Role of PLPP3 and lipid metabolism in the crosstalk between macrophages and hepatocytes in MASLD (B03)

• Subject Area: Toxicology, Laboratory Medicine
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 535081457

The close crosstalk between hepatocytes and macrophages within the lipid-rich liver microenvironment is a central hub in pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) as well as its resolution. Here we will focus on phospholipid phosphatase 3 (PLPP3), which regulates lipid metabolism by dephosphorylation of several lipid substrates. We will study the role of PLPP3 in hepatocytes and macrophages in the context of MASLD pathogenesis and resolution, by using appropriate genetically modified mice and state-of-the-art tools.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 412: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Translating mechanisms to tailored therapeutic concepts
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Triantafyllos Chavakis