GRK 2408:  Maladaptive processes across physiological barriers in chronic diseases

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: since 2018
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 361210922

The RTG 2408 aims to train PhD and MD students, as well as clinician scientists in central mechanistic aspects of chronic diseases with a particular focus on misdirected cellular communication at physiological barriers such as endothelial or epithelial cells and the perpetuation of maladaptive processes in different organ systems. Maladaptive processes are characterised by complex interactions between cells and biochemical mediators of a specific secretome. Conceptually, synergy and added value between the individual research projects in the RTG are guaranteed by focussing on i) disintegration of cell vitality, ii) immunoregulatory signatures, and iii) metabolism and stress responses to explore the pathophysiology of dysregulated molecular organisation of intracellular signal transmission and cell-cell communication. The translational research is strengthened by using innovative approaches and technologies, like spheroid/organoid culture systems (e.g. organoid on-a-Chip), mouse models combined with ex vivo molecular- and metabolic profiling and intravital- or high-resolution imaging. The topic of maladaptive processes in chronic diseases is addressed in an aspiring, innovative research programme that covers basic- and patient-oriented projects. The RTG attracts talented, next generation scientists to this emerging research field of translational science and strengthens inflammation research as a structural component of the Medical Faculty. Our structured qualification programme ensure timely and successful completion of PhD theses and combines scientific and methodological education with a broad range of general competencies from professional/soft skills to networking/interdisciplinarity/internationality and diversity competence. We intend to assist students to pursue an individual scientific character and early independence. This is promoted by their involvement in the organisation of several events and personal organisational responsibilities, e.g. invitation of guest speakers, planning and chairing sessions in retreats and international symposia. After passing through the programme, they will be able to act professionally in different fields from academia at universities and research institutions. Of course, they will also fit perfectly to jobs in research/development or quality management departments of biomedical/pharmaceutical companies or higher positions within institutional administration. Furthermore, the involvement of clinician scientists in the RTG will be a supportive incentive for our medical doctoral students to encourage them to engage in a career as clinician scientist. At the same time, PhD students can acquire knowledge of clinical aspects and have the chance to collaborate with clinicians at an early stage of their careers.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael Naumann
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Rüdiger Braun-Dullaeus, until 3/2023; Professorin Dr. Dunja Bruder; Professorin Dr. Anne Dudeck; Professor Dr. Sascha Kahlfuß; Professorin Dr. Verena Keitel-Anselmino; Professor Dr. Peter Rene Mertens; Professor Dr. Dimitrios Mougiakakos; Professorin Dr. Borna Relja, until 1/2023; Professor Dr. Denis Schewe, until 2/2024