The Extracellular Matrix as Target for Biophysical and Molecular Imaging of Inflammation and Fibrosis of the Liver (B07)

• Subject Area: Radiology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 372486779

There is a high demand for non-invasive diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Both diseases cause remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We are investigating whether modern MRE techniques, ECM-targeted probes and non-specific gadolinium-containing contrast agents allow image-based characterization of disease-specific altered ECM structures. This will be done translationally in mouse models and patient tissue samples. In addition, the contribution of the gut microbiome to the development of NAFLD and NASH will be investigated.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1340: In vivo Visualization of Extracellular Matrix Pathology „Matrix in Vision“
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Patrick Asbach; Privatdozent Dr. Jürgen Braun, until 4/2024; Professor Dr. Dominik Geisel, since 7/2022; Dr. Heiko Tzschätzsch, since 5/2024