Project C03 (Panáková/Kreutz):
Renoprotective prostaglandin reductase 2 (PTGR2)

Prostaglandin reductase-2 (PTGR2) catalyzes the reduction of the 15-keto form of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) into 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, thereby initiating the terminal inactivation of PGE2. Our exhaustive genomic analysis in the genetic Munich Wistar Frömter rat (MWF) CKD model identified PTGR2 as a high impact candidate gene for albuminuria development; while our genetic substitution studies underscore its tentative renoprotective properties. By combination of complementary in vitro studies, in vivo experiments in zebrafish and rat models, and by explorative analysis of biopsies from selected patients, we will test the renoprotective role of PTGR2, and the potential to target PGE2/15-keto-PGE2/PTGR2 pathway for renoprotection.