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:
P164: Define the role of Annexins as ligands of Dectin-1 regulating osteoclast differentiation
Project leader:
Our preliminary results suggest that AnnexinA1, which is expressed by dying cells within the bone marrow niche, will bind to Dectin-1 on osteoclasts to induce osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in non-inflammatory conditions. Therefore, I will analyse the molecular mechanism of AnnexinA1 induced Dectin-1 signaling. Furthermore, I aim to define the AnnexinA1 expressing myeloid cell population within the bone marrow niche and its impact on osteoclast differentiation.
P176: Garcinol as a new therapeutic option for chondrosarcoma
Project leader:
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.
P179: Muscle tissue engineering on PCL collagen I-PANi nanofiber scaffolds in the EPI loop model
Project leader:
The aim of this project is to generate differentiated, axially vascularized and neurotized skeletal muscle tissue from ADSC and myoblasts on PCL-collagen I-(PANi)-nanofiber scaffolds. For this, seeded nanofiber scaffolds of PCL-collagen I with and without Polyanilin (4%) will be implanted in the neurotized vascular loop model of the rat for 6 weeks. Afterwards the myogenic differentiation will be analysed with the hypothesis, that the addition of PANi (4%) improves myogenic differentiation.
P181: Reciprocal control of metabolism and immunomodulation in adipose tissue and liver
Project leader:
Obesity is marked by excessive lipid accumulation, leading to chronic inflammation in adipose tissue (AT), due to an increase in inflammatory immune cells causing insulin resistance and fat accumulation in other organs like the liver. This project focuses on the role of the immunomodulatory CD83 molecule in in lipid metabolism and obesity-related immune regulation in AT and the liver, potentially providing insights for new therapeutic strategies against obesity.
P190: Investigation of EVs protective role in developing intestine of zebrafish larvae
Project leader:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanoparticles essential for cell communication and organogenesis. We hypothesize that human breast milk-derived EVs (HBM-EVs) enhance intestinal maturation and regeneration. This study investigates HBM-EV protection in DSS-induced intestinal injury in zebrafish larvae, analyzing cell-morphology, inflammation, and tissue repair (Phalloidin, cleaved Caspase-3, TNF-?, Wnt5a), comparing EVs from three lactation stages.
P177: Generation of Synthetic Contrast-Enhanced Breast-MR Images From Native Sequences Using Deep Learning
Project leader:
The application of Latent Diffusion Models (LDMs) in the context of breast MRI is being investigated, aiming to generate synthetic contrast-enhanced (CE) subtraction sequences of the breast by using native MRI sequences as input for the conditioning process. The resulting images will be evaluated regarding their suitability for diagnostic purposes. The results will help to better understand the potential and limits of LDMs in the context of generating synthetical CE breast MRI.
P178: Integrative analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data to unravel CAF subtypes in PDAC mouse models
Project leader:
This project aims to develop a robust reference framework for CAF subtypes analysis by integrating scRNA-seq datasets from PDAC mouse models. By identifying consistent gene signatures, we will provide a foundation for studying CAF heterogeneity and their function in PDAC. The resulting dataset will enhance reproducibility in preclinical research and facilitate future studies of CAF dynamics in diverse tumor contexts.
P189: Generation of recombinant vaccine candidates against BoDV-1
Project leader:
Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1) causes fatal encephalitis in humans. This project aims to generate recombinant variants of the glycoprotein G via structure-guided vaccine design. The G variants will be conjugated to the surface of liposomes that incorporate biomolecular adjuvants to boost immunogenicity. Optionally, we aim to mimic a live-attenuated vaccine by additional encapsulation of viral structural proteins. The BoDV-1 liposomes would be used in future studies with antibody-humanized mice.
P186: PAINMAP-IBD: Skin Sensory Testing to Assess Visceral Nerve Dysfunction in IBD-related Abdominal Pain
Project leader:
PAINMAP-IBD explores whether cutaneous sensory afferents can serve as a surrogate marker of visceral nerve dysfunction in IBD-associated abdominal pain. Using abdominal quantitative sensory testing (QST) and C-fiber-selective stimulation, the project characterizes sensory phenotypes and peripheral neurofunction. Findings will be correlated with clinical activity, biomarkers, and treatment response across defined patient cohorts.
