Roman-Ulrich Müller

Linking RNA biology with the power of model organisms such as C. elegans bears a huge potential to reveal novel approaches for fighting kidney diseases as well as consecutive morbidity and mortality. Unraveling this potential and translating it to clinical use is the lab's declared aim.

C. elegans is one of the key model organisms to study molecular mechanisms regulating longevity and stress resistance. Consequently, a large number of the signal transduction pathways involved in these phenotypes has been identified using the nematode. Work from Dr. Müller and his team was among the first evidence showing that hypoxia-inducible factor signaling is one of these pathways linking stress resistance, longevity, and tumorigenesis even closer to each other. As to non-coding RNAs in the kidney, Prof. Dr. Müller contributed to the very first microRNA expression profiles from different cell types in the kidney. Furthermore, his group published work showing the importance of this RNA species to kidney development and function.

• We study interventions that increase fitness and resilience by modulation of cellular metabolism with the aim to prevent loss of kidney function and increase the human healthspan. Translational strategies are central to our research including experiments spanning the whole spectrum from the nematode to humans. Specifically, we use C. elegans to screen for interventions that extend lifespan, examine the identified interventions in mouse models of kidney injury and transfer the most potent approaches to clinical trials.
   
• Considering the major impact of RNA biology on cellular metabolism, RNA-binding proteins and non-coding RNAs are one of our central interests regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying organ protection.