Impact of purinergic signaling on epithelial cell-adipocyte crosstalk in intestinal inflammation and fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease (A19)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 335447717

Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by severe intestinal tissue damage and inflammation. Dysregulated metabolism and adipose tissue function are understood to contribute to CD. Our preliminary data suggest that purinergic signaling pathways are affected in CD, modulating parenchymal cell differentiation, tissue regeneration and inflammatory processes. Using 3D in vitro organoid models derived from CD-affected intestinal tissue and non-inflamed tissues, we aim to unravel the role of adenine nucleotide release, processing and sensing as gatekeepers for intestinal and adipose differentiation and regeneration thereby controlling intestinal inflammation and fibrosis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1328: Adenine Nucleotides in Immunity and Inflammation
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Professorin Madeleine Bunders; Dr. Anna Worthmann