The characterization of MIF and MIF-2 and their respective receptors in fibrocytes in the context of wound healing

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Bong-Sung Kim
• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism ; Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: from 2014 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 269614686

Wound healing is a complex process of tissue regeneration. While a normal, physiological wound healing leads to a wound closure within a few weeks, various local as well as systemic factors can impair the wound healing progress. Acute and chronic wound healing disorders represent a high burden for patients, specialists and the health care system. Especially severe wounds (e. g. extended pressure ulcers, burn wounds) require treatment and later coverage by experienced plastic surgeons. The candidate specializes in the research of macrophages, circulating fibrocytes (mononuclear cells with high differentiation capacity) in adipose tissue during wound healing. Furthermore, he focuses on the role of MIF (atypic pro-inflammatory cytokine), MIF2 (a recently discovered homolog of MIF) as well as their respective receptors CXCR2, CXCR4 and CD74/44. Experiments and techniques described in this application will be performed at the Yale-University under Prof. Bucala. They outline initial steps of further studies which will be carried out after the applicant has returned to his home institution. 1. Determination and localization of MIF and MIF2 in fibrocytes and supernatants2. Determination of MIF-receptors in fibrocytes3. Investigation of the interaction of MIF/MIF-2 and their respective receptors. Special focus on the MIF-2/CXCR4-axis 4. Investigation of MIF-pathways (JNK, PI3K-Akt; MAPK, ERK1, 2) in fibrocytes5. Investigation of the influence of fibrocytes on wound healing by co-cultivation with keratinocytes6. Investigation of the influence of MIF/MIF2 on wound healing (defined wounds/burns) in a mouse-model (MIF/MIF2 knockout). The number and differentiation state of fibrocytes as well as polarization of macrophages will also be determined.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Richard Bucala, Ph.D.