Role of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) in kidney integrity (B02)

• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 394046635

The volume-regulated anion channel VRAC, recently identified by us to be formed by LRRC8 heteromers, has important roles in cell volume regulation, apoptosis, and probably transepithelial transport. An important role of VRAC in the maintenance of kidney integrity is inferred by renal tubular degeneration upon VRAC disruption. Extrapolating from VRAC’s likely role in brain and cardiac ischemia, we assume that it importantly modulates ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in the kidney. Through analysis in different mouse models, we will localize all 5 LRRC8 subunits in the kidney, investigate their physiological roles in tubular processes, and will clarify their role in IRI. VRAC may turn out to be a novel target for treating kidney injury.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1365: Renoprotection
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas J. Jentsch