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Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research
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  1. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
  2. Medizinische Fakultät

Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research

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  4. Current Pilot Projects

Current Pilot Projects

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Current Pilot Projects

ELAN-Pilot Projects

ELAN pilot projects provide funds for junior researchers (postdocs, until the age of 39 (i.e. before the 39th birthday) at the time of application).

Projects:

Term: 1. February 2023 - 31. July 2025
Project leader: Anna Dietl

Increasing survival of young cancer patients require fertility-preservation like ovarian-cryopreservation pretherapeutically with retransplantation post-therapy. However, this is not appropriate for all patients due to the risk of relapse. A promising alternative is the artificial ovary: follicles are separated from malignant cells. In the research proposed follicle survival, maturation and growth in 3D-scaffold will be observed by live cell imaging with confocal spinning disc microscopy.

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Term: 1. March 2024 - 31. August 2025
Project leader: Carina Scherbel

Osteoclasts (OCs) play key roles in the regulation of bone mass and excessive osteoclastogenesis is involved in joint destruction in autoimmune arthritis or osteoporosis. The current knowledge on cellular metabolism and its impact on OC function and bone homeostasis remain unclear. In this project, we aim to characterize metabolic dynamics during osteoclastogenesis and to identify novel regulators of bone turnover.

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Term: 16. June 2024 - 15. December 2025
Project leader: Isabel Wank

Our preliminary study demonstrated protective effects of 3-indolepropionic acid (IPA) on the severity of CIA arthritis in mice. Our project will now I) provide insight into general IPA effects on overall brain function at rest and II) use (thermal) fMRI to evaluate central nociception as a functional readout parameter for RA severity. III) We will assess whether long-term IPA treatment up to day 35 may have additional benefits on disease progression.

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Term: 1. July 2024 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Leah Trumet
Leah Trumet

Dr. Leah Trumet

Periodontitis (PA) is a highly prevalent disease that has bidirectional associations with Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. PA is leading to irreversible destruction of tooth-surrounding tissues and tooth loss. The pathogenesis of PA is poorly understood. Aim is the analysis of possible Th17/Treg disbalance in PA, association with pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and whether these alterations are local or systemic. The goal is to identify biomarkers and potential targets for immunotherapy.

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Term: 15. August 2024 - 14. August 2025
Project leader: Felix Elsner

Protocols for detection of disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) in the lymph node (LN) need to be harmonized. Therefore, immunocytology vs. conventional ultrastaging will be compared and additional methods for isolation of DCCs for subsequent molecular analysis will be tested. Correlation of morphology with DCC-density and ploidy will be examined. The prognostic impact of the morphology of LN metastases will be investigated in archival cases. Further, DCCs in the neoadjuvant setting will be studied.

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Term: 1. September 2024 - 31. August 2025
Project leader: Isabelle Schöffl

Physical activity in Fontan patients has a positive effect on cardiopulmonary capacity. Peak oxygen uptake represents the most robust predictor for morbidity and mortality in these children. It can be improved through exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) represents the most efficient method, but the implementation is difficult. An App-based training represents an alternative with the possibility of providing positive feedback through a Fitness tracker.

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Term: 1. October 2024 - 30. September 2025
Project leader: Nina Sopel

In this project we want to analyze by which mechanisms the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein nephronectin (NPNT) is secreted. Inhibition of e. g. exocytosis and lysosomal trafficking will shed light on NPNT export and deposition in the ECM. In addition, we want to identify interaction partners of NPNT on podocytes within the superfamily of integrins and analyze the quality of these interactions both in vitro and in vivo.

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Term: 1. November 2024 - 31. October 2025
Project leader: Alexandra Birzer

The focus of the present project is the effect of the human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) on dendritic cells (DCs) in two models. The project focuses on the transmission of HTLV-1 to DCs across an intestinal barrier, analyzing the phenotype of DCs and the mechanism of transmission. For this purpose, two models, a 2D transwell and a 3D organs-on-a-chip model will be established. Finally, both models will be compared regarding their advantages, disadvantages and differences in the DC phenotype.

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Term: 1. December 2024 - 30. November 2025
Project leader: Enes Yagiz Akdas

Mutations in CTBP1 cause rare neurodevelopmental syndrome HADDTS. I have shown that CTBP1 controls hippocampal energy metabolism and protects synaptic transmission from metabolic stress Notably, deletion in glia and/or neurons had distinct effects. Here, we will investigate the role of CTBP1 in neuron-glia metabolic coupling necessary for energetic and functional homeostasis in brain. The results will provide new rational basis for treatment of HADDTS.

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Term: 1. November 2024 - 31. October 2025
Project leader: Hannah Reimann

In breast cancer, the success of neoadjuvant chemotherapy depends on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and their specificity, especially against neoantigens - promising targets for immunotherapies. 3D-cell cultures offer a more realistic representation of tumor-immune cell interactions than conventional ones. The project seeks to compare 4 T-cell receptor-based immunotherapies against neoantigens in 2D- and 3D-models, aiming to identify the most promising approach for potential future treatments.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Janina Müller-Deile
Janina Müller-Deile

Prof. Dr. Janina Müller-Deile

Lipid nanocapsules, functionalized with RGD sequence to target ?V?3 integrin receptor on podocytes and loaded with therapeutic substances will be investigated as a podocyte specific therapeutic strategy. Uptake and therapeutic potential of loaded nanoparticles to rescue proteinuric phenotypes will be investigated in different zebrafish glomerular disease models. These experiments enable in vivo analysis of nanocarriers as potential cell type specific drug delivery systems.

