Renoprotection by understanding functional and structural G-protein-coupled receptor activation (A03)

• Subject Area: Structural Biology ; Nephrology
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 394046635

Autoantibodies (immunoglobulins - IgGs) induce several renal pathologies by targeting the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), Angiotensin II type 1 and Endothelin-1 type A. We aim to identify and characterize determinants and signaling pathways that are specific for pathogenic IgG binding and receptor-activation as compared to endogenous peptide receptor-agonists. By a combination of G-protein signaling assays in yeast or mammalian cells with biophysical in vitro assays, protein X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, we will elucidate molecular insights into autoimmune GPCR activation, which finally will support a rational design of new specific renoprotective drugs.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1365: Renoprotection
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Duska Dragun (†); Dr. Patrick Scheerer