Project Details
Projekt
GRK 1033: Molecular Targets of the Ageing Process and Strategies for the Prevention of Ageing
Subject Area
Medicine
Term
from 2004 to 2013
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 374710
The research programme of the Research Training Group focuses on the role of oxidative stress in ageing and the corresponding therapeutic prevention strategies. To our knowledge the following basic mechanistic principles have to be considered in this context: The balance between generation and detoxification/repair of damaged macromolecules, a mechanism which (a) contributes to the accumulation of pathologic progeric protein aggregates and the associated degenerative processes and (b) could be limiting for the function of the genome and the mitochondria; furthermore (c), the coordinated control of cell cycle and cell death determines if a cell with a limited life span becomes senescent or dies.
Regarding to these three major types of ageing mechanisms we offer ten thesis projects in this Research Training Group. The individual projects are interconnected by the underlying research area "oxidative stress and ageing processes" as well as by common topics (accumulation/degradation of damaged proteins; integrity of the mitochondrial genome; apoptosis and senescence; antioxidants/osmolytes and prevention).
Each topic is explored by at least two research groups from different perspectives. This homogenous and interconnected framework is represented by the structure of the training programme. Consequently the realisation of each thesis project requires experimental work in the primary laboratory (thesis supervisor) and at least two complementary laboratories (tutors). Research and study programme thus cover the whole spectrum from basic research to clinical medicine. The high relevance of this research area for the training of medical and biology students results from the demographic development which predicts an increase of aged people in the population and ageing-associated diseases.
Regarding to these three major types of ageing mechanisms we offer ten thesis projects in this Research Training Group. The individual projects are interconnected by the underlying research area "oxidative stress and ageing processes" as well as by common topics (accumulation/degradation of damaged proteins; integrity of the mitochondrial genome; apoptosis and senescence; antioxidants/osmolytes and prevention).
Each topic is explored by at least two research groups from different perspectives. This homogenous and interconnected framework is represented by the structure of the training programme. Consequently the realisation of each thesis project requires experimental work in the primary laboratory (thesis supervisor) and at least two complementary laboratories (tutors). Research and study programme thus cover the whole spectrum from basic research to clinical medicine. The high relevance of this research area for the training of medical and biology students results from the demographic development which predicts an increase of aged people in the population and ageing-associated diseases.
DFG Programme
Research Training Groups
Applicant Institution
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Participating Researchers
Professorin Dr. Ellen Fritsche; Professor Dr. Kurt Gottmann; Professorin Dr. Judith Haendeler; Professor Joseph P. Huston; Professor Dr. Carsten Korth; Professor Dr. Jean Krutmann; Professorin Dr. Anna von Mikecz; Professor Dr. Hans Werner Müller; Professor Dr. Sascha Weggen; Professor Dr. Dieter Willbold, Ph.D.
Spokesperson
Professor Dr. Guido Reifenberger, Ph.D.
