Nachwuchsgruppen

Joint Research Group with the University of Stuttgart, Institute of Polymer Chemistry

Our group is located at the interface of polymer chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. We are focusing on the design and development of innovative drug delivery systems for low molecular weight drugs and biomacromolecules as well as on 3D printing applications. These systems are based on novel intelligent, biobased or biodegradable polymers that are synthesized using sophisticated polymerization techniques. We develop tailor-made and advanced catalysts and monomers to meet the special needs for each specific pharmaceutical application.

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Research Group at the Department of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology

We apply cutting edge techniques in the extraction and analysis of proteins to aid in our understanding of the ancient human past. Our team studies hominin dispersal and interaction during the Pleistocene, bone tool production and specialisation, artefact manufacture, and protein preservation across archaeological timescales. We have a particular focus on the study of fragmented bones, which typically can’t be identified using traditional zooarchaeological practices and may contain rare human and faunal remains that are key to our understanding of the archaeological record.

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Joint Research Group with the University of Stuttgart, Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology

The mammalian intestinal epithelium is an incredibly dynamic tissue; nearly all intestinal epithelial cells turn over every 3-5 days, while maintaining a tight barrier to regulate nutrient absorption and prevent entry of harmful or pathogenic materials. Our lab studies how the properties and behaviors of intestinal epithelial cells are regulated and contribute to overall intestine function. To address these questions, we employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining cell biology and live imaging with quantitative analytical methods, biophysics and theoretical modeling. Through these studies, we strive toward understanding how dysregulation of intestinal cell and tissue properties contribute to intestinal pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

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Research Group at the Institute of Pharmacy

The etiological agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic has been identified as SARS-CoV-2. As of June 23, 2021, it has affected over 150 million people globally and killed over 4 million people. Some kinases have been postulated as potential mediators in the viral infection cycle, and several of them are implicated in the virus-induced hyperinflammatory response that results in death in the worst cases. Additionally, the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M^pro) has a critical role in the SARS-CoV-2 replication. As a result, targeting both kinases and the main protease might be a viable strategy for developing anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs, which is what we are currently focusing on as medicinal chemistry researchers.

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Research Group at the Werner Siemens Imaging Center

Immunotherapy is an emerging first-line therapy for advanced cancer with the potential to achieve long-lasting regression and cure. Most solid tumors respond to immunotherapy to some degree, but many patients experience resistance in tumor subregions or metastases, followed by relapse. Our lab combines dynamic intravital microscopy with macroscopic PET/MR imaging to provide mechanistic insights into cellular immunotherapies at the tissue and whole-body scale to identify strategies for improved cancer immunotherapies. We further apply intravital microscopy to visualize supporting strategies, such as fever-range thermal-therapy or immunmodulatory antibodies, to provide rationales for therapy combinations that enhance immune cell function in solid tumors.

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