P188_OA: Allospecific Responses of Marginal Zone B Cells in Kidney Transplantation
Project leader:
Rejection is a major cause of allograft failure. The role of marginal zone B cells in kidney transplantation is unkown. In this project, we will investigate the donor-specific responses of marginal zone B cells using a rat kidney transplantat model. Specifically, we will determine the capacity of marginal zone B cells to produce anti-donor antibodies, to secrete inflammatory or regulatory cytokines and the sensitivity towards anti-BAFF antibody treatment in a kidney transplant model.
P195: On the role and consequence of LINE-1 retroelements in extracellular vesicles
Project leader:
LINE-1 retroelements (L1) are upregulated in many autoimmune diseases, including SLE. Although L1 replicates intracellularly, we found L1 RNA packaged in extracellular vesicles (EV) in sera from SLE patients. Since L1 nucleic acids can trigger inflammatory pathways, we hypothesize that L1-EVs impact pathogenesis and could be used as novel biomarker in patients. Also, we ask whether L1 can be mobilized via EVs, challenging the dogma of L1s as intracellular pathogen.
P183: Molecular characterisation of the remission mediated by CAR T cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Project leader:
Despite progress in understanding SLE, remission is rare. A "treat-to-target" approach aims to minimize disease activity, reducing organ damage and flares. B-cell immunity transcriptional signature correlates with treatment response, with effective therapy requiring its reversal. CAR T cells show promise for sustained, drug-free remission. Here, we will delineate transcriptional fingerprints of treatment response and resistance to uncover molecular drivers of effective therapy and remission.
P194: GPR15-mediated trafficking of antibody-secreting cells in IBD
Project leader:
This project investigates the effects of GPR15:GPR15L on the gut-homing of antibody-secreting cells in context of inflammatory bowel disease. It studies the differential influence of this trafficking programme on IgA/IgG-producing cells and whether a modulation of this mechanism affects intestinal inflammatory processes and the composition of the gut microbiome. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo assays will be performed combined with transcriptomic and metagenomic data analyses.
P197: Investigating the Sequence Grammar of Age-Sensitive cis-Regulatory Elements in Neuronal Aging
Project leader:
Why do some gene-control switches in neurons fail with age while others remain stable? Using genome-wide measurements of RNA, chromatin accessibility, and histone marks, we will map age-sensitive regulatory DNA in neurons and learn the sequence rules that predict vulnerability. Interpretable AI models will nominate key motifs and combinations, which we will test by targeted sequence edits and reporter assays in neuronal systems to pinpoint causal mechanisms and candidate intervention points.
P196: Role of the transcription factor cJun in eosinophil effector function during allergic inflammation
Project leader:
Eosinophils are key drivers of allergic airway inflammation. The transcription factor AP-1 (c-Jun) regulates many immune cells, yet its specific role in eosinophils remains unknown. Using eosinophil-specific c-Jun knockout mice, we will analyze how c-Jun controls eosinophil activation, migration, and survival in allergy models, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets.
P192: Gene regulatory network characterisation in ccRCC cancer cell subpopulations
Project leader:
This project aims to create an atlas of gene regulatory networks in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by integrating publicly available single cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility data of ccRCC and normal adjacent tissue. The resulting atlas will support the identification of the transcriptional circuits governing distinct ccRCC cancer cell subpopulations and of new entry points for therapeutic intervention.
P200: Role of the ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) in the formation of antibody-secreting cells
Project leader:
B cell activation and differentiation into antibody-secreting cells (ASC) is crucial for immunity against pathogens or vaccines. ASC formation involves major changes in morphology and metabolism. We will investigate how lipogenesis, and specifically the ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), controls this process in a B cell-specific knockout model. We will analyze the ACLY function during germinal center formation and during antigen-specific humoral responses in vivo, as well as metabolic activity in vitro.