M. (Matthijs) Luxen

Sepsis is the dysregulated response of the host to infection, and can lead to development of sepsis-induced organ dysfunction. Millions of patients are affected by sepsis worldwide, and many do not survive their ailment. The microvasculature is a key player in sepsis pathophysiology, yet the molecular mechanisms that underlie their role in sepsis-induced organ dysfunction are not well understood, which complicates development of targeted pharmacological intervention strategies.

This project combines state-of-the-art analytical tools to determine kinome, transcriptome, and miRNome profiles in samples of sepsis patients and in sepsis animal models. Using laser microdissection (LMD) we will enrich for microvascular compartments in lung and kidney, to obtain (mi)RNA profiles and kinase activation signatures unique to those compartments in health and disease. This approach is aimed towards identification of novel biomarkers of sepsis-induced organ injury in lung and kidney. Furthermore, we will provide detailed molecular signatures of the involved microvascular beds, hereby serving as a blueprint for development of novel therapeutic strategies. 

This project is a collaboration of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) with TAmiRNA GmbH (Austria) and Vivomicx BV (Groningen) and is co-financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Netherlands by means of the PPP-allowance made available by the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health and Health Holland to stimulate public-private partnerships.