Lipid mediators in hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis development (B08)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 535081457

Hepatic-MBOAT7 downregulation in obese humans and mice is associated with the development of liver fibrosis. We hypothesise that bioactive lipids secreted by MBOAT7-deficient hepatocytes mediate pro-fibrotic crosstalk with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) via specific lipid signaling pathways. Using in vitro experiments with mouse/human primary cells and mass spectrometry based lipidomics we will identify molecular players of the proposed signaling mechanism and validate it in vivo using various transgenic mouse models and pharmacological inhibitors. Our findings will identify druggable pathways that drive the MBOAT7-dependent cellular crosstalk and fibrosis.

• 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 Heads: Privatdozentin Dr. Vasileia Ismini Alexaki; Professorin Maria Fedorova, Ph.D.