Research projects

We would like to thank all participating research groups and Principal Investigators (PIs) who enable our students to gain the valuable experience of completing a research module with a wide range of research projects. New PIs are added every year, which means that the range on offer continues to grow.

BMC scientists in the Core Facility Flow Cytometry

Dear students, we ask you to inform yourself thoroughly about all available projects in order to make an informed choice for the matching process, which begins in mid-June. This preparation creates the basis for a successful and enriching collaboration. Please keep in mind that it is a considerable effort for the AGs to supervise young students without laboratory experience. Many WGs can therefore only offer one or two places. Be open to research fields that you have not encountered before.

Working groups at the BMC

in alphabetical order

Work Group Molecular Neurophysiology

Research field of the group
Calcium-binding proteins
Institute/Department/Work Group
Molekulare Neurophysiologe
Principal Investigator
Prof. Michael Meyer
Internships
5-10
Project description
We are trying to understand cell biology and physiology of calcium-binding proteins. Calcium is a major and universal signaling molecule. Calcium-binding proteins help to shape intracellular calcium levels and thereby regulate many physiological processes, such as growth, migration and adhesion, differentiation, secretion and cell communication. They have also been implicated in degenerative diseases particularly of the nervous system.
Our focus is on EF hand proteins, a specific class of calcium-binding proteins.
Questions we address are (1) How is the intracellular localization of these proteins regulated? (2) Do they interact with other proteins in situ in cells? (3) What is the physiological and pathophysiological significance of specific localization and interaction? (4) What determines cytoprotective as opposed to cell damaging effects? (5) Are these proteins useful as disease biomarkers? (6) Is there a basis for their therapeutic application? Questions may change and new questions may be developed.

Work Group Neuronal Repair

Research field of the group
Repair of the spinal cord in neurological diseases
Institute/Department/Work Group
Institute for Clinical Neuroimmunology
Principal Investigator
Florence Bareyre
Internships
1-2
Project description
Traumatic, ischemic and inflammatory lesions of the spinal cord lead to the severing of descending and ascending axonal pathways. If these lesions are complete, i.e. if all axons in the spinal cord are severed, the result is severe and persistent functional impairment. However, if the lesions are incomplete and some axonal tracts are spared, some recovery of function can be observed. We are investigating the anatomical, functional and molecular mechanisms underlying the recovery process in order to develop new therapeutic strategies that may aid spinal cord repair in neurological disorders due to trauma, ischemia or inflammation.

Work Group Adaptive immune regulation

Research field of the group
The role of dentritic cells in the induction of immunity and tolerance
Institute/Department/Work Group
Institute of Immunology
Principal Investigator
Thomas Brocker
Internships
1
Project description
We focus our research on lymphocyte interactions in vivo. We are especially interested in Dendritic Cell (DC) biology and the immune responses resulting from DC and T lymphocytes' interactions. More precisely, we are studying the role of DCs in the induction of immunity and tolerance. Here we exploit various models of human diseases to analyze the development, function, and biology of DCs and extracellular vesicles as biomarkers and their potential immunomodulatory effects.
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Work Group Grosche

Research field of the group
Interaction between Müller cells, microglia, the tissue macrophages of the retina, and retinal neurons
Institute/Department/Work Group
Department of Physiological Genomics
Principal Investigator
Antje Grosche
Internships
1
Project description
Our research projects are dedicated to gaining a better understanding of the complex neuron-supporting functions of Müller cells, the most important macroglial cells in the retina, from different perspectives. The current focus of our work is to investigate the close interaction between Müller cells, microglia, the tissue macrophages of the retina, and retinal neurons in both healthy and diseased retina. In particular, we are interested in how these relationships can be influenced by gene therapy methods using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. In our research, we use state-of-the-art microscopic techniques such as Super Resolution Imaging (STED) or Live Cell Imaging (FLIM) to observe functional and metabolic changes in Müller cells. In addition, we investigate the molecular signature of these cells by transcriptome and proteome analyses, including scRNA-Seq and cell type-specific proteome analyses. Our research relies on animal models and human retinal organoids as three-dimensional in vitro models of the retina to study aspects of retinal diseases such as ischemic lesions, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration and to develop therapeutic approaches.
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Work Group Autoimmunity

Research field of the group
Live Imaging von Autoimmunität bei Multipler Sclerose
Institute/Department/Work Group
Institut of cinical neuroimmunology
Principal Investigator
Naoto Kawakami
Internships
2
Project description
One of the most important pathological features of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease in humans, is the infiltration of mononuclear cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Among these cells, autoantigen-specific CD4+ T helper cells play a central role in triggering CNS inflammation. The aim of our work is to visualize and understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of T cell infiltration into the CNS beyond the blood-brain barrier and the triggering of CNS inflammation.



