Projects

Dr. Ahmed Ghallab (TU University, Dortmund) deals with chronic liver damage caused by toxins. In addition, he investigates processes associated with cholestasis - when bile accumulates in the bile ducts. Ghallab has been able to explain basic mechanisms of acute cholestasis, using a method for intravital two-photon microscopy, which he developed.

Dr. Nachiket Vartak (TU University, Dortmund) investigates the role of a particular protein - the GTPase Rab18 - in initiating NAFLD. He tries to influence Rab18 pharmacologically so that NAFLD is not initiated. Vartak also analyzes how bile acids leave the liver. He hopes to find ways to improve the flow of bile in a liver with dysfunctional bile flow.

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.