Red blood cells and iron as checkpoints of macrophage polarization and NK cell reactivity

17.04.2025 Doktorarbeit experimentell

Beschreibung

Iron export via ferroportin (FPN) is essential for iron transport to the plasma. Iron accumulation in macrophages acts as a check point for pro-inflammatory reprogramming. We recently identified mechanisms how ferroportin is controlled by transcriptional repression and protein degradation via the hormone Hepcidin.
TLR6 is a transmembrane protein that belongs to the pattern recognition receptor family that plays an important role during infections. Evidence for TLR6 functions under steady state conditions are rarely reported. Our analysis of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 6 deficient mice demonstrates that TLR6-deficiency suppresses FPN protein levels under steady state levels (e.g. in the absence of inflammation). As a consequence, iron levels are increased in macrophages of the spleen.
In this project, we aim to gain mechanistic insight into how TLR6 acts as a checkpoint of iron export to trigger intracellular iron accumulation in macrophages. To achieve this, molecular and cellular assays will be performed in primary macrophages isolated from TLR6-deficient and wild-type mice.

Please send your application to

Viviana.Kilian@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Martin.Schneider@medma.uni-heidelberg.de

Kontakt

martin.schneider@medma.uni-heidelberg.de

Betreuerin / Betreuer

Prof. Dr. phil. nat. Martina Muckenthaler

Doktormutter / Doktorvater

Prof. Dr. phil. nat. Martina Muckenthaler

Institut

MFH, Center for Translational Biomedical Iron Research in the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology

Für Studierende der Fächer ...

Medizin

Art

Doktorarbeit

Abschluss / Akademischer Grad

Dr. med.

Start der Arbeit

sofort

Voraussichtliche Dauer in Monaten

12

Ungefährer Arbeitsaufwand

Vollzeit

Version: ed8cb17