The epithelial glycocalyx at the blood-gas barrier of the lung (B01)

• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431232613

The alveolar epithelium is coated with a thin glycocalyx, i.e. a hydrogel of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans that constitutes an essential part of the first line of defense of the blood-gas barrier, yet remains largely unexplored. Due to its specific location, the alveolar epithelial glycocalyx is unique in that it is constantly exposed to cyclic biaxial stretch due to respiratory movements, and co-localizes (and likely interacts) with alveolar surfactant. Using a combination of newly established dedicated imaging modalities with biochemical and biophysical assays, we will characterize the epithelial glycocalyx and its regulation by and interaction with this unique alveolar microenvironment.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Wolfgang Kübler; Professor Dr. Matthias Ochs