Inter-Organ Metabolomics: Helmholtz Munich Explores New Metabolic Mechanisms

Human metabolism is a highly complex network in which organs and tissues communicate and interact. When these processes become dysregulated, they can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or neurodegenerative disorders. To gain deeper insights into these mechanisms, the German Centers for Health Research (DZG) have launched the "Inter-Organ Metabolomics" innovation fund. The initiative aims to bring together expertise from multiple disciplines and develop novel approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

When the Immune System Accelerates Muscle Loss

As part of this DZG innovation fund, Helmholtz Munich and DZD scientist Dr. Maria Rohm is leading a project that explores the connection between metabolism and muscle loss, titled "Metabolite-mediated epigenetic changes in immune cells induce a coordinated response across tissues in cachexia". Muscle wasting is not just a consequence of immobility or malnutrition - often, the immune system plays a key role. Certain metabolic byproducts released in severe diseases such as cancer or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can permanently reprogram immune cells. Instead of controlling inflammation, these altered immune cells drive muscle degradation. The researchers aim to identify which metabolites influence the immune system in a way that accelerates muscle loss, with the ultimate goal of enabling targeted therapeutic interventions.

Adipose Tissue as a Key Player in Cachexia

Beyond the immune system, fat metabolism may also play a crucial role in cachexia. Research suggests that adipose tissue sends signals and interacts with muscles even in the early stages of disease, potentially accelerating muscle loss. The team aims to identify the biochemical signaling pathways involved in this process and explore whether they can be selectively targeted to slow or even stop disease progression.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration for New Treatment Approaches

"We are combining metabolomics, epigenetics, and immunology to develop innovative treatments for cachexia and related diseases where muscle wasting is a key factor. To achieve this, we are working with experts from five German Centers for Health Research to unravel biochemical signaling pathways - supported by cell and disease models, as well as patient data," explains Dr. Maria Rohm, group leader at the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer at Helmholtz Munich.

The project "Metabolite-mediated epigenetic changes in immune cells induce a coordinated response across tissues in cachexia" has a total budget of up to 766,000 euros for the years 2025 and 2026.