The aim of this sub-project is to understand the metabolic interaction of macrophages with intestinal cells. We would like to understand how macrophages in the intestine contribute to epithelial cell function in health and during colitis and colitis-associated cancer using genetic models (together with G. Schabbauer and M. Schweiger) and colon organoids (G. Egger). Moreover, we will investigate whether macrophages provide specific metabolites or modulate the microbiome (with C. Moissl-Eichinger) to provide a survival or proliferative advantage during conditions of inflammation and tissue destruction. Therefore, we will investigate whether the modulation of different pathways and enzymes related to mTORC1 signaling and the modulation of microbiota can have a beneficial effect during colitis and CRC (with E. Pohl, G. Egger, A. Haschemi, G. Schabbauer, C. Moissl-Eichinger). By analyzing the metabolic crosstalk of macrophages with intestinal epithelial cells, we will explore a commensal metabolism by macrophages as supportive cells that provide metabolites to other cells.

Connor Jankowski
Postdoc
SFB Member

Paul Ettel
MD-PhD Student
SFB Member