Role of macrophage-dependent osmoprotective and hypoxic signal transduction in inflammatory corneal diseases (B02)

• Subject Area: Ophthalmology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501530074

This project aims to investigate whether inflammatory (neovascular) corneal diseases result in alterations of corneal Na+- and O2-levels and whether local HIF-stabilization and interference with p38/MAPK-dependent osmoprotective signaling bear therapeutic potential for the treatment of these diseases. Specifically, we will quantify tissue O2-levels and corneal Na+-balance in different mouse models of corneal injury. In addition, we will analyze p38/MAPK activation and NFAT5 expression in correlation to HIF-α accumulation upon corneal injury. Furthermore, we will target p38α/MAPK and HIF-PHD in myeloid cells/macrophages using transgenic approaches and assess the impact of these interventions on disease outcome.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1607: Towards immunomodulatory and anti(lymph)angiogenic therapies for age-related blinding eye diseases
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Dr. Deniz Hos; Professor Dr. Jonathan Jantsch