Background and current state of research
Glycolysis regulation by hexokinase is emerging as a key feature of all cells with a high energetic demand, cells performing an immune response and rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Several lines of evidence link hexokinase and glycolysis regulation to controlling immune responses. The molecular details of the regulatory mechanisms of the metabolic reprogramming during an inflammatory response have only begun to be unraveled.
This is a project within the DFG Research Unit RU 5042 miTarget.
Our goals
The overall aim of this project is to investigate how the microbiota regulate hexokinase activity and glycolysis in the intestinal epithelium and how this regulation influences host physiology in health and disease. More specifically, we will examine the molecular network controlling the expression and function of the microbiota-responsive hexokinase and determine its involvement in intestinal mucosal immune responses and carcinogenesis.
Fig. 1: Main objectives and aims of the study
Outlook: This project promises to identify hexokinase and glycolysis regulation by the microbiota as key determinant in the control of inflammation or carcinogenesis. Further studies targeting specific functions of the microbiota through dietary, probiotic or pharmacological approaches may unravel new therapeutic options for intestinal chronic inflammation and cancer.
More information
Other important members working on P5 of RU 5042:
Dr. Neha Mishra, bioinformatician
Dr. Joana Pimenta Bernardes, bioinformatician
Dr. Sören Franzenburg, head of the NGS laboratory
Jacob Hamm, doctoral researcher in Medicine
Finn Hinrichsen, doctoral researcher in Medicine
Kenneth Klischies, doctoral researcher in Medicine