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Term: 1. June 2025 - 31. May 2026
Project leader: Ella Ohlsson
Ella Ohlsson

Dr. Ella Ohlsson

Indirect capping of the dental pulp is recommended in deep cavities, but there is little clinical evidence for the success of the procedure. In an innovative simulation model of the pulp-dentin-complex, the effect of different biocompatible capping materials on human pulp cells through a dentin barrier will be tested. By analyzing cell survival, gene expression, oxidative stress and cytokine production, their bioactive effects will be compared in a way that is not possible in vivo.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Maximilian Stumpfe

The aim of the planned project is to investigate the effect of NPWT on the cell lines involved in wound healing and on the cells generally found in the skin. Keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and ADSCs will be cultivated in combination with NPWT under dynamic conditions (continuous medium flow via a peristaltic pump). Under optimal cultivation conditions, the effects of a prolonged application of negative-pressure wound therapy will be investigated.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Vladimir Temchura

This project aims to develop lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines for targeted delivery of HIV-1 antigens and checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) mRNA. By displaying HIV-1 antigens on the LNP surface, we seek to efficiently target and activate Env-specific B cells. Concurrent delivery of CPI mRNA into the cells is anticipated to induce local checkpoint inhibitor production, modulating immune response without systemic CPI exposure.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Tomohisa Toda

Chronic stress has long-lasting effects on the hippocampal function, but it still remains unclear how. We investigate stress-induced epigenetic changes as a biological link between chronic stress and brain dysfunction. Our preliminary data has identified lamin B1 as a target of chronic stress. Lamin B1 is an epigenetic factor that maintains heterochromatin. We will investigate how chronic stress downregulates lamin B1, and how stress-induced reduction of lamin B1 affects epigenetic regulation.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Heiko Gaßner

Gait impairment as a common and real-life-relevant symptom in Parkinson’s disease may be objectively and quantitatively detected by digital technologies in and outside the hospital. In this project, we aim to comprehensively analyse digital mobility data gained in a large multicenter study with regard to detecting objective mobility outcomes for describing the disease course (disease progression or therapy response) in a cohort of PD patients (n=130). All datasets are available.

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Term: 1. March 2025 - 28. February 2026
Project leader: Marco Thomas

HCMV glycoprotein B variants are being studied with respect to viral fusion and syncytium formation. The specific objectives are: (1) identification of polymorphisms that enhance or inhibit fusion; (2) characterization of the fusion phenotype of these viruses in different cell lines; and (3) development of a murine CMV with hyperfusogenic gB. This study aims to understand the regulation of gB fusion activity and to identify potential diagnostic markers for HCMV pathogenicity.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Christina James

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids (HDLS) is a fatal adult-onset neurological disease caused by pathological variants in CSF1R (colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor). As microglia are primarily affected in HDLS, we developed an iPSC-derived microglia model to study CSF1R function in healthy and HDLS patient lines. Using this model, we propose to investigate novel CSF1R interactions using APEX2-based proximity labeling focusing on transcriptional regulation.

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Term: 1. February 2025 - 31. August 2025
Project leader: Katja Schmidt

In a subgroup of patients with Post-COVID Syndrom (PCS), functional autoantibodies against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR-fAAbs) occur. We would like to characterise changes in the immune cell compartment of these patients, as we have seen changes of certain immune cells in preliminary experiments. Furthermore, we seek to analyse the effect of the substance BC 007, which can neutralize GPCR-fAAbs, in ex-vivo and in-vitro experiments.

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Term: 1. February 2025 - 31. January 2026
Project leader: Alexander Grotemeyer

The aim of this project is to better understand the influence of T cells and the NLRP3 inflammasome in the context of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Therefore, an already established transgenic mouse model and human brain tissue from MSA patients will be used. The aim is to lay the groundwork for further projects using T cells and NLRP3 as potential pharmacological targets for MSA treatment.

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Term: 1. January 2025 - 31. December 2025
Project leader: Stephanie Sembill

As a result of non-specific inhibition, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) also affect bone and cartilage development. Children and adolescents therefore suffer from significant growth retardation during therapy. Alternative therapy concepts are therefore urgently needed. In the proposed project, the influences of different TKIs on bone metabolism and cartilage differentiation will be investigated.

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Term: 1. March 2025 - 28. February 2026
Project leader: Patrik Pöschke

The application aims to investigate endometrial cancers with regard to new molecular classifications. The ENCORE project studies real-world survival based on molecular patterns, analyzes the immune environment of tumors with concurrent p53 mutations, and correlates the eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio with patient outcome. In addition, the relevance of hormone and HER2 receptors in the individual molecular subtypes is examined.

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Term: 1. June 2025 - 31. May 2026
Project leader: Sebastian Stäbler

Chondrosarcomas are malignant bone tumors, which do not respond to existing chemo- and radiotherapy. Preliminary studies could show that the the natural compound Garcinol strongly reduces proliferation and colony formation of these tumor cells. Additionally, Garcinol could re-sensitize chondrosarcoma cells to the chemotherapeutic Cisplatin. We therefore want to investigate the role of Garcinol as a new therapeutic option for chondrosarcoma.

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Term: 1. April 2025 - 31. March 2026
Project leader: Inga Hensel
Inga Viktoria Hensel

Dr. Inga Viktoria Hensel

The project aims to explore differences in how neonatal and adult intestinal epithelial cells respond to microbial metabolites. As the first line of immune defense, epithelial cells regulate the balance between tolerance and immune responses. The impact of bacterial colonization on gut maturation is poorly understood but may shape future immune responses. This study will shed light on how early-life events influence immune development and their role in autoimmune diseases like IBD, MS, and SLE.

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