Projects
Flow-dependent regulation of autophagy and miR-126-5p trafficking in endothelial cells
Project leaders: H. Morawietz, Cooperation partner: D. Santovito (https://dzhk.de/ressourcen/projektdatenbank/projekt/detail/1549/)
Funding: Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung e.V. (DZHK) - Projektnummer 1549
Aim: In this project, we will combine expertise in miRNA biology and shear stress models to dissect the pathways of autophagy and explore their ultimate relevance for ECs homeostasis. The results will provide a better understanding of mechanisms of preservation of endothelial integrity with possible therapeutic relevance.
The protective effects of physical activity on the cardiovascular system: role of NADPH oxidase 4 and the adrenals
Project leaders: H. Brendel, C. Brunßen (https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/470814312?language=en)
Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 470814312
Aim: Frequent exercise can reduce mortality of cardiovascular disease. We and other groups have already been able to show that the major source for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vascular system, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), has protective effects in the cardiovascular system. In addition, we demonstrated that Nox4-/- mice in voluntary running cages become less active and show reduced physical capacity compared with wild-type mice. Exercise also activates the endocrine system especially adrenal glands. Here, we were able to detect increased norepinephrine concentrations in urine of wild-type mice with voluntary running but not in the Nox4-/- mice. Our hypothesis is therefore that protective effects of physical exercise on the cardiovascular system are mediated through NOX4 and the adrenal glands.
Exercise prevents impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on fetal endothelial function
Project leaders: H. Morawietz, P. D. Taylor, L. Poston (https://tu-dresden.de/med/mf/irtg2251/research/research-projects)
Funding: DFG, IRTG 2251
Aim: We hypothese that (i) maternal gestational diabetes mellitus leads to a changed functional pattern
in fetal endothelial cells, increasing risk of endothelial dysfunction in later life; (ii) exercise
during pregnancy prevents GDM-induced endothelial dysfunction of the offspring.
We aim to gain new insights into the mechanisms involved in the development risk of endothelial
dysfunction in fetuses exposed to GDM.
International Research Training Group 2251: Immunological and Cellular Strategies in Metabolic Disease
Project leaders: S. R. Bornstein, R. Sancho, K. Guan, L. Poston. Participating researchers, e.g. H. Morawietz (https://tu-dresden.de/med/mf/irtg2251/)
Funding: DFG
Aim: Nearly half a billion people in the world today are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes and obesity with their metabolic and cardiovascular complications constitute a major burden both for our health care system and the world economy. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that patients with these disorders are particularly vulnerable to severe and often fatal outcomes of this highly contagious disease. A new generation of biomedical scientists and physicians must be trained to tackle the huge challenges arising from the global diabetes and obesity pandemic. With the support of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and several British funding programmes, we established IRTG-ICSMD between Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) and King’s College London (KCL) to address this pressing need. PhD and MD students from across the world, who meet the highest standards of selection and qualification, are recruited to a joint programme that provides a cutting-edge training in a broad and interdisciplinary setting. During the first funding period our students helped to advance research in all of the major areas of the IRTG encompassing complementary and collaborative research projects. Based on their scientific achievements, innovative research projects have emerged to challenge the students in the second funding period. Specifically, we will further focus on the development of (i) strategies in immunometabolism, (ii) β-cell biology, (iii) strategies in β-cell regeneration and cell replacement, and (iv) strategies in the understanding of diabetic complications with a mission to translation to clinical use. We will also address the role and dimension of COVID-19 on the new onset and progression of diabetes based on our newly established global registry. The IRTG is fully embedded in our unique model of the transCampus, a comprehensive partnership between KCL and TUD, which provides the students an ideal environment in which they can succeed in all their efforts. We have created an outstanding platform for the translational training programmes with training courses and conferences as well as virtual and digital technologies to facilitate and optimise a joint PhD programme on the two sites. Students will grow to understand that the huge challenges of these devastating diseases need teamwork beyond borders, and a true spirit of international collaboration. Thus, we are committed to providing a training programme for a new generation of scientists and physicians to achieve better life for our patients and society.
