The role of white adipose tissue in post-traumatic inflammation and organ dysfunction (A09*)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism ; Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251293561

In addition to its functions as an energy storage depot and organ-protective cushion, white adipose tissue (WAT) regulates numerous vital processes via its secretion products. These mediators (adipokines) are known to have considerable effects on local and circulating immune cells as well as distant organ systems. Recent studies and our own preliminary data suggest a central involvement of adipose tissue in the posttraumatic pro- and anti-inflammatory responses, potentially exacerbating barrier dysfunction and organ injury. Therefore, this project aims to determine the impact of severe injury on the inflammatory response in adipocytes, and to investigate the contribution of WAT to posttraumatic immune responses, metabolism, and organ dysfunction.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1149: Danger Response, Disturbance Factors and Regenerative Potential after Acute Trauma
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Pamela Fischer-Posovszky; Dr. Rebecca Halbgebauer