Role of amino acid metabolism at the kidney filtration barrier (D04)

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

Integrating molecular, physiological, and clinical data, this project aims to comprehensively understand how systemic amino acids influence podocyte signaling and glomerular health. We aim to investigate the effects of circulating amino acids on podocyte signaling, analyze how metabolic protein adducts on amino acid residues affect podocyte behavior, and correlate specific amino acids with glomerular injury patterns and clinical outcomes. Ultimately, we will identify key metabolic signatures of podocyte dysfunction, enabling the development of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection, disease monitoring, and targeted therapies.

• 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. Markus Rinschen; Dr. Insa Marie Schmidt