Ketone bodies: More than just energy carriers! (KETOplus)

The so-called ketone bodies acetoacetic acid and (R)-3-hydroxy-n-butyric acid (bOHB) are substances that supply the brain with energy from fatty acids, especially in a state of hunger. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that, in addition to their role as energy carriers, ketone bodies can take on other biological functions that may also have significance for the development and treatment of diseases. This project is dedicated to such additional effects of ketone bodies. In addition to genetic disorders in ketogenesis and ketolysis that have been studied for some time, the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1, encoded by the SLC16A1 gene) and the lack thereof have recently gained attention. MCT1 serves to transport ketone bodies to the brain, is a potential target in cancer therapy, and is also being researched as part of this project.

The project was funded from 01.07.2017 to 30.06.2020 by the "FH Time for Research" programme of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.