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Work Group Neuroimmune Interactions

Research field of the group
Damage to neurons by immune cells in MS
Institute/Department/Work Group
Institute of clinical neuroimmunology
Principal Investigator
Martin Kerschensteiner
Internships
1
Project description
In multiple sclerosis, immune cells infiltrate the brain and spinal cord, where they damage neurons and glial cells. This structural damage to the nervous system is responsible for the irreversible functional deficits that patients acquire over time. In our work, we seek to understand how immune cells damage the nervous system, how reciprocal interactions between the immune and nervous systems control the generation and resolution of such inflammatory responses, and how we can best use this knowledge to develop therapeutic approaches that prevent or limit tissue damage in multiple sclerosis.



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Work Group Cell Biology

Research field of the work group
RNA-binding proteins ind neurogenesis and reprogramming
Institute/Department/Work Group
Department of cell biology
Principal Investigator
Michael Kiebler
Internships
1
Project description
The Kiebler Lab explores how individual synapses, the point of contact and communication between neurons, are altered during their lifetime and how this contributes to our ability to learn and remember. As a second new focus in collaboration with the Ninkovic lab, we are investigating how RBPs contribute to neurogenesis and reprogramming.
In all processes, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play essential roles. We study the localization of mRNAs into dendrites of polarized hippocampal neurons. A set of mRNAs is specifically transported – once exported from the nucleus into the cytoplasm of neurons – with the help of molecular motors along microtubules into processes termed dendrites. These are the receiving units of information in the brain. Upon demand, mRNAs will be translated into proteins that allow to structurally and functionally modify activated synapses. This is thought to be the molecular basis for learning and memory.
We are specifically interested in understanding the role of key RBPs, e.g. Staufen2, Pumilio2, Argonaute, DDX6 and Barentsz amongst others, in dendritic mRNA localization. A second focus is to identify and subsequently study those mRNAs that are transported to synapses, e.g. CaMKIIa (positive control), Rgs4, Calm3 among others. We have reason to believe that defects in dendritic mRNA localization might yield neurological diseases, e.g. spinocerebellar ataxias, epilepsy, Fragile-X-mental retardation.
Experimentally, we work with primary cells with a special emphasis on rodent hippocampal neurons in isolated culture, as well as with mice and rats.

Work Group Dendritic Cell Biology

Research field of the group
Dendritic cell biology
Institute/Department/Work Group
Institute for immunology
Principal Investigator
Anne Krug
Internships
1
Project description
We explore the development, plasticity and functional specialization of dendritic cell subpopulations in antiviral immune defense and vaccine response. Investigating the response of dendritic cell subsets to viruses and their impact on T helper cell differentition is a focus of our work.

Our research topics are:
- Development, plasticity and function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells
- Recognition of viral nucleic acids by dendritic cells
- Regulation of cellular immune responses to yellow fever vaccination

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Work Group Lahiri

Research field of work group
In situ Mass Spectometry
Institute/department/AG
Protein Analysis Unit
Principal Investigator
Shibojyoti Lahiri
Internships
2
Project description
- Effect of high-fiber diet on amyloid plaque deposition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
- Change in regulatory network(s) of the neuroimmune cardiovascular interface with age and inflammation
- In situ proteomic signatures underlying spermatogenic dysregulation
- How does the environment affect epigenetic marks?

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Work Group Maier-Begandt

Research field of work group
spatial and temporal dynamics of neutrophil activation in a (patho-) physiological context
Institute/Department/Work Group
Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology
Principal Investigator
Daniela Maier-Begandt
Internships
1
Project description
Human neutrophils are well known to play an important role in host defense and inflammation. Adhesion molecules of the ß2 integrin (CD11/CD18) family are critically involved in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils during inflammation by mediating e.g. firm adhesion, intraluminal crawling and phagocytosis of opsonized particles. Ligand binding of the ß2 integrins activates the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Syk which plays an important role for neutrophil activation in inflammatory settings. Our group focusses on Syk-mediated signalling events required for leukocyte activation at the molecular level using different techniques including real-time analysis of live cells. By integrating studies on the molecular and cellular level as well as animal studies, this project is intended to improve the understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of neutrophil activation in a (patho-) physiological context which may lead to the identification of new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.

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Work Group Masserdotti

Research field of work group
Generate new neurons by direct reprogramming from glial cells
Institute/Department/Work group
Department of Physiological Genomics
Principal Investigator
Giacomo Masserdotti
Internships
2
Project description
We are part of the Lab of Magdalena Götz:

Our research aims to elucidate the key mechanisms of neurogenesis in the developing and adult brain. In contrast to organs such as the skin, the small intestine or the hematopoietic system, most cells in the adult mammalian nervous system are permanently postmitotic, such as the neurons and the oligodendrocytes, and are not turned over nor regenerated once they die. Neurogenesis persists only in very few regions of the adult mammalian forebrain, and neurons degenerated after acute or chronic injury are not replaced in the adult mammalian brain. To overcome this, we study neurogenesis when and where it works with the aim to reactivate these mechanisms and re-instruct neurogenesis after brain injury. Using our developmental knowledge about neurogenesis, we have pioneered the approach to generate new neurons by direct reprogramming from glial cells, first in vitro and then in vivo which has now become a world-wide very active field of research and an interesting approach for novel therapeutic approaches to brain repair.

