Project Details
Projekt
Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) and monocytes as therapeutic targets in cardiorenal injury (C10)
Subject Area
Anatomy and Physiology
Term
since 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 322900939
Tissue fibrosis represents a hallmark of advanced CKD and CVD. Recent experimental work in various CKD models revealed the crucial involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and thus progressive CKD. Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is a member of the Dickkopf protein family, which is closely involved in the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This project will uncover the role of DKK3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling as well as deregulated monocytes in tissue fibrosis leading to organ dysfunction in CKD. We will also assess how DKK3 inhibition can be translated into a specific therapeutic target to reduce cardiovascular complications in CKD patients.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
Applicant Institution
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
Project Heads
Dr. Dalia Alansary, since 1/2026; Professor Dr. Danilo Fliser, since 1/2022; Professorin Barbara Anne Niemeyer, Ph.D., until 12/2021; Dr. Stefan J. Schunk, from 1/2022 until 12/2025; Professor Dr. Thimoteus Speer, Ph.D., from 4/2020 until 12/2021; Dr. Stephen Zewinger, until 4/2020
