TH transporters at brain barriers (P01)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 424957847

Mct8/Oatp1c1 deficient (DKO) mice not only exhibit an impaired TH transport across brain barriers but also show a strikingly reduced brain capillary network. This surprising finding indicates a critical function of TH and its transporters in brain angiogenesis and points to a novel, potentially highly significant pathogenic mechanism underlying human MCT8 deficiency. We aim to clarify the spatiotemporal role of TH signaling in CNS endothelial cell function and small vessel formation. We will also assess whether normal brain vascularization in DKO mice can be achieved either by a gene-therapy approach or by TH analogue treatment.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 296: Local control of TH action (LocoTact)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Heike Heuer; Professor Dr. Markus Schwaninger