Prof. Jan Tuckermann, University of Ulm, Germany

Glucocorticoids are stress hormones that regulate energy metabolism and are in widespread clinical use to limit inflammation, despite their metabolic side effects, including diabetes and osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids act via nuclear receptors, in particular the glucocorticoid receptor GR, a ligand-induced transcription factor. For a long time, the reduction of cytokine expression and induction of gluconeogenetic enzymes were considered the main molecular mechanisms of GR function in immune modulation and regulating energy metabolism, respectively. Now evidence is emerging that GR is at the crossroads of extrinsic and intrinsic immunometabolism. In his talk, Jan Tuckermann will present examples of how GR in immune cells regulates fundamental energy metabolism during fasting and obesity and how GR impacts on cellular metabolism to induce anti-inflammatory activity in cells and to regulate tissue homeostasis, including bone integrity. 

Finally, Jan Tuckermann will report on novel cytoplasmic functions of GR to get a break on Ras signaling. These novel actions open up opportunities for new therapeutic concepts to tackle the metabolic and inflammatory diseases associated with the aging process. 

IPHYS contact person: Michaela Tencerova, michaela.tencerova@fgu.cas.cz