Mechanisms of microbiota-mediated alteration in atherogenesis (B07)

• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: from 2014 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 238187445

Our data provide evidence that the inflammasome members Nlrp3 and Nlrp6 promote opposing functions in atherogenesis. We found that NLRP3 serves as “early sensor” for high fat western diet (WD) and initiates epigenetic changes and advanced onset of atherosclerotic disease, whereas NLRP6 protects the host, possibly by maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis. Here, we aim at identifying active NLRP3 and NLRP6 inflammasomes during WD (Aim 1), metabolic evaluation of the gut-liver-atheroma axis in a hypercholesteremic environment (Aim 2), and deciphering NLRP6-based influences on the epigenetic landscape in the early onset of atherosclerotic disease (Aim 3).

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1123: Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms and Networks of Novel Therapeutic Targets
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Privatdozent Dr. Peter Düwell; Professor Dr. Eicke Latz; Professor Dr. Maximilian Schnurr, until 6/2018