Project T1

The aim of T1 is the generation of transgenic rat models to achieve an osteoporotic bone phenotype. Therefore, a knock-in to over-express sclerostin (SOST) and dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) will be generated to inhibit the Wnt-signaling pathway. Detailed characterization of SOST and DKK-1 transgenic rats will be performed. Inhibitory antibodies against SOST and DKK-1 will be used to neutralize overexpression of SOST and DKK-1 aiming at induction of increased bone formation. “Next Generation (RNA-) Sequencing” will be used for gene expression profiling to identify new candidate genes. After in vitro testing, a transgenic rat model with a novel candidate gene is planned.

Principle Investigators (PI)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Christian Heiß Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH Campus Giessen Experimental Trauma Surgery Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen Contact: Rudolf-Buchheim-Straße 7 35385 Gießen Phone: +49 (0)641 / 985 44601 Fax: +49 (0)641 / 985 44609 Email: christian.heiss@chiru.med.uni-giessen.de
Dr. rer. nat. Thaqif El Khassawna Experimental Trauma Surgery Faculty of Medicine Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen Contact: Aulweg 128, ForMED 35392 Gießen Phone: +49 (0)641/99-30581 Email:Thaqif.ElKhassawna@chiru.med.uni-giessen.de

Co-Workers

• Dr. Diaa-Eldin Daghma
• Dipl. Biol. Sabine Stötzel
• Katharina Fries
• Dr. cand. med. Sebastian Rosch
• Dr. cand. med. Felix Merboth
• Dr. cand. med. Anne-Marie Schäfer
• Annette Stengel