Reactive metabolites in the progression of the diabetic tubulopathy and its association to mitochondrial dysfunction und lipid droplets (C04)

• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 236360313

In diabetic nephropathy the renal function correlates more with the degree of tubulointerstitial injury than that of the glomerular lesions. The mitochondrial dysfunction and the accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) are characteristic features of the diabetic tubulus epithel. Using vitro und in vivo approaches, this project addresses the mechanisms of biogenesis/structure of LDs and their effect on the mitochondrial function under conditions of increased stress by reactive metabolites. Moreover, the interaction of the mitochondrial function with the renin angiotensin system and with lipid ligand controlled nuclear receptors will be studied in the context of diabetic nephropathy.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1118: Reactive metabolites as a cause of diabetes complications
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Universität Mannheim
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Hermann-Josef Gröne; Professorin Dr. Sigrid Hoffmann, Ph.D.