Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Institute for Theoretical Biology (ITB)

This comprises the whole LiSyM network

This generic project is intended to be a forum for all LiSyM partner and external stakeholders interested in participating in the BMBF initiative LiSyM-Krebs.

Disorders of the liver show up through changes in blood tests. These blood tests indicate markers for events taking place in the liver. Usually studies of liver tissue cannot be performed: as liver samples would need to be obtained through a liver biopsy, and this procedure is not without risk, therefore these samples are usually unavailable. Complex metabolism models based on existing and new scientific data can simulate changes in the liver caused by disease. They often reveal unknown relationships
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One of the tasks of the healthy liver is to store fat. Yet, at some stage, too much fat makes the liver sick. One critical time point occurs when a healthy fatty liver becomes inflamed and progresses to steatohepatitis, or NASH.
LiSyM-Pillar I will identify what events lead to this transition. Does it occur in all parts of the liver? Which molecules indicate that it is taking place? Can the degeneration be stopped or undone - and if so, how?

Dr. Matthias König (Humboldt University, Berlin) models the human liver on the computer. His simulations show the extent of individual differences in liver function and the external factors influencing it. König has shown that smoking falsifies the result of an important liver test (LiMAx). With his models, drug doses can be calculated so that they can be administered in doses that do not harm the liver.