Project Details
Projekt
Coordination Funds
Applicant
Privatdozentin Dr. Susanne A. Wolf
Subject Area
Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 559328371
In the next funding period, the consortium will continue its translational research on microglia, focusing on three main questions: understanding the local cues that influence microglial states, exploring how the peripheral immune system affects microglia during development and aging, and examining the relevance of mouse models in human diseases to improve preclinical research. Short-term objectives include developing further our comprehensive data bank that integrates RNAseq, single-cell RNAseq, and proteomics data on microglia from various regions, ages, and diseases. The consortium will also encourage the use of spatial single-cell RNA sequencing technologies and advanced imaging techniques, such as spatial lipidomics, to map microglial subtypes and their functions. In the mid-term, the consortium plans to use different mouse models to visualize microglial sub-populations and will apply advanced in vivo imaging methods, including three-photon microscopy and super-resolution techniques, to study microglial interactions at subcellular levels. Additionally, the application of fluorescence lifetime imaging will allow for the observation of enzymatic activities within microglia. Long-term goals involve developing tools for optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation of microglia, enabling detailed study of their impact on neuronal, astrocytic, and oligodendroglial functions. The consortium also aims to collaborate on creating microglia-specific optogenetic models and explore therapeutic strategies targeting specific microglial states. These approaches may help identify new treatment pathways for brain diseases. The consortium will strengthen collaborative networks, emphasizing the standardization of research protocols and enhancing data sharing. A major focus will be on improving data management through the appointment of a Data Steward, the use of the GIN-Tonic platform, and the integration of imaging data using OMERO. The group will also develop a gold-standard protocol for microglia isolation and establish databases for mouse and human microglial RNAseq data, linking them to functional outcomes such as phagocytosis and synaptic remodeling. A Research Data Management Core Group will collaborate with bioinformatics facilities to streamline the consortium's data handling. These efforts aim to advance microglia research and its applications in therapeutic development.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
