Immunoregulation / Cell-Directed Therapy
von Gunten Group

Project leader: Prof. Stephan von Gunten

Glycolipids and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in kidney health and disease

This project investigates how naturally occurring fats and sugar-linked fats in the body—known as lipids and glycolipids—help maintain kidney health and contribute to disease. A central focus is a molecule called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which acts as a key messenger between cells, guiding how they respond to stress and injury. Although S1P is known to be important, its precise role within certain kidney cells remains unclear. The research centers on podocytes, highly specialized cells that form a crucial part of the kidney’s filtration system. These cells prevent essential proteins from leaking into the urine. When podocytes are damaged, this protective barrier breaks down, leading to conditions marked by protein loss (albuminuria), inflammation, and scarring (fibrosis). Our work examines how changes in S1P levels inside cells influence podocyte behavior and their communication with neighboring cells. We pay particular attention to the enzymes that regulate S1P, as they may play a decisive role in how kidney diseases develop and how patients respond to treatment. In addition, we study glycosphingolipids—molecules formed when sugars attach to lipids—which are involved in “outside-in” signaling and interactions between podocytes and immune cells. These processes are essential for preserving the integrity of the kidney’s filtration barrier. A key aim of the project is to understand why some patients do not respond well to standard steroid therapies and to identify more effective alternatives. By uncovering these underlying mechanisms, this research seeks to open new paths for treatment and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with kidney disease.