Molecular mechanisms of circadian clocks as therapeutic targets in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients (A03)

• Subject Area: General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Pneumology, Thoracic Surgery
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541063275

Clinical pulmonologist Martin Witzenrath collaborates with systems chronobiologist Henriette Uhlenhaut to investigate whether circadian disruption contributes to mortality or recovery in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. They will combine profiling of clinical samples with mouse models to gain mechanistic insights into how diseases (pneumonia, COVID-19) or mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients disrupt circadian rhythms and, conversely, to what extent such rhythm disruptions influence disease progression. In particular, they will focus on the dual role of glucocorticoids and REV-ERB proteins, which are both important circadian signaling molecules and master regulators of inflammatory immune responses.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 418: Foundations of Circadian Medicine
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Nina Henriette Uhlenhaut; Professor Dr. Martin Witzenrath