A new field of research is coming into focus - inter-organ metabolomics investigates which metabolic products are exchanged between organs, how they influence biological processes and what role they play in disease mechanisms. In order to better understand these relationships, the German Centers for Health Research (DZG) have launched the “Inter-Organ Metabolomics” innovation fund. The aim is to bring together researchers from different disciplines in order to gain new insights across disciplinary boundaries.
Two outstanding projects have been selected for funding and will receive a total budget of up to 766,000 euros (project 1) and 796,000 euros (project 2) over the years 2025 and 2026.
When the immune system increases muscle breakdown
Muscle loss is not only the result of immobility or malnutrition - the immune system often plays a crucial role. Certain metabolites released in serious diseases such as cancer or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can permanently reprogram immune cells. Instead of regulating inflammation, they promote muscle atrophy. This may play a critical role in cachexia, a syndrome that leads to muscle wasting that cannot be fully reversed even with improved nutrition. Read our detailed News about this project.
Participants in the project are:
DZD: Maria Rohm, Stephan Herzig
DZL: Ali Önder Yildirim, Soni Pullamsetti
DZIF: Karsten Hiller
DKTK: Maximilian Reichert
DZHK: Alexander Bartelt
The genetic trail of inflammation in old age
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, COPD and diabetes are among the most common age-related diseases. A genetic change in the blood system called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) may play a key role. It occurs in more than 20 percent of people over the age of 65 and is associated with chronic inflammation and impaired healing processes in the heart, lung and blood vessels. DZG researchers investigate how these mutations cause age-related diseases.
Participants in the project are:
DZD: Triantafyllos Chavakis (UK Dresden),
DZHK: Christoph Reinhardt, Klytaimistra Kiouptsi, Carsten Deppermann, Wolfram Ruf und Andreas Daiber (Uni Mainz), Arash Haghikia (Charité Berlin)
DKTK: Daniela Krause (UK Frankfurt)
DZG Innovation Fund
The DZG Innovation Fund is a joint research funding program of the German Centers for Health Research. For each call for proposals, there will be a coordinated research topic that allows active participation of all DZGs. The prerequisite for the funding of a project is the participation of scientists from at least three of the eight DZGs.