RNA binding of metabolic enzymes in the crosstalk of metabolic regulation and signaling in podocyte disease (D03)

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

Metabolic enzymes have emerged as non-canonical RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), but the impact of their association with RNA is unknown. Metabolic alterations are a key feature in podocyte disease, including the dysregulation of several RNA-binding metabolic enzymes. This project investigates the regulatory role of such RBPs in podocyte metabolism and disease and their impact on cellular processes such as glycolysis and metabolic signaling. By combining RNA-protein interaction profiling, metabolic analyses, and genetic mouse models, the project will elucidate how RBPs contribute to podocyte homeostasis and injury responses.

• 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. Ina Huppertz; Professor Dr. Roman-Ulrich Müller