Neuro-renal crosstalk as immune-modulator of trauma-related acute kidney injury and MODS (A01)

• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251293561

In the 2nd funding period, we identified hemorrhagic shock and changes in innate immunity as major drivers of trauma-related acute kidney injury (TRAKI) and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Early central complement blockade appeared ineffective whereas in later posttraumatic stages it led to organ protection. Mechanistically, renal upregulation of TNK1 exacerbated TRAKI. A crosstalk between the kidneys and the (autonomous) central nervous system has been proposed with to date an unknown impact after trauma. Therefore, we hypothesize that neurotransmitters alter the DAMP-response of kidney cells, and that the sympathetic/vagal imbalance contributes to cellular changes and perfusion-, immune-, and barrier-dysfunction in TRAKI and MODS. Therefore, we expect to characterize the neuro-renal crosstalk after trauma.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1149: Danger Response, Disturbance Factors and Regenerative Potential after Acute Trauma
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Markus Huber-Lang