© Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
© Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
A07
Regulation and function of prenylation within intestinal epithelial cells in the context of inflammation
Dr. Imke Atreya & Dr. Rocío López-Posadas
Our project aims on an improved understanding of the regulation of prenylation within intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and its function in epithelial integrity in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We will investigate molecular mechanisms regulating epithelial prenylation in order to experimentally validate our key hypothesis that the inflammation-dependent alteration of prenylation in IECs is regulated via IEC-intrinsic (prenyltransferase activity and availability of isoprenoids), but also via IEC-extrinsic mechanisms (immune cell- or microbiota-derived mediators). Finally, we intend to translate our findings in innovative biomarker and therapy strategies in IBD.