What is the main aim of the project? 

The main of my project is to decipher if food perception is sufficient to induce priming of the liver for upcoming nutrients in humans (as it is in rodents) and which pathways are involved in these so-called cephalic phase responses. In a next step we will test, if and how these cephalic phase response affect postprandial glucose metabolism in health humans and humans with overview, obesity and/or (pre)diabetes.

How is it relevant to the public? 

2/3 of the German population have overweight or obesity rendering them at increased risk of diabetes development. The research findings can help to identify new targets to improve postprandial glucose metabolism at various levels of metabolic functionality or disease.

For me, the DZD means ... 

… a community of researchers, clinicians and affected citizens working together on preventing diabetes and associated diseases. I am excited to contribute to this joint effort and moving diabetes research forward! 

What is the main aim of the project?  

We hypothesize that the cross-talk between lymphocytes with liver stromal cells as well as lymphocyte topography in MASLD and hepatic insulin resistance is driven by commensal bacteria. To study the role of the gut microbiota for immune zonation, we will use germ free and gnotobiotic mouse models, stool transplantation from human MASLD donors and metagenomic shot-gun sequencing and study the development of MASLD-like pathology in distinct murine models of insulin resistance and liver fibrosis. We will then use quantitative volumetric imaging, genetically modified mice and spatial transcriptomics to explore spatial topography in the hepatic immune niche. 

How is it relevant to the public?  

The worldwide epidemic of obesity has led to an increasing prevalence of T2D and MASLD promoting the development of irreversible liver fibrosis. Our research should deepen our understanding of lymphocyte topography and immune-microbiome interactions in MASLD and liver fibrosis and may lead to disease-relevant personalized therapeutic strategies.

For me, the DZD means …  

... the opportunity to meet and (potentially) to collaborate with talented scientists across Germany to combat diabetes and its associated complications. 

What is the main aim of the project?

This project aims to investigate the role of beta cell axo-ciliary synapses in health and diabetes. Beta cells have primary cilia: tiny, hair-like structures that act like antennae and receive signals from neighboring cells in the islet. We have recently found that some of these cilia also connect to the innervation of the islet potentially receiving nervous inputs. We now want to find out which neurotransmitters are involved in this signaling and how the beta cells react to it. We furthermore aim to elucidate if these connections are altered in type 2 diabetes.

How is it relevant to the public?

With the project we hope to able to better explain how the pancreas reacts to signals from the nervous system. Proper function of primary cilia seems to be important for receiving these signals and learning more about it might help us to better protect the islets from disease.

For me the DZD means ...

being able to learn about a huge diversity of topics in diabetes research and to easily connect to other scientists to collaborate.

What is the main aim of the project?

The main aim of this project is to characterize the number and cargo of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) released from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in obese individuals with and without metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We will then explore the impact of VAT-sEV on lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial respiration in hepatocytes to understand the role of sEV in the crosstalk between VAT and the liver, which may drive the progression of MASLD.

How is it relevant to the public?

Obesity and the presence of T2D are major drivers in the pathogenesis of MASLD, the primary contributor to chronic liver disease. Our research can help define a specific sEV signature indicative of MASLD and identify new potential biomarkers for monitoring disease progression. This, in turn, could offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies for managing T2D and MASLD, thereby benefiting public health by improving disease prevention and treatment.

For me, the DZD means ...

a collaborative and innovative research community dedicated to understanding and combating diabetes and its complications, improving lives for individuals affected by these diseases. I am excited to work with experts in the field and contribute to diabetes research across Germany.

What is the main aim of the project? 

The aim of my project focuses is to decipher how changes in maternal thyroid hormone-choline interactions influence the fetal programming of metabolic health, with a particular emphasis on risk factors that promote the development of obesity and type II diabetes in the offspring. 

How is it relevant to the public? 

 My research findings can be translated into clinical practice and help to develop strategies that promote healthier pregnancies and improve the long-term health of the offspring, with the goal of reducing the risk of metabolic diseases in future generations. 

For me, the DZD means ... 

... a dynamic community that fosters dialog, collaboration and shared efforts towards a common goal - improving our understanding of diabetes. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to this collaborative network and being part of a joint initiative that has a significant impact on diabetes research. 

What is the main aim of the project?  

My project aims at defining a novel regulatory layer that modulates the function of pancreatic beta-cells. We have identified two transcriptional co-factors - TBL1 and TBLR1 - as central for the maintenance of functional beta-cells and thereby for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The current project aims at characterizing the function of these molecules in greater detail.  

How is it relevant to the public?  

The precise regulatory machinery that controls the identity and functionality of pancreatic beta-cells is still under investigation, and many open questions remain, particularly regarding the fine-tuning of the transcriptional programs that mediate these events. This is relevant for the identification of novel drug targets counteracting diabetes, as well as the production of functional beta-cells in vitro for replacement therapies, in the future.  

For me, the DZD means …  

interacting with a great collaborative community dedicated to diabetes research all across Germany. 

What is the main aim of the project?

The aim of the project is to elucidate novel signaling pathways that cause metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease (MAFLD), which is tightly connected to  type 2 diabetes.  

How is it relevant to the public?

MAFLD affects around 25% of the general population and is associated with morbidity and increased mortality . Hence, a better understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms that cause MAFLD will pave the way to develop novel therapies for its treatment.   

For me, DZD means ...

... a great opportunity for young scientist to get immense support to establish their own research goals as well as to get  connected to the senior experts in the field for exchanging ideas and initiating collaborations. 

What is the main aim of the project? 

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is rapidly increasing in prevalence and treatment options are limited for a disease that needs to be controlled rapidly. We wanted to explore further the long lasting implications of treatment with metformin during periods of early development, and the consequences of this exposure to the developing offspring. 

How is it relevant to the public? 

One out of every 10 pregnant people will suffer from GDM in Europe, and this number is increasing. If we do not focus critically on treatment options, and specifically healthy treatment options for both the mother AND the offspring, we may be setting up the next generation for metabolic failure. 

For me, the DZD means ... 

A community of researchers working together for a purpose. It has been so great to meet the scientists across Germany focusing on this central goal of tackling a diabetes together from so many aspects!