1st Summer School of the European Society for Microcirculation (ESM) and the European Vascular Biology Organization (EVBO)
Project leaders: H. Morawietz, R. Siow (https://www.uniklinikum-dresden.de/de/das-klinikum/kliniken-polikliniken-institute/mk3/experimentelle-bereiche/bereich-gefasendothel-und-mikrozirkulation/summer_school)
Funding: Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments, TU Dresden’s Internationalisation Strategy (ZUK 64/1)
Aim: The European Society for Microcirculation (ESM) and the European Vascular Biology Organization (EVBO) support the research on blood vessels, vascular cells and corresponding clinical complications like myocardial infarction and stroke. In order to support young investigators in the field we have established in collaboration with Prof. Richard Siow from King’s College London the 1st ESM/EVBO Summer School. The developed concept teach young MD/PhD students at an early stage of their scientific career in cutting edge research from leading international scientists in the field, modern methods of vascular biology and medicine and important skills to publish their results and to get funding for their projects to become successful scientists in the field.
International PhD Program Homeostatic and regulatory functions of endothelium
Project leader: H. Morawietz (http://tu-dresden.de/die_tu_dresden/fakultaeten/medizinische_fakultaet/inst/ehd)
Funding: Excellence Initiative by the German Federal and State Governments, TU Dresden’s Support-the-best-Program
Aim: The vascular endothelium has not only a structural function as inner layer of the vessel wall, but is also considered as independent organ system with important metabolic functions. Endothelial dysfunction is a central factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension or atherosclerosis and metabolic diseases like diabetes. The endothelium is central focus of this English international PhD Program, which provides PhD students in addition to their experimental PhD thesis project a structured scientific education.
Impact of a mineralocorticoid receptor blockade on vascular function in an atherosclerotic mouse model
Project leader: H. Morawietz
Funding: Doktor Robert Pfleger-Stiftung
Aim: In this project, we study the impact of a mineralocorticoid receptor blockade and LOX-1 overexpression on parameters of the metabolic syndrome and the vascular function in an experimental mouse model of atherosclerosis.
Determination of enzyme concentration in PPP study samples
Project leaders: C. Brunßen, H. Morawietz
Funding: Noxygen Science Transfer & Diagnostics GmbH
Aim: In this project we analyze enzyme concentrations in PPP study samples.
Study to investigate metabolic outcome of aldosterone synthase inhibition in an obese mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Project leaders: H. Morawietz, H. Willenberg, S. R. Bornstein
Funding: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
Aim: In this project we investigate the impact of aldosterone synthase inhibition on metabolic parameters in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes.
Aldosteron, LOX-1 and adipose tissue
Project leaders: A. Leuner, H. Morawietz
Funding: European Section of the Aldosterone Council (ESAC) Deutschland, Verein zur Förderung der Aldosteron-Forschung e.V.
Aim: In this project we investigate the LOX-1 expression in response to aldosterone and the interaction of both factors in adipose tissue.
Aldosteron, LOX-1 and endothelial function
Project leader: H. Morawietz
Funding: Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung
Aim: In this project we analyze the regulation of LOX-1 und the importance of aldosterone and LOX-1 in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
International PhD program „Endothelium in health and disease“
Project leader: A. Deußen, vice-speaker: H. Morawietz
(http://www.tu-dresden.de/die_tu_dresden/fakultaeten/medizinische_fakultaet/inst/ehd)
Funding: DAAD
Aim: The vascular endothelium plays a central role in the regulation of different physiological and pathophysiological processes in vascularized organs. This affects the cardiovascular system, but also diseases of the immune system, metabolic and neuronal disorders, or cancer. The central importance of the endothelium is the thematic focus of this international PhD program.
