Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Joint Projects Funded by the DFG
- KFO 344 – Untangling and Targeting Mechanisms of Myelofibrosis in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
Myeloproliferative neoplasias (MPN) are typically characterized by increasing fiber proliferation in bone marrow (primary or secondary myelofibrosis) and/or leukemic transformation, but the causes are largely unknown. The clinical research group aims to research the mechanisms of myofibroblast development, analyze changes in the bone marrow niche in MPN that is responsible for the transformation of the bone marrow into an oncogenic entity, and to identify new cellular and molecular therapeutic targets in myelofibrosis by better understanding the underlying mechanisms.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Tim Brümmendorf
Head: Professor Dr. Steffen Koschmieder
- CRC 1382 – Gut-Liver-Axis – Functional Circuits and Therapeutic Targets
This Collaborative Research Center focuses on an integrated approach considering the combined function of both organs. The aim is to have a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and functional circuits of the gut and the liver.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Oliver Pabst
- TRR 219 – Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Complications in Chronic Kidney Diseases
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit a massively increased risk for cardiovascular events. Alterations in the circulation as well as in the myocardium crucially contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in patients suffering from CKD. However, the molecular mechanisms as well as the mediators involved are largely unexplored. With collaborative and translational research in the CRC, we are pursuing an overall long-term goal to gain understanding of the renal and cardiovascular interactions. This may contribute to the development of novel treatment strategies to decrease cardiovascular risk in CKD patients.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Joachim Jankowski
- FOR 2591 – Severity Assessment in Animal-Based Research
Animal-based research has to adhere to the 3R principle (replace, refine, reduce), not only with regard to ethical justification of animal use but also to ensure quality in terms of standardization. Here, the assessment of severity experienced by animals has become a prerequisite for project authorization in the EU (2010/63/EU). The highly interdisciplinary consortium aims at the identification of objective, classifiable, and standardized severity assessment parameters in animal research models. Therefore, existing methods will be validated, refined and correlated with new minimally- and non-invasive surveillance techniques.
Speaker: Professor Dr. René Tolba
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SPP 2014 – Towards an Implantable Lung
The aim of this DFG priority program is to find solutions to the problems currently standing in the way of the long-term use and implantation of a lung support system through coordinated basic research. For example, the program will focus on topics such as the improved biocompatibility of foreign surfaces, strategies for new anticoagulation regimes, approaches to optimizing gas and blood flow while taking individual patient needs into account, and solutions for miniaturizing the systems.
Coordinator: Professor Dr. Rolf Rossaint
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DFG PAK 961 „Biohybrid Implant Maturation“
The network of physicians, biologists, engineers and material scientists from four faculties of RWTH Aachen University researches the maturation behavior of artificial heart valves with the body's own cells and tissue in the bioreactor, with the goal of making perfectly biocompatible and permanently functional heart valves available.
Speaker: Professor Dr. Thomas Schmitz-Rode