Category Research project
  • Toxikologie

Epigenetic mechanisms mediate adaptive epithelial resilience to promote intestinal regeneration

Project status
In Progress
Project start
Oct 2026
Project end
Jun 2027
Acronym
EMERIR
Department
Deutsches Zentrum zum Schutz von Versuchstieren und experimentelle Toxikologie

Description and Objective

The intestinal epithelium is constantly exposed to a harsh digestive environment and to toxins, and regenerates rapidly to maintain the protective barrier. Various gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, can be promoted or exacerbated by toxic influences in conjunction with a defective barrier function and insufficient regeneration. Following damage, the tissue is rebuilt through cellular plasticity, whereby lost stem cells are also replaced. It remains unclear how this regeneration is orchestrated and how the cells cope with repeated injuries. This work therefore aims to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, specifically the histone methyltransferase MLL1, in regeneration as well as in the adaptive and intrinsic resilience of the intestinal epithelium. This project comprises in vivo experiments and in vitro organoid experiments. Corresponding experiments using the mouse model were conducted in collaboration at the Charité and have been completed. The project has now been transferred to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment for finalization and for the conduct of in vitro experiments.
Type of project

Third-party funded project

Areas of research

Gesundheit von Mensch, Tier und Umwelt (One Health)

Organisational units and partners

Lead unit: Toxikologische Bewertungsstrategien (93)
Contact persons: Dr. Julian Heuberger

Funding body and grant number

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft e.V.
HE 9559/1-1

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