Prof. Dr. med. dent. Christian Apel · Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Rosado Balmayor · Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Ali Modabber

Systemic bone diseases can significantly impair the regenerative capacity of the periodontium. This project investigates how changes in bone metabolism influence the interaction between alveolar bone and periodontal tissue. The goal is to identify the underlying mechanisms and develop new approaches to preserving periodontal tissue integrity.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Georg Conrads · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Kuppe, MHBA

Chronic kidney disease is often associated with changes in the oral microbiome and an impaired immune response. This project investigates the interactions between microbial factors, inflammatory processes, and periodontal tissue. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that contribute to accelerated tissue degeneration in kidney disease.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Joachim Jankowski · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Michael Wolf, M.Sc.

Chronic kidney disease leads to the release of numerous circulating factors that exert effects far beyond the kidney. This project investigates newly identified mediators that influence the regeneration and stability of the periodontium. The goal is to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Dr. med. dent. Jaana-Sophia Kern · Prof. Dr. med. Katharina Marx-Schütt

Patients with cardiovascular diseases often exhibit chronic inflammatory responses that affect various organs. This project investigates the role of the complement system in changes to the soft and hard tissues of the periodontium. The goal is to uncover new links between vascular diseases and periodontal tissue degeneration.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. dent. Isabel Knaup · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Rafael Kramann

Chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases often occur together and affect similar biological signaling pathways. This project investigates how these diseases alter the regeneration and homeostasis of the periodontium. The goal is to identify common molecular mechanisms and understand their role in periodontal remodeling.

apl.-Prof. Heidi Noels, PhD · Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Ulrike Schulze-Späte

Disorders of lipid metabolism can alter the innate immune system over the long term and exacerbate inflammatory responses. This project investigates the influence of this so-called “trained immunity” on the development and progression of periodontal diseases. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets at the intersection of metabolism and the immune response.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Nikolaus Marx · Dr. rer. nat. Marta Rizk

Heart failure affects numerous biological processes that are important for tissue homeostasis. This project investigates the effects of impaired cardiac function on the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and gingiva. The goal is to understand the mechanisms by which heart failure contributes to periodontal tissue degeneration.

Rebekka Schneider-Kramann, MD, PhD · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Michael Wolf, M.Sc.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are blood cancers associated with chronic inflammatory reactions and changes in bone metabolism. This project investigates their effects on the periodontium and the alveolar bone. The goal is to identify new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Prof. Dr. med. Dr. rer. nat. Kai Markus Schneider  · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Stefan Wolfart

Liver diseases affect key metabolic and inflammatory processes in the body. This project investigates how these systemic changes influence the stability and regeneration of the periodontium. The goal is to better understand the molecular signaling pathways between the liver and the periodontium.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Anna Bock · Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Pufe

Alveolar bone regeneration is crucial for the long-term stability of the periodontium. This project investigates the role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in regulating bone remodeling and tissue healing. The goal is to develop new strategies to promote regenerative processes in the jaw region.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. rer. nat. Rogerio Bastos Craveiro · Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Yang Shi

Innovative biomaterials open up new possibilities for selectively influencing biological processes. This project is developing injectable hydrogel systems to modulate disease-related changes in periodontal tissue and promote regenerative processes. The goal is to develop new therapeutic approaches for patients with systemic conditions.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent. Frank Hölzle · Priv.-Doz. Dr. Emiel van der Vorst

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. This project investigates their effects on inflammatory processes, tissue remodeling, and regeneration in the periodontium. The goal is to identify the biological mechanisms that lead to an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease.

Dr. Jitske Jansen · Univ.- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Horst Fischer

Mechanical stresses have a significant impact on the function and structure of the periodontium. Using an innovative dynamic 3D model, this project investigates the interactions between immune cells, tissue remodeling, and mechanical stress. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern healthy and pathological remodeling.

Dr. med. dent. Christian Niederau · Prof. Dr. Leon Schurgers 

Stem cells play a central role in the regeneration of periodontal tissues. This project compares patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells with native periodontal stem cells to analyze differences in their regenerative capacity. The goal is to develop new cell-based therapeutic approaches for periodontal diseases.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. rer. nat. Rogerio Bastos Craveiro · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. René H. Tolba 

This service project provides standardized animal models and analytical methods for the entire consortium. Harmonized experimental conditions promote the comparability of scientific results and close collaboration among the subprojects. The platform thus serves as an important foundation for experimental research within SFB1739.

Univ.-Prof. med. Peter Boor, PhD · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Felix M. Mottaghy · Dr. rer. nat. Marta Rizk

Modern imaging techniques provide new insights into the interactions between tissues and organs. This service project develops and establishes innovative imaging methods for analyzing the periodontium and its systemic connections. The platform supports all projects in the high-resolution visualization of biological processes.

apl. Prof. Vera Jankowski, PhD · Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Joachim Jankowski

Mass spectrometry is a key technology for identifying biological signaling molecules. This service project supports all subprojects in the identification, quantification, and localization of new mediators of systemic and periodontal diseases. The goal is to provide a central platform for proteomics, peptidomics, and metabolomics.

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. dent. Isabel Knaup · apl.-Prof. Heidi Noels, PhD · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Michael Wolf, M.Sc.

TheIntegrated Research Training Group serves as the SFB1739 training platform for doctoral candidates in dentistry, human medicine, and the basic sciences. Through joint seminars, methodology courses, and mentoring programs, it provides a comprehensive understanding of periodontal organ crosstalk. The goal is to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Joachim Jankowski · Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. dent. Michael Wolf, M.Sc.

The central project coordinates the scientific, organizational, and administrative activities of SFB1739. It facilitates collaboration among the subprojects, organizes events, and promotes communication within the consortium as well as with the public. In this way, Z-01 establishes the structural framework necessary for the successful implementation of the joint research strategy.