Genetically enhanced podocytes to uncover mechanisms of podocyte resilience (C03)

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

Enhancing podocyte resilience while preserving their postmitotic nature represents a viable approach to combat glomerular diseases. Therefore, we will investigate genetic programs underlying podocyte resilience to disease-relevant stressors. Specifically, we will map transcriptional landscapes of podocyte models to identify pathways linked to survival or damage, characterize injury-induced responses in organoid-based kidney disease models pinpointing resilience-associated pathways, and validate candidate mediators by genetic and pharmacologic interventions.

• 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. Markus Carl Döser; Professor Dr. Hermann Pavenstädt