Hydrogel Properties on Intestinal Surfaces in Health and Disease (B04)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431232613

We investigate health- and disease-related features of intestinal mucus using a mucus and organoid biobank. By including the forced sputum of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the mucus biobank, we aim to explore potential links between mucus properties in the gut and lung. To further identify and validate health status-related biophysical and biochemical modulators of intestinal mucus in vitro, we employ dynamically cultured tissue models based on intestinal organoid-derived monolayers that emulate the mucus features determined in patients with IBD and healthy controls. An advanced understanding of mucus alterations and modulators will allow us to identify potential therapeutic targets.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Britta Siegmund; Professorin Dr. Marie Weinhart