The Significance of Extracellular Vesicles and CapG for Lung Disease in Cystic Fibrosis

• Applicant: Dr. Dominik Funken
• Subject Area: Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 574967343

This research project aims to identify new, non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). The focus is on extracellular vesicles (EVs) – tiny particles released by cells that carry information about inflammation – and on the protein CapG, which shows striking changes in EVs during acute pulmonary exacerbations. The project pursues two main objectives: Developing new diagnostic tools: The goal is to determine whether EVs from blood and urine can serve as reliable markers for lung inflammation in CF. This approach could be especially valuable in children or in cases where airway samples are difficult to obtain. Understanding the role of CapG: CapG is a protein found in immune cells that regulates the cell’s internal structure. The project investigates how CapG levels change in EVs during CF flare-ups and how this affects inflammation and mucus production in the lungs. To achieve these goals, samples from existing biobanks will be analyzed, and findings will be validated in cell culture and mouse models. The overall aim is to support improved diagnosis and treatment of CF, especially for young patients and those who cannot benefit from the latest therapies.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Canada
• Hosts: Professor Dr. Hartmut Grasemann; Professor Dr. Felix Ratjen