DZD Young Talent Program
The DZD Young Talent Program specifically supports young DZD researchers on their path to scientific independence. Leaders of junior research groups can apply for funding each year with a scientific project. This funding finances a postdoctoral position for two years, during which the project is carried out under the supervision of the group leader.
Early life programming of epigenetic aging trajectories in hypothalamic neurons
What is the main objective of the project?
The project aims to understand whether maternal metabolic stress during early development accelerates aging processes in the brain, particularly in brain regions that control metabolism. Using a cross-species approach, we will investigate the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that link early-life metabolic conditions to brain aging and metabolic health later in life.
How is the project relevant to the public?
Maternal obesity can have long-lasting consequences for the metabolic and brain health of the offspring, affecting health across the lifespan. By uncovering fundamental mechanisms linking early-life metabolic stress to brain aging, our research could provide a basis for new strategies to prevent or reduce the risk of metabolic and other aging-associated diseases.
Tirzepatide on brain-body interaction: Understanding underlying mechanisms, non-responsiveness and sex-specific differences in humans
What is the main objective of the project?
This project aims to elucidate how the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP, as mimicked by the dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist tirzepatide, influence the complex interplay between the brain and the body, particularly in the regulation of central and peripheral insulin resistance and energy metabolism.
How is the project relevant to the public?
Incretin-based medications are now widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for the management of body weight and metabolic health. Therefore, it is crucial to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms through which GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists influence communication between the brain and the body, promote satiety, and reduce hunger. Such knowledge may contribute to a better understanding and optimization of these widely used therapeutic approaches.
![[Translate to English:] Portrait of Melanie Mittenbühler](/fileadmin-dzd/_processed_/7/0/csm_Mittenb%C3%BChler_picjpeg_3a953fb13b.webp)
The role of exercise-induced myokines in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity
What is the main objective of the project?
Regular physical activity can effectively prevent diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. The adaptation processes that take place in the muscles and, in particular, the release of so-called myokines—proteins that are released during muscle activity—play a central role in this. In this project, we are investigating how previously unknown myokines induced by physical activity positively influence metabolism and can thus help to prevent metabolic diseases or slow down their progression.
How is the project relevant to the public?
The findings on previously unknown myokines obtained in this project could make an important contribution to the prevention of metabolic diseases and enable the development of new, innovative therapies for diabetes and obesity.
![[Translate to English:] Portrait of Isabelle Serr](/fileadmin-dzd/_processed_/0/f/csm_Foto_Serr_aktuell_573d376285.webp)
Modelling islet autoimmunity: crosstalk of beta cells and immune cells in humanized mice
What is the main objective of the project?
In this project, we are developing novel human cell-based models that replicate different stages of type 1 diabetes. We are using these models to investigate the interaction between immune cells and insulin-producing beta cells in order to better understand the mechanisms of the disease and the heterogeneity in its development.
How is the project relevant to the public?
New models that reflect the heterogeneity of human type 1 diabetes can bridge the gap between classic mouse models and the human disease. They can thus contribute to improved translation of new therapeutic and preventive approaches into clinical practice.
Crosstalk between liver and brain in humans
What is the main aim of the project?
The project aims to determine whether the human liver is primed for nutrient uptake by food perception, as is the case in rodents, and to identify the signalling pathways involved. In addition, it will be investigated how these reactions affect glucose metabolism in healthy people and in people with obesity or (pre-)diabetes.
How is the project relevant to the public?
As two-thirds of Germans are at risk due to being overweight or obese, this research could reveal new strategies for improving glucose metabolism and combating diabetes.
How beneficial gut bacteria influence the immune cells of the liver in MASLD and liver scarring (fibrosis)
What is the main goal of the project?
We want to investigate how gut bacteria influence immune cells and their positioning in the liver in MASLD and insulin resistance. Using advanced mouse models, human faecal transplants and state-of-the-art imaging techniques, we want to explore these interactions to better understand the progression of liver disease.
Why is this relevant to the public?
As obesity increases, so do cases of type 2 diabetes and MASLD. Our research could reveal new approaches for personalised treatments of liver disease and prevent irreversible damage.
Function of ciliary synapses of beta cells in health and diabetes
What is the main goal of the project?
This project investigates how the cilia of beta cells receive signals, including nervous impulses, and what role they play in health and diabetes. We want to identify the neurotransmitters involved and find out whether these connections change in type 2 diabetes.
Why is this relevant to the public?
Understanding how the pancreas responds to signals from the nervous system could help to better protect islet cells from diseases such as diabetes.
The role of the visceral adipose tissue secretome in the development of metabolic-associated steatosis liver disease (MASLD).
What is the main goal of the project?
The project aims to study small vesicles from visceral adipose tissue in obese individuals and their effects on liver cells to better understand their role in the development of MASLD.
Why is this relevant to the public?
This research could help identify markers for MASLD, improve monitoring of the disease and develop new treatment approaches for obesity-related liver disease and diabetes.
Interactions between maternal thyroid hormone and choline and the foetal programming of metabolic health
What is the main goal of the project?
The project aims to understand how the interactions between maternal thyroid hormone and choline influence the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the child later in life.
Why is this relevant to the public?
The findings could promote strategies for healthier pregnancies and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases in future generations.
TBL1 - TBLR1 - PAX6: A new control system for beta-cell identity.
What is the main goal of the project?
The project aims to investigate how the molecules TBL1 and TBLR1 regulate the function of beta cells in the pancreas and thus help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Why is this relevant to the public?
Understanding the regulation of beta cell function could lead to new drugs for diabetes and improved beta cell production for replacement therapies in the future.
