Targeting CCN1/CYR61 as a new treatment modality in hepatic fibrosis ((3)-P13)

• Subject Area: Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
• Term: from 2009 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36842431

In the present project, we will unravel the molecular pathways that are responsible for CCN1/CYR61-driven intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress formation, and execution of cell-death pathways. The impact of CCN1/CYR61 on efferocytosis will be studied in primary hepatic cell subpopulations and in models of hepatic fibrogenesis. Together with clinical partners of the consortium, we will clarify if the observed experimental findings can be implemented in a more clinical setting and if transcriptional targeting approaches directing CCN1/CYR61 to profibrogenic cells is therapeutically effective.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 57: Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ralf Weiskirchen