Identification of Molecular Components in Caveolae-Mediated Lipid Trafficking

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Claudia Matthäus
• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism ; Nutritional Sciences
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 531499831

Caveolae are 80 nm sized plasma membrane invaginations that form a unique lipid environment for various receptors, channels and signaling enzymes. Despite previous research showing their importance for lipid metabolism, detailed mechanistical steps of caveolae mediated lipid uptake remain elusive, as well as their precise contribution to the development of metabolic disorders. This proposed research project aims to identify the mechanism of caveolae mediated lipid uptake and trafficking, and targets to understand the involvement of caveolae to development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study will use advanced imaging methods, biochemistry, and physiological approaches to comprehensively examine the role of caveolae at a physiological scale. This project will focus on two main objectives: (I) Identification of molecular components and steps involved in caveolae-mediated lipid trafficking and determination of organelles targeted by caveolae; (II) Investigation of changes in spatial distribution of caveolae during the progression of obesity by determining caveolae number, localization, and gene expression levels in insulin-sensitive organs. The findings from this research project will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cellular lipid metabolism, obesity and may lead to the development of novel therapeutical targets to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants