The Right Way to Transport Negative Particles
German Research Foundation (DFG) provides approximately € 4 million in funding to new research group on SLC26 protein family
Jülich, 30 April 2020 – SLC26 is the name of a family of transport proteins involved in numerous processes in the human body – including in the kidneys and intestine, for example. Dysfunctions in these transporters are known to have serious consequences for our health. However, research into why this could be, and how these protein machines enable organ function under normal conditions, is still in its infancy. A new research group coordinated by Philipps-Universität Marburg has set out to analyse individual proteins from this family on different levels – from single molecules to entire organs – and to examine their structure, function, and regulation. Their long-term goal is to identify new treatment options for illnesses such as high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel diseases, and cystic fibrosis. The DFG has allocated funding of approximately € 4 million to the project over a four-year period.