Research Topics

The main scientific focus of our group is the investigation of various aspects of the physiology and pathophysiology of the adrenal gland: This is reflected in the topics of the current projects:

• Development of receptor specific liposome therapy for endocrine tumors
• Identification of adrenal stem cell and adrenal tumor stem cell population
• Role of ectopic receptor expression for primary aldosteronism
• Generation of mouse models for primary aldosteronism by a mutagenesis screen
• Urocortin - dependent effects on adrenal growth and function
• Evaluation of BMP dependent effects on adrenal tumorigenesis
• Identification of ACTH dependent effects on adipocyte function in vitro and in vivo
• Identification of potassium dependent gene regulation in the adrenal cortex
• Establishment of the German Conn-Registry (www.conn-register.de)
• Genetic studies in families with familial aldosteronism type 2
• Prevalence of genetic mutations in a local cohort of patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
• Quality of life and sexuality in male patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (HALMA study)
• Prevalence of adrenoleucodystrophy in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAPPI study)