The mechanisms that cause tubular involvement in glomerular diseases are still unclear. We hypothesize that previously unrecognized intercompartmental communication networks exist between glomerular and tubular cells via miRNA (miR)-loaded exosomes. This will be investigated using cell cocultures and transgenic zebrafish lines, which will allow us to dynamically track exosomes in vitro and in vivo and determine the effects on autophagy, inflammatory cascades as well as tissue recovery after tubular injury. As a translational approach, miR-containing exosomes from the urine of patients with glomerular diseases will be investigated as potential non-invasive biomarkers of tubular injury.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
