Since 11/2019   
PhD Student in the Department Physiology of Energy Metabolism (EST), DIfE

2017 - 2019        
Store Manager at "Kostbar Naturkost", Leipzig

08/2016 - 05/2017    
Master thesis: “Interaction between thyroid hormones and the transcription factor Zfp423 in murine adipose tissue”, Dept. Endocrinology, University Hospital Leipzig

02/2016 - 04/2016    
Research Internship MS Pro - IFB Adiposity Diseases, University Hospital Leipzig and UFZ Leipzig

2014 - 2017   
Study of Nutritional Science (M. Sc.), University Halle-Wittenberg

2010 - 2013       
Study of Nutritional Science (B. Sc.), University Jena
Bachelor thesis: “Influence of a modified Insulin signaling on the protein biosynthesis in BALB/c 3T3 cells”, Dept. Human Nutrition, University Jena

2007 - 2010        
High school diploma (second chance education), Kolleg Freiberg

02/2007 - 09/2007    
Chemical laboratory assistant in the Department Research, Development and Quality assurance, Apogepha Arzneimittel GmbH, Dresden

2003 - 2007    
Training as a chemical laboratory assistant, Apogepha Arzneimittel GmbH, Dresden

“Oral FGF21 delivery to limits its action to the liver”

funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Page of the Project

Project description

The hormone Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) functions as a major regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. Clinical trials with FGF21 analogues (application via injection) confirmed the lowering of body weight, circulating lipids and insulin in humans. Liver is a major target, particularly in patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However hepatic specific effects and the cellular events downstream of acute signalling of FGF21 are only partially clarified. Besides that, pharmacologically increased levels of FGF21 have also been shown negative side effects e. g. on bone formation.

The aim of this project is the establishment of an oral administration system for FGF21 to limit its action to the liver while avoiding adverse effects. Therefor edible plants will be developed (by our cooperation-partner Dr. H. Nausch at Fraunhofer IME, Aachen) that express FGF21 and in which FGF21 will be protected from degradation in the stomach. Their bioavailability and metabolic effects will be investigated by feeding studies using FGF21 ablated and Wildtype mice. Additional cell culture studies with primary hepatocytes will provide further clarification on direct hepatic effects of FGF21.