Objective of the present project is to better understand matrix-mediated signaling pathways involved in the induction of ROS and subsequent ROS-signaling during renal fibrogenesis, in order to develop novel therapies addressing renal inflammation and fibrosis. For this, a new concept of renal fibrogenesis will be examined by extensive in vitro and in vivo studies, according to which: 1) Biglycan, an ubiquitous matrix proteoglycan, signals through cell surface- (i.e. Toll-like receptors) or cytosolic NOD-like receptors and activates the inflammasome via ROS formation in tubulointerstitial kidney cells thereby driving inflammation and fibrogenesis; 2) Decorin, on the other hand, suppresses pro-inflammatory ROS-signaling and thereby exerts strong antifibrotic effects.

Links:

Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology (http://www.kgu.de/zpharm/allg/)