Mitochondrial control of metabolic signaling in podocytes (D02)

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

The interplay of mitochondria-derived signals and podocyte signaling networks is still elusive. Here, we will investigate how mitochondrial signaling impacts podocyte health and how metabolic changes contribute to podocyte injury. Using Drosophila nephrocytes, cultured podocytes, and mouse models, we aim to uncover how mitochondria regulate podocyte signaling networks, focusing on post-translational modifications of the insulin receptor. We further aim to define metabolic signatures in podocyte disease models to establish a new scoring system and to investigate CoQ10 biosynthesis and its role in podocyte signaling.

• 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: Professor Dr. Paul-Thomas Brinkkötter; Dr. Lioba Ester