Membrane fluidity and lipid droplet formation in the ER of renal proximal tubular cells (P05)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 511488495

The proximal tubular cells in the kidney are specialized for the absorption of proteins and lipids and can be subject to lipotoxicity when lipid uptake becomes excessive. We could show earlier that lipotoxicity is featured by altered membrane fluidity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In project P05, we will study ER membrane fluidity by focusing in the ER-resident E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF145. We are particularly interested in how membrane fluidity is controlled by ER-associated degradation and how it affects ER morphology and lipid droplet formation. Apart from cell culture experiments, we will investigate the impact of RNF145 deficiency in diabetic and ischemic mouse models. In the long term, we will apply the obtained knowledge to treat kidney diseases that are featured by lipotoxicity.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1638: Cellular membrane remodelling – how changing form creates function
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Matias Simons