Identification of new treatment options to stabilise cell adhesion in desmosome diseases (B06)

• Subject Area: Dermatology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 547068789

The sub-project will expand our understanding of autoantibody-induced signaling in keratinocytes in pemphigus and investigate corresponding skin samples. We will then characterize kinome signatures in model systems of the digestive tract, including organoids, as well as patients with IBD and EoE. Further therapeutic interventions with apremilast, sildenafil, erlotinib, midostaurin, and a desmoglein-crosslinking tandem peptide will be tested in preclinical disease models.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 425: Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers (DEFINE)
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ralf Joachim Ludwig; Professor Dr. Enno Schmidt; Professor Dr. Jens Waschke