The research focus of our group lies, on the one hand, in the investigation of the interplay between the intestine and liver in the context of metabolic liver diseases such as MASLD and ALD. However, we are also dedicated to the investigation of molecular mechanisms of ageing and their influence on the intestinal barrier and the liver as well as cognition and how these can be modulated by nutrition. We are also looking at the influence of diet and dietary patterns on the immune response caused by viral and bacterial components.
Research focus
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD)
MASLD, until recently known as NAFLD, and ALD are a growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide... Read more
Ageing and degenerative changes
Weltw The number of older people worldwide is steadily increasing and it is predicted that by 2050 the number of people over 60 will exceed that those under 15... Read more
Nutrition and immune response
NicThe interaction between nutrition and the immune response has come into focus, and not just since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic... Read more
The goal of our research is to create the basis for new nutrition-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of steatotic liver diseases, age-related organ damage and infection-associated inflammatory processes. By studying various model organisms and taking a translational approach, we aim to transfer scientific findings directly into practice.
Our research projects
Our research group is dedicated to investigating these mechanisms and pursues a multidisciplinary approach that combines nutritional science, molecular biology and immunology. The focus is on the following areas:
1. Interaction of dietary ingredients, alcohol and the intestinal barrier:
We are investigating how dietary ingredients and alcohol affect gut barrier function and the role these changes play in the development of MASLD and ALD. In particular, we look at the interaction of the gut and liver in the development of ALD and MASLD as well as age-associated degenerative liver changes.
2. Ageing processes and age-related liver damage:
Ageing is often accompanied by a loss of function of the liver and other organs, accompanied by chronic inflammation (inflamm-ageing) and immunologic changes. Our research aims to decipher the role of bacterial endotoxins and toll-like receptors in these processes and to better understand age-related liver damage.
3. Hop ingredients and the immune system:
Hops contain bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We are analyzing their effect on the immune system and investigating their potential applications for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases and the regulation of inflammatory processes.