Anatomy and Cell Biology
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Funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Dr. Maryam Keshavarz: Exploring the influence of tuft cells in the biliary system
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Gallstone disease and other conditions affecting the bile ducts - such as inflammation and bile duct caner (cholangiocarcinoma) - are common and often require surgery. In Europe, about 20% of people develop gallstones at some point. In Germany alone, more than 175.000 gallbladder removals are performed each year. Despite how widespread these conditions are, the exact causes of inflammation and disease in the bile system are still not well understood. The gallbladder plays a key role in storing and controlling bile, which is essential for digesting fat and maintaining metabolic health.
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Dr. Maryam Keshavarz and her team are working to change that. In a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with 315.000 €, her research group is studying tuft cells - rare sensory cells found in the lining of the gallbladder. Theses cells can sence chemical and microbial signals and may help regulate immune responses and tissue function. Using different genetically modified mouse modells and samples of human gallbladder tissues, the researchers are investigating how tuft cells interact with other cell types during inflammation and disease. Their goal is to unvocer new signaling pathways that contribute to the development of gallstones and related conditions. By revealing the role of tuft cells in the gallbladder, this research opens new perspectives on how the biliary system maintains balance and responds to stress. These findings could lead to innovative diagnostic tools amd more precise, targeted therapies for biliary diseases.
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For more information click here.
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Newsflash publications
"Bitter tastants relax the mouse gallbladder smooth muscle independent of signaling through tuft cells and bitter taste receptors"
In our publication, published in August 2024, we investigated bitter compounds as relaxants for gallbladder smooth muscle. Our findings suggest new ways to treat gallbladder disease caused by abnormal muscle contractions. The study shows that bitter compounds such as dantonium, quinine and dextromethorphan effectively relax gallbladder muscles, independent of the traditional bitter taste receptors and specific cell types previously thought to be relevant. Our results suggest that these compounds act directly on the smooth muscle cells of the gallbladder.
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Keshavarz Maryam, Ruppert Anna-Lena, Meiners Mirjam, Poharkar Krupali, Liu Shuya, Mahmoud Wafaa, Winterberg Sarah, Hartmann Petra, Mermer Petra, Perniss Alexander, Offermanns Stefan, Kummer Wolfgang, Sch¨¹tz Burkhard. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69287-6 PDF | BibTeX | RIS | DOI
Current Publications
Keshavarz Maryam, Ruppert Anna-Lena, Meiners Mirjam, Poharkar Krupali, Liu Shuya, Mahmoud Wafaa, Winterberg Sarah, Hartmann Petra, Mermer Petra, Perniss Alexander, Offermanns Stefan, Kummer Wolfgang, Sch¨¹tz Burkhard.
Bitter tastants relax the mouse gallbladder smooth muscle independent of signaling through tuft cells and bitter taste receptors.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69287-6
PDF | BibTeX | RIS | DOI |
Perniss Alexander, Boonen Brett, Tonack Sarah, Thiel Moritz, Poharkar Krupali, Alnouri Mohamad Wessam, Keshavarz Maryam, Papadakis Tamara, Wiegand Silke, Pfeil Uwe, Richter Katrin, Althaus Mike, Oberwinkler Johannes, Sch¨¹tz Burkhard, Boehm Ulrich, Offermanns Stefan, Leinders-Zufall Trese, Zufall Frank, Kummer Wolfgang.
A succinate/SUCNR1-brush cell defense program in the tracheal epithelium.
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg8842
PDF | BibTeX | RIS | DOI |
Steingruber Laura, Krabichler Florian, Franzmeier Sophie, Wu Wei, Schlegel J¨¹rgen, Koch Marco.
ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 paralogues of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 control myogenic differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells by retinoic acid-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-023-03838-7
BibTeX | RIS | DOI |
Locations
Until the completion of the new ITM research building on the medical campus of the ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©ÓÎÏ·_ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©app-¡¾¹ÙÍø¡¿ of Augsburg? (progress and live camera), the chair is currently using interim research space and offices in the Business Park in Garching near Munich and in the SIGMA Technopark in Augsburg.
Contact
Visiting address administration:
ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©ÓÎÏ·_ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©app-¡¾¹ÙÍø¡¿ of Augsburg
Anatomy und Cell Biology
SIGMA-Technopark
Building 10f, 1st floor
Werner-von-Siemens-Stra?e 6
86159 Augsburg
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Mailing address:
ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©ÓÎÏ·_ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©app-¡¾¹ÙÍø¡¿ of Augsburg
Faculty of ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©ÓÎÏ·_ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©app-¡¾¹ÙÍø¡¿icine
Anatomy und Cell Biology
Universit?tsstra?e 2
86159 Augsburg
Visiting address laboratory Augsburg:
ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©ÓÎÏ·_ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©app-¡¾¹ÙÍø¡¿ of Augsburg
Anatomy und Cell Biology
SIGMA-Technopark
Building 10f, 4th floor
Werner-von-Siemens-Stra?e 6
86159 Augsburg
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Visiting address laboratory Garching:
ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©ÓÎÏ·_ÍþÄá˹¶Ä²©app-¡¾¹ÙÍø¡¿ of Augsburg
Anatomy und Cell Biology
Business Park Garching
Parkring 11-13
85748 Garching near Munich
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