A03: The role of epithelia in gut-liver axis

The project assesses the interactions between challenged and/or genetically altered digestive epithelia. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic biliary disorder and has a strong association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Currently, no established animal model of PSC exists. The project aims to elucidate the role of epithelial factors in development of PSC.

In this project we will

  • address the role of epithelial factors in the setting of PSC/IBD using various transgenic mouse lines and corresponding cell culture models
  • define the in vivo impact of altered biliary epithelia on intestinal epithelia and vice versa
  • delineate the precise consequences of epithelial modifications in cell-based systems.
  • analyze specific factors mediating the interaction between both epithelial types

Epithelia constitute an important component of gut-liver axis. PSC-IBD harbours complex epithelial alterations.

Involved scientists

Dr. hum. biol. Nurdan Güldiken
Department of Medicine III,
RWTH Aachen University
PD Dr. med. Pavel Strnad
Department of Medicine III,
RWTH Aachen University

Publications within Project A03