Engraftment, function and beta cell regulation in the adrenal transplant model
Project leaders: B. Ludwig, H. Morawietz, S. R. Bornstein
Funding: DFG, KFO 252 (http://www.uniklinikum-dresden.de/das-klinikum/kliniken-polikliniken-institute/kfo-252)
Aim: Engraftment and re-vascularization are key factors in human pancreatic islet transplantation. The microenvironment of the adrenal gland features potentially ideal characteristics as a novel transplant site which will be analyzed here using a murine and a large animal model of islet transplantation.
Hemodynamic regulation of Nox4 in the endothelium
Project leader: H. Morawietz
Funding: DFG
Aim: Aim of this project is a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the hemodynamic regulation of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit Nox4 by shear stress and strain. Based on this knowledge we hope to develop new strategies for the prevention and therapy of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.
Proarteriosclerotic interaction of oxidative stress, oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 in human endothelial cells
Project leader: H. Morawietz
Funding: Doktor Robert Pfleger-Stiftung
Aim: In this project, the proarteriosclerotic importance of native and oxidized low-density lipoprotein for the induction of oxidative stress and the release of angiotensin II and endothelin-1 will be studied in human endothelial cells.
EXC 168: Regenerative Therapies: From Cells to Tissues to Therapies: Engineering the Cellular Basis of Regeneration
Project leader: M. Brandt, Participants: u.a. H. Morawietz
(http://www.crt-dresden.de/institutions.html)
Funding: DFG
Aim: The molecular biosciences provide unique prospects to enhance tissue and organ regeneration. Our goal is to develop advanced treatments for haemato-oncological, neurodegenerative, diabetic, bone and cardiovascular diseases.
DFG Research Center "Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden” (CRTD)
Project leader: M. Brandt, CRTD Participants: e.g. H. Morawietz
(http://www.crt-dresden.de/institutions.html)
Funding: DFG
Aim: Dresden has outstanding expertise in the life science disciplines (medicine, molecular cell and developmental biology, stem cell research, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics) and engineering (tissue engineering, biomaterials science, chemistry, nanotechnology), providing a fertile ground for a broad interdisciplinary effort towards developing regenerative therapies. The DFG research centre will capitalize on basic research in regenerating model organisms to understand stem cell recruitment, activation, proliferation, homing and differentiation, and will apply this knowledge to control these cellular processes using genetics, surface engineering and micro devices in order to elicit regenerative responses.
Endothelium and cardiovascular diseases
Project leader: H. Morawietz, Stipendiary: A. Arsov
http://www.dresden-ipp.de
Funding: DFG, Excellence initiative by the German federal and state governments to promote science and research at German Universities, PhD Program „Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering“
Aim: In this project we will analyze the regulation of oxidative stress in endothelial cells and its importance for vascular function and cardiovascular diseases.
GSC 97: Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering
Project leader: G. Rödel, Participants: e.g. H. Morawietz
(http://www.dresden-ipp.de/research/research_groups/henning_morawietz.html)
Funding: DFG, Excellence initiative by the German federal and state governments to promote science and research at German Universities, PhD Program „Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering“
Aim: The Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB) has the aim to develop and further improve an internationally recognized centre of PhD graduation in biomedicine and bioengineering and to offer excellent students from all over the world optimal conditions on their way to the PhD degree.
Obesity, LOX-1, vascular structure and endothelial function
Project leader: H. Morawietz
Funding: Doktor Robert Pfleger-Stiftung
Aim: In this project we will analyze the induction of LOX-1 in human endothelial cells and the impact of obesity by high-fat diet on vascular gene expression in an atherosclerosis model. These studies will contribute to a better understanding of the role of LOX-1 as potential therapeutic target in obesity-mediated development of atherosclerosis.
Regulation of oxidative stress in endothelial cells
Structural measures and directed planning of improvement of clinical research at the Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden (3rd phase of support, prolongation), Project C3-Professorship Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation
Project leader: H. Morawietz
Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)
Aim: In this project, the importance of oxidative stress in the development of cardiovascular diseases is analyzed in experimental and clinical studies. A major focus is the endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase.