Profiling and anti-inflammatory molecules: TU Braunschweig provides important building blocks for research

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1454 “Metaflammation and Cellular Programming” for a second funding period. The research network will focus on investigating the links between western lifestyles and chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and the metabolic syndrome. The Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics at TU Braunschweig is contributing to the scientific progress of the CRC in two projects with its expertise in the field of immune cell metabolism (immunometabolism) and in mass spectrometry-based methods for the analysis of metabolic processes.

A western lifestyle with excessive calorie intake, lack of exercise and environmental pollution affects the immune system to such an extent that chronic, low-grade inflammation – known as metaflammation – develops. This inflammation promotes the development of many lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and obesity. The Collaborative Research Centre “Metaflammation”, at University of Bonn, is taking a holistic approach to deciphering the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of this misprogramming of immune cells. The interactions between cells in inflamed tissue and the effects on molecular signalling pathways are also being investigated.

Anti-inflammatory molecule discovered

TU Braunschweig is participating in the CRC with two projects. In the first funding period, researchers from Professor Karsten Hiller’s department, in collaboration with Professor Eicke Latz, Director of the German Rheumatism Research Centre, and other CRC colleagues, made a groundbreaking discovery: they identified a previously unknown molecule, mesaconate, in immune cells that has an anti-inflammatory effect. This substance could play a key role in the natural control of inflammatory processes. At the same time, they found that the amount of the amino acid aspartate was greatly reduced in inflamed immune cells – especially in macrophages. This suggests that this amino acid plays an important role in the control of inflammatory processes.

In the second funding period, which is now starting, the focus will be on the following question: Why is aspartate missing in inflamed macrophages, and how does this affect their function? The researchers are particularly interested in how aspartate affects the production of nitric oxide (NO) – a molecule that macrophages use to defend themselves against pathogens and regulate inflammation.

Close collaboration between different teams of experts will allow the use of state-of-the-art technologies, including cell culture and animal models, to unravel the complex interactions between aspartate, mesaconate and other key metabolites. These findings could pave the way for innovative therapies that specifically target chronic inflammation and promote long-term health.

Central Service project – Metabolic Profiling: TU Braunschweig provides important building blocks for research

“Metabolic profiling” uses state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technologies. These enable the identification and quantification of tiny molecules – called metabolites – in cells, tissues and body fluids. Metabolites are the building blocks and intermediates of chemical processes in the body and play a central role in energy production, cell structure and the control of inflammatory responses. Their study provides crucial insights into how metabolic processes and inflammation are linked.

TU Braunschweig is not only developing specific analytical methods, but is also providing standardised protocols that can be used by the other research groups in the CRC. For example, the researchers are investigating which metabolic products play a role in chronic inflammation and how these can be specifically influenced to better understand and treat diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

By playing a central role in this service project, TU Braunschweig is making a decisive contribution to unravelling the metabolic basis of metaflammation. The knowledge gained will help to understand the interaction between the immune and metabolic systems and to develop potential new approaches for therapies and prevention. This project is an essential building block for the success of the entire research network.

A strong interdisciplinary network

The “Metaflammation” Collaborative Research Centre combines the expertise of scientists from various institutions, including University of Bonn, TU Braunschweig, the Max Planck Institute for Metabolic Research in Cologne, the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn and the German Rheumatism Research Centre in Berlin. Together, the researchers aim to develop innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of metaflammation-associated diseases.

Groundbreaking research and societal relevance

During the second funding phase (January 2025 to December 2028), the CRC will not only generate new scientific knowledge, but will also highlight its societal importance. Outreach and education campaigns, such as a museum exhibition and dialogue with policymakers, will help illustrate the importance of a healthy lifestyle for public health.