (DFG) recently launched a new transregio/Collaborative Research Center (SFB/TRR) at the University of Cologne, which deals with the molecular processes on the kidney filter. The SFB/TRR 422 bears the title "Podosign - Podocytes Signal Transduction: From the basics to the understanding of illness" and is initially funded over a period of 3 years and 9 months. Experts from the Universities of Cologne, Hamburg and Münster work together in this important research project.

The management have Professor Dr. Thomas Benzing from the Cologne University Hospital and Professor Dr. Tobias Huber from the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. The focus of research is the molecular control processes of podocytes, special kidney cells that take on an essential role in urine production. Damage to these cells can lead to severe kidney dysfunction and loss of vital proteins. In the past, around 80% of terminal renal failure was due to glomerular diseases that are closely connected to podocyte damage.

research goals and use of modern technologies

The main goal of the new research initiative is to decipher the mechanisms of podocyte damage, identify molecular "checkpoints" and to develop innovative therapy approaches. For this purpose, the researchers rely on modern technologies such as single cell analyzes, innovative imaging processes and AI-based data evaluation. The results obtained are to be integrated into digital models that can be linked to existing tissue collections.

A special focus is also on the research area of ​​Nephrin signal transduction. Nephrin, a cell adhesion protein, plays a crucial role in training and maintaining podocyte foot processes and slit membranes. In the case of diseases that affect the filter function of the kidney, there is often a restructuring of the slit membrane and the podocytes of the podocytes. The signal transmission from Nephrin via actinzytoskeleton-associated proteins is a central topic that is examined with various model organisms such as Drosophila Melanogaster.

causes and effects of podocyte damage

The causes of podocyte damage are diverse and can be both genetic and environmentally related nature. Genetic diseases include the diffuse mesangial sclerosis, the congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type, alport syndrome and the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Environmental factors such as arterial hypertension and diabetic nephropathy also contribute significantly to the damage to the podocytes. These cells are postmithotically, which means that in the event of damage, they can only adapt by hypertrophy adjacent cells.

Research in the field of molecular nephrology aims to understand the basic molecular mechanisms behind podocytopathies. For this purpose, genetic mice and special cell lines are used to carry out biochemical and cell biological studies. The results of these examinations could lead to the development of new therapy approaches in the long term, which could significantly influence the fate of patients with renal failure.

With a funding of 15.5 million euros, the DFG underlines the importance and urgency of research in this sensitive area, which is not only for science, but also for the patient situation.