Endocrine functions and plasticity of PDGFR-β+ interstitial cells in the healthy and fibrotic kidney (B01)

• Subject Area: Nephrology ; Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 509149993

In this project, we aim to understand (patho-) physiological regulators of EPO production relevant for the recruitment of EPO-expressing cells as well as for their restricted expression pattern in healthy and diseased kidneys. Differences between subpopulations of interstitial cells with regard to the expression of distinct components of the hypoxia signaling pathway or their sensitivity to PHD inhibitor treatment as well as paracrine factors from neighboring cells will be analyzed as potential factors. In addition, freshly isolated fibroblasts and co-cultured renal cells will be used to examine the influence of the hypoxia signaling pathway, along with the purinergic and the TGF-β1 signaling pathway on EPO expression in vitro..

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 374: Tubular system and interstitium of the kidney: (Patho-)physiology and crosstalk
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Heads: Dr. Katharina Broeker; Dr. Anna-Lena Forst