4.7 million euros for Dresden research: iron regulates bone health!

4.7 million euros for Dresden research: iron regulates bone health!

Dresden, Deutschland - The importance of iron metabolism for bone health is increasingly in focus of research. A current research group at the Technical University of Dresden, which is under the direction of Prof. Martina Rauner, is dedicated to the complex contexts between iron regulation, bone stability and liver function. The German Research Foundation (DFG) has promoted the "Ferros" research group with 4.7 million euros to examine the fundamental mechanisms of the iron homöostasis and to develop therapy concepts.

iron is an essential trace element for life and plays a key role in many biological processes. Both a defect and an overload with iron can increase the bone fragility and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Despite this importance, the underlying mechanisms are still insufficiently researched, which illustrates the urgency of the research efforts. Prof. Rauner, professor of molecular bone biology at the medical clinic 3 of the Dresden University Hospital, coordinates the group since 2021.

research focus and interdisciplinary approaches

The research group "Ferros" includes scientists from various institutions, including the TU Dresden, the University of Heidelberg, the German Cancer Research Center and the University of Cologne. In Dresden himself, Prof. Rauner, private lecturer Ulrike Baschant, Dr. Maria Ledesma Colunga and Prof. Lorenz Hofbauer the projects that are equipped with a total volume of 2.9 million euros. This interdisciplinary cooperation aims to understand the communication between the liver and bones, as well as to examine the role of iron -regulating proteins such as hepcidine and ferroport.

A central concern of the research group is to clarify the mechanisms of iron absorption, transport and distribution in the body. In particular, cellular emergency programs that react to iron deficiency or overload should be considered in more detail. This could provide new insights into iron -related diseases and help to develop dual therapies for bones and liver diseases.

important application goals

The DFG supports the research group for four years in a total of nine individual projects, of which five Dresden participations include. Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Medical Faculty of the TU Dresden, joy about this continuation of the funding and emphasizes the importance of promoting young talent. Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, medical board of the university hospital, emphasizes the relevance of support for bone research and the topics "Healthy Longevity" and healthy aging.

Potential therapy -optimizing approaches that result from the research could be crucial to support patients with iron metabolism disorders. Innovative strength is particularly in demand, since both iron deficiency, which is often caused by unbalanced nutrition or chronic blood loss, as well as an excessive iron concentration that can lead to organ damage that has a great influence. The "Ferros" research group makes an important contribution here to deepen the understanding of these relationships and to develop sustainable solutions.

Overall, research at the interface between iron metabolism and bone health in Dresden is not only strengthened by extensive funds, but also by the committed interdisciplinary cooperation between the institutions involved. The work of the group could be groundbreaking for the entire society by leading to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and new therapy approaches.

For further details and information on the projects and their importance as well as the scientists involved, please visit TU Dresden , Oiger and TU Dresden-Faculty .