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Work Group Neurogenesis and Regeneration

Research field of work group
Neural stem cell
Reactive gliosis
Brain regeneration
In vivo live imaging
Institute/Department/Work group
Institute of Cell Biology (Chair of Anatomy III)
Principal Investigator
Jovica Ninkovic
Internships
1
Project description
We focus on basic and translational research aiming at novel strategies for brain repair and regeneration by modulating the function of glial cells. We utilize a translational trans-species approach by comparing two animal models (zebrafish and mouse) for identifying predictive biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches applicable to human brain injury. We use a combination of in vivo cell imaging methods and OMICS analysis to understand processes underlying regeneration in zebrafish and implement them for repair in the mammalian brain.

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AG Neuroimmunology

Forschungsmodulprojekt
See below
Institut/Abteilung/AG
Department of metabolic biochemistry/WG Neher (at the BMC, LMU und DZNE)
Principal Investigator
Jonas Neher
Praktikumsplätze
1
Project description
We investigate the molecular basis of brain aging and Alzheimer's disease, with a particular focus on vascular amyloids and innate immunity. Our methods include molecular profiling, biochemistry, histology as well as in vivo imaging and behavioral analysis in animal models. We also study human tissue to validate our preclinical findings.

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Working groups at the Walther Straub Institute

in alphabetical order

Work Group Bach

Research field of the work group
Tumor-related inflammation and tumor microenvironment
Institute/Department/Work group
Cancer Clot and Inflammation
Principal Investigator
Dr. Elmina Bach
Internships
1-2
Project description
Cancer progression is regulated by the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and different components of the surrounding environment. This tumor microenvironment is composed of complex tissues that contain extracellular matrix, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion receptors, also many cell types, such as fibroblasts, immune cells, epithelial cells, adipocytes, lymphatic and endothelial cells and platelets. Compelling evidence indicates that the cellular and molecular components of the tumor microenvironment are critical regulators of immune escape, cancer progression and metastasis and involved in acquired resistance of tumors to therapies. Tumor cell dissemination from primary organs to the metastatic sites involves the transport of cancer cells through the blood or lymphatic circulation. The dissemination of circulating cancer cells is also supported by the close interaction with blood platelets and inflammatory immune cells, enhancing tumor cell survival and establishment of metastatic niches.
Tumor-related inflammation and thrombosis are hallmarks of many solid cancer types, including, breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic and renal cell carcinoma. Infiltration of immune cells, such as neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes into the tumor is associated with poor outcome, advanced tumor stage and grade, and tumor metastasis.
Moreover, elevated platelet count and procoagulant tumor microenvironment are indicators for a poor prognosis and imply a higher risk of thromboembolic events and resistance to chemotherapies. However, the underlying molecular signaling of platelet-cancer and immune cell interplay remains poorly understood and the identification of pathomechanisms may help to develop new therapeutic avenues.
We are interested in unraveling the effects of the tumor microenvironment, including inflammatory immune cells and blood platelets on primary tumor growth and understand the molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. We evaluate the regulatory mechanisms using a wide range of biological tools, including genetic and experimental mouse models of carcinogenesis and tumor metastasis, clinically relevant blocking chemical inhibitors and antibodies and cutting-edge 3D cell culture technics. We are also exploring cellular and biochemical markers in tissue and liquid biopsies of cancer patients and integrating bioinformatic analysis and computational modeling. We have a running scientific collaboration with the Division of Nephrology (Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital of the LMU, Munich, Germany), bringing biologists, clinical researchers, and medical doctors together to better understand complex molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis and cancer progression. Our group is also involved in research activities with the University of Strasbourg (France) for testing new pharmacological tools in mouse models of cancer that target tumor microenvironment-relevant cellular and molecular pathways, including platelets and other circulating blood cells.

Work Group Brown

Research field of the work group
Ion transport mechanisms in megakaryocytes and platelets
Institute/Department/Work group
Walther-Straub-Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie
Principal Investigator
Attila Braun
Internships
2
Project description
Blood flow-induced hemodynamic changes result in mechanical stress on blood cells and vessel walls. Increased shear stress can activate platelets and other circulating cells, triggering the rapid activation of receptors, calcium channels, and related signaling mechanisms. Shear stress can also modify the folding of extracellular molecules and directly activate mechanosensitive receptors and calcium channels. The mechanical movement of the extracellular matrix and the intracellular cortical actin cytoskeleton can change the conformation of platelet receptors and gate channel pores in the plasma membrane. Mechanosensitive platelet receptors and their downstream signaling events and metabolic products can also indirectly activate calcium channels. While the molecular composite of mechanotransduction pathways has been described in mammals, shear stress-induced platelet receptors and their crosstalk with calcium channels have been incompletely characterized. Therefore we are investigating the role of mechano-sensitive platelet receptors and calcium channels upon platelet activation and different disease contexts such as arterial thrombus formation.

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Work Group Dietrich

Research field of the work group
Identification of pharmacological target structures in pathophysiological mechanisms

TRP-channels...

- in lung macrophages
- regulating differentiation of the tracheal epithelium
- for the production and recycling of lung surfactant
- as sensors for cigarette smoke extract and particulate matter
- functioning at the endothelial barrier in the lung
Institute/department/work group
Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology,
Principal Investigator
Alexander Dietrich
Internships
1-2
Project description
In our research group for Experimental Pharmacotherapy we focus on the identification of pharmacological targets in pathophysiological mechanisms. In the future, we would like to activate or inhibit these targets in animal models and in patients. We are using gene-deficient or knock-out mouse models with deleted genes of interest to understand physiological and pathophysiological functions of different target proteins in the organism.

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Work Group Grimm

Research field of the work group
The physiological role and activation mechanisms of endolysosomal ion channels
Institute/Department/Work group
Molecular pharmacology
Principal Investigator
Michael Grimm
Internships
1-2
Project description
A disruption of the lysosomes can lead to diseases such as mucolipidosis. It also plays a role in the development of common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, metabolic disorders, retinal diseases, pigmentation disorders and deficiencies in trace elements such as iron. Cancer and immune disorders are also affected. The proper function of lysosomes, endosomes and associated organelles requires the precise regulation of fusion and fission as well as the concentration of protons and other cations in the endolysosomal system. Recently, the three TRPML cation channels (TRPML1, 2 and 3) and two-pore channels (TPC1 and 2) have been found to be important regulators of these processes and are important for communication between the different vesicles in the endolysosomal system. To investigate the physiological roles and activation mechanisms of these ion channels in more detail, we use different techniques such as patch-clamp, molecular and cell biological methods as well as knockout mouse models. Our aim is to explore the potential of these ion channels as possible targets for the treatment of various diseases.
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Work Group Chubanov

Research field of the work group
TRPM channels in health and disease
Institute/Department/Work group
General pharmacology and toxicology
Principal Investigator
Vladimir Chubanov
Internship
1
Project description
The regulation of the cytoplasmic content of divalent cations and their distribution to intracellular organelles is tightly controlled by various channels and transporters whose dysfunction often leads to human diseases. The melastatin-related TRP channel family, which consists of eight mammalian members (TRPM1-8), plays an important role in these processes.
TRPM1 and TRPM3 are Ca2+ and Zn2+ permeable channels that are regulated by neuroactive steroids and play a crucial role in ON-bipolar neurons of the retina, neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and melanocytes. TRPM4 and TRPM5 are Ca2+-activated monovalent cation channels that influence the excitability of neurons and cardiomyocytes and control the chemosensory activity of taste receptor cells and chemosensory tuft cells. TRPM2 and TRPM8 are non-selective cation channels. TRPM2 mediates ADP-ribose and reactive oxygen species in neurons, immune cells and epithelial cells, while TRPM8 is a cold sensor channel that controls the thermal responses of the organism.
TRPM6 and TRPM7 are bifunctional kinase-coupled channels that control cellular and body homeostasis of Zn2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. In addition, TRPM6 and TRPM7 regulate other physiological functions of the cardiovascular system, the brain, endocrine cells and the immune system. TRPM6 and TRPM7 are structurally distinct from other channels due to their fusion with α-kinase domains. Genetic mutations in TRPM6 and TRPM7 genes have been associated with inherited diseases, highlighting these channels as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Our group is conducting interdisciplinary studies to gain a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of TRPM6 and TRPM7 and their pathophysiological relevance to human health and disease.
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Working groups in the psychiatric clinics

in alphabetical order

Work Group cBrain

Research field of the work group
Effects of traumatic brain injury on the brain’s structure, function, and development
Institute/Department/Work Group
Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy
Principal Investigator
Inga Koerte
Internships
1
Project description
Prof. Koerte is holding a dual affiliation as Professor of Neurobiological Research in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany and as Lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, USA. She is the director of the research group cBRAIN (Child Brain Research and Imaging in Neuroscience).
The overarching goal of Prof. Koerte’s research is to investigate the effects of traumatic brