Renoprotection in primary aldosteronism – development and testing of mutant KCNJ5 inhibitors in genetically engineered pigs (A04)

• Subject Area: Nephrology ; Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 394046635

The goal of this project is the development of novel strategies for renoprotection in primary aldosteronism. As the most common cause of secondary hypertension, primary aldosteronism can be caused by benign adrenal tumors. Because 40% of these tumors show mutations in the potassium channel gene KCNJ5, we aim to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of macrolide compounds that specifically inhibit mutant KCNJ5 channels. We will use CRIPSR/Cas9 to generate a pig model with a pathogenic KCNJ5 mutation and study the effects of macrolides on aldosterone production, blood pressure, adrenal morphology and renal injury.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1365: Renoprotection
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Ute Scholl