Anatomy and Cell Biology
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Insights into the Alzheimer’s Brain: Previously Unknown Immune Cell Population Discovered
New Method Developed and Published in *Nature Neuroscience*
Funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Dr. Maryam Keshavarz: Exploring the influence of tuft cells in the biliary system
Gallstone disease and other conditions affecting the bile ducts - such as inflammation and bile duct caner (cholangiocarcinoma) - are common and often require surgery. In Europe, about 20% of people develop gallstones at some point. In Germany alone, more than 175.000 gallbladder removals are performed each year. Despite how widespread these conditions are, the exact causes of inflammation and disease in the bile system are still not well understood. The gallbladder plays a key role in storing and controlling bile, which is essential for digesting fat and maintaining metabolic health.
Dr. Maryam Keshavarz and her team are working to change that. In a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with 315.000 €, her research group is studying tuft cells - rare sensory cells found in the lining of the gallbladder. Theses cells can sence chemical and microbial signals and may help regulate immune responses and tissue function. Using different genetically modified mouse modells and samples of human gallbladder tissues, the researchers are investigating how tuft cells interact with other cell types during inflammation and disease. Their goal is to unvocer new signaling pathways that contribute to the development of gallstones and related conditions. By revealing the role of tuft cells in the gallbladder, this research opens new perspectives on how the biliary system maintains balance and responds to stress. These findings could lead to innovative diagnostic tools amd more precise, targeted therapies for biliary diseases.
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On our own behalf
Newsflash publications
"Bitter tastants relax the mouse gallbladder smooth muscle independent of signaling through tuft cells and bitter taste receptors"
In our publication, published in August 2024, we investigated bitter compounds as relaxants for gallbladder smooth muscle. Our findings suggest new ways to treat gallbladder disease caused by abnormal muscle contractions. The study shows that bitter compounds such as dantonium, quinine and dextromethorphan effectively relax gallbladder muscles, independent of the traditional bitter taste receptors and specific cell types previously thought to be relevant. Our results suggest that these compounds act directly on the smooth muscle cells of the gallbladder.
Keshavarz Maryam, Ruppert Anna-Lena, Meiners Mirjam, Poharkar Krupali, Liu Shuya, Mahmoud Wafaa, Winterberg Sarah, Hartmann Petra, Mermer Petra, Perniss Alexander, Offermanns Stefan, Kummer Wolfgang, Schütz Burkhard. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69287-6 PDF | BibTeX | RIS | DOI
Current Publications
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Krabichler Florian, Mayr Andreas, Seichter Kristin, Keshavarz Maryam, Knäbel Kevin, Stemmer Kerstin, Koch Marco, Steingruber Laura.
Correlation of molecular and cellular signatures in primary skeletal muscle satellite cells derived from lean and diet-induced obese mice.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11626-025-01130-2
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Ngo Quang Vinh, Wieghofer Peter, Agostini H., Lange C., Boneva S..
Ein Blick auf den Glaskörper, nicht durch ihn hindurch: Anatomie, Embryologie und Zellen des Glaskörpers.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00347-026-02386-z
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Steingruber Laura, Ruess Patrick, Hammer Maria, Moll Paul, Raab Stephan, Koch Marco.
Feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging manual segmentation of human intercostal muscles: a morphological analysis approach.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmscd.2025.1677352
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Vlasenko Dmytro, Maccagno Andrea, Sanna Adriano, Papadakis Tamara, Shiplu Shanjid Ahmed, Schmid Ramona, Gärtner Ulrich, Märkl Bruno, Koch Marco, Keshavarz Maryam.
Histological, ultrastructural, and single-cell profiling reveal immune-mediated remodeling in gallbladder inflammation.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-026-04057-6
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Jacob Eden M., Fortmann Seth D., Kim Kyoung Woo, Voigt Andrew P., Grant Maria B., Stamer W. Daniel, Liu Katy C., Lavine Jeremy A., Wieghofer Peter, Saban Daniel R..
Principles of resident tissue macrophages revealed by the eye.
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ai.2026.02.001
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Kim Han Rae, Kang Dasol, Kim Dong Hee, Jeong Bora, Kim Kwangkon, Park Byong Seo, Yang Hye Rim, Kwon Hyug Moo, Koch Marco, Young Colin N., Lee Byung Ju, Kim Jae Geun.
TonEBP as a key regulator of hypothalamic leptin signaling and resistance.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-026-06150-z
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Locations
Until the completion of the new ITM research building on the medical campus of the University of Augsburg (progress and live camera), the chair is currently using interim research space and offices in the Business Park in Garching near Munich and in the SIGMA Technopark in Augsburg.
Contact
Visiting address administration:
University of Augsburg
Anatomy und Cell Biology
SIGMA-Technopark
Building 10f, 1st floor
Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 6
86159 Augsburg
Mailing address:
University of Augsburg
Faculty of Medicine
Anatomy und Cell Biology
Universitätsstraße 2
86159 Augsburg
Visiting address laboratory Augsburg:
University of Augsburg
Anatomy und Cell Biology
SIGMA-Technopark
Building 10f, 4th floor
Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 6
86159 Augsburg
Visiting address laboratory Garching:
University of Augsburg
Anatomy und Cell Biology
Business Park Garching
Parkring 11-13
85748 Garching near Munich
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