Analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in podocyte survival and intercellular communication (B04)

• Subject Area: Nephrology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 543604419

In contrast to other organs, there is minimal information on the importance of EV formation and release for podocyte homeostasis. Using Drosophila as a model system as well as kidney organoids and mice, we will characterize the production, release, and content of podocyte-derived EVs and investigate to what extent podocyte homeostasis is dependent on the release of small or large EVs and whether changes in EV secretion render podocytes more vulnerable to, or conversely, more resistant to injury.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 422: PodoSigN – Podocyte Signaling Networks - From Basic Concepts to Disease Understanding
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Dr. Fabian Braun; Professor Michael Krahn, Ph.D.