Cell-specific role of the PDGF system in renal fibrosis ((3)-P25)

• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2013 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36842431

We aim to analyse the role of PDGF-BB, the ligand of both PDGF receptor chains a and ß, in progressive kidney diseases using genetic deletion of PDGF-B in a cell-specific manner. We also aim to clarify the role of PDGFR signaling in the perivascular Gli1+ precursors of renal, but also liver myofibroblasts using mice with inducible activation of constitutively active PDGFR mutants specifically in Gli1+ cells. Finally, we aim to evaluate the components of the PDGF system as potential biomarkers or molecular imaging modalities for the non-invasive assessment of renal fibrosis.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 57: Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Peter Boor, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Jürgen Floege