Dissecting mechanisms of vascular calcification in CKD using single cell genomics (C05)

• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 322900939

Vascular sclerosis with calcification in media and intima is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease. We hypothesize that targeting vascular calcification is a key strategy to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CKD. Here, using a combination of established cutting edge single cell technologies including single cell RNA-sequencing, measurement of DNA accessibility (ATAC-seq) and spatial gene expression, this project will dissect the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification. The ultimate goal is to identify novel druggable targets and develop targeted therapeutics for vascular calcification in CKD.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 219: Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Complications in Chronic Kidney Disease
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Rafael Kramann