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.  

DZD Young Talent Program 2025/26

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.

 

DZD Young Talent Program 2024/25

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.

 

 

Effects of DNA hydroxymethylation on the function of skeletal muscle