Current Synergy-Projects
Synergy Grants
Term: 01/2024 – 12/2025
Abstract:
During central nervous system development cells undergo a series of decisions to ultimately form highly specialized networks – the structural basis for behavior and cognition. This developmental decision-making process is poorly understood, yet of high clinical relevance as its disruption can result in neurodevelopmental disorders and loss of resilience to disease in later life. The Synergy Project “TRAIN: Towards Rationalizing Neurodevelopment” pursues a novel concept that key decisions in neurodevelopment are controlled by biological ratios. In TRAIN, experts in neurodevelopment, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and optogenetic engineering join forces to generate tools for prediction, genetic manipulation, and high-content analyses of ratios driving neurodevelopmental decisions. Hence, TRAIN will create a truly interdisciplinary research environment allowing to drill deep into the mechanisms of central nervous system development.
Term: 01/2024 – 12/2025
Abstract:
Cell trafficking is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. While the contribution of cell surface receptors to such trafficking has been explored in detail and has already lead to therapeutic applications, cell-intrinsic properties affecting the cellular migratory behavior have largely been overlooked. Here, we hypothesize that cell mechanical properties and cell trafficking are inextricably linked. Thus, in an interdisciplinary and synergistic effort, this project addresses the role of cellular mechanobiology for homing to the inflamed gut and synovia as well as the mechanical features of therapeutic regulatory T cells and pharmacological opportunities to manipulate cell mechanics. In the long-term perspective, we hope that our insights might provide novel and specific targets for mitigating chronic inflammation.
Term: not started yet
Abstract:
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type within the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), where they integrate intrinsic and microbial cues. However, their relevance in CNS disorders has been poorly defined. We will thus create a network to perform disease-overarching and -specific analyses to unravel novel druggable astrocyte targets in CNS disorders. This will promote
neuroscience and microbiome research and form the basis to acquire a DFG-funded Clinical Research unit.
Term: not started yet
Abstract:
Systemic inflammation is a hallmark of a broad spectrum of diseases, encompassing both acute and chronic conditions. Despite their diverse etiologies, these diseases share a common feature: a dysregulated immune response that frequently extends beyond the initially affected organ. This evolving insight into the systemic nature of inflammation has led to a growing interest
in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are emerging as key players in mediating inter-organ communication and immune modulation. As their contents are a spatiotemporal fingerprint of the originating cell EVs have become prime biomarker candidates for various diseases. Beyond their diagnostic potential, EVs hold innovative therapeutic potential, as they actively participate in the regulation of tissue and immune homeostasis. However, translational research on EVs remains underdeveloped. To address this, we propose the Graduate Research Training Group „DISCOVER,“ focusing on EV mechanisms, diagnostics, and therapies in IMIDs. By integrating EV biology with translational research and industrial collaboration, the program will train medical- and clinicianscientists to develop EV-based innovations, advancing precision medicine and improving patient care.