So called ketone bodies acetoacetic acid and (R)-3-hydroxy-n-butyric acid (bOHB) are compounds which provide the brain with fatty acid-derived energy, mainly after fasting. In recent years it has become obvious that ketone bodies can have more biological functions than just being energy carriers. Our project is devoted to such roles of ketone bodies that may also be important for pathogenesis and treatment of diseases.

Project management at the H-BRS

Our research group studies rare genetic defects in metabolic pathways. We are aiming at a better understanding of pathomechanisms underlying such inborn errors of metabolism. Many metabolic diseases result in early death or severe handicaps if they are not treated in an adequate manner. Early diagnosis is a prerequisite for therapeutic approaches, which may enable normal development in some of those diseases.

Project management at the H-BRS