Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV
  1. Startseite LMU Klinikum
  2. Med IV
  3. Research
  4. Endokrinologie, Diab. &  Stoffwechsel
  5. Epigenetics of Adrenal Cushing's Syndrome (AG Riester/Vetrivel)

Epigenetics of Adrenal Cushing's Syndrome (AG Riester/Vetrivel)

Main research topics

We investigate the pathophysiology in various subtypes of adrenal Cushing’s Syndrome using multi omics approaches. Our currently funded projects include:


  • TRR 205: The Adrenal: Central Relay in Health and Disease


  • A08: Adrenal gland – crossroads of stress response – epigenetic, transcriptional, and metabolic analyses.

Stress response mediated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is one of the most important hormonal systems with a wide range of physiological and metabolic effects. Beyond canonical hormonal control, the regulation of the stress response in the adrenal gland occurs at multiple levels, evidenced by the high interpersonal variability and significant sexual dimorphism in cortisol-related diseases. Through an integrated approach combining epigenomics, CRISPR screening, in vivo modeling, and steroidomics, we aim to advance our understanding of hypercortisolism pathogenesis and identify personalized treatment approaches.


  • EKFS: Molecular dissection of the role of Mitochondria in Adrenocortical Pathologies

Mitochondria in the adrenal cortex play a pivotal role in regulating both cell proliferation and cortisol production. Despite their critical functions, significant gaps persist in understanding the pathophysiological role of mitochondria in adrenocortical tumors. The proposed research project aims to address these gaps by investigating the intricate interplay between steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, and mitochondrial function in response to both established and novel treatments.


  • Friedrich-Baur-Stiftung: In vitro analysis of miRNA based regulation in Cushing’s syndrome

We use our available omics data from clinical, murine and in vitro studies, to investigate the modulatory effects of miRNAs on regulation of hypercortisolism. In our study we will focus on the role of miRNAs as epigenetic regulators in cortisol production using in vitro models of Cushing’s syndrome.


  • STRESS-Studie: Adrenale STeRoidantwort auf Stimulation bei GESunden Patienten und Patienten nach Cushing-Syndrom

Adrenal steroidal response after stimulation with ACTH in healthy probands and patients with Cushing´s disease after remission

In patients with Cushing’s syndrome the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is profoundly dysregulated even after remission. Although there is no adrenal insufficiency found in the usual tests, many patients show clinical symptoms. Furthermore, there are hints for sexual dimorphism in the adrenal stress response. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity and capacity of the adrenal stress response upon stimulation with increasing doses of Synacthen.



Group Members

  • PI: Dr. med. Anna Riester
  • PI: Dr. rer. nat. Sharmilee Vetrivel
  • Clinician Scientist: Dr. med. Andrea Osswald-Kopp
  • PhD student: Xia XiaoHui PhD student
  • MD student: Florian Busch, MD student
  • MD student: Dr. Sara Jung, MD student


Publications

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?sort=pubdate&term=Riester+A&cauthor_id=39715347

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Vetrivel+S&sort=pubdate