Sphingolipids were thought for long time to be structural elements of the cell membrane and even in the 1980ies a signaling function of these compounds was unknown. Between 1990 and 1995 several important discoveries on the biological role of sphingolipids were achieved resulting in a change of paradigms. These studies revealed an important function of sphingolipds, in particular ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate, in basic mechanisms of biology, for instance cell death, cell differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and embryonal development.
It was discovered that sphingolipids are also major players in many human disorders, e.g. neuro-degenerative diseases (e.g. M. Alzheimer), ischemic tissue damage (e.g. heart attack, stroke), atherosclerosis, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, sepsis, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, glomerulosclerosis, autoimmune disorders and malignant tumors. The discovery of the drug FTY720 that interferes with sphingosine-1-phosphate highlights the potential of sphingolipids as novel therapeutic targets to achieve effective immune suppression upon organ transplantation, in multiple sclerosis or rheumatoide arthritis.
The DFG-Special Program ’Sphingolipids – Signals and Disease’ has the following aims:
- Characterization of the basic mechanisms that regulate enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism and mediate the physiological and pathophysiological functions of sphingolipids.
- Translation of insights from basic science on the cellular regulation and function of sphingolipids into novel treatment strategies. In particular, the SPP aims to develop novel strategies to treat infectious diseases, disorders of the cardio-reno-vascular system and tumors. Furthermore, we are aiming to selectively target the immune system via a manipulation of sphingolipids. Examples of important diseases that are investigated in the present SPP are bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, cystic fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathies, renal fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, malignant tumors and M. Alzheimer.
- Establishment of a structure and network of groups that are investigating sphingolipids. In particular we want to promote an interdisciplinary network of basic and clinical scientists to translate molecular insights into the structure and function of sphingolipids into novel clinical treatments.
- Intense scientific training and promotion of young scientists, Ph.D students and postdocs from both basic and clinical sciences in the field of sphingolipid research. Further, we are aiming to attract young scientists worldwide to establish a group in Germany studying sphingolipids.
- Finally, we are aiming to establish and promote cooperations between Universities and Pharmaceutical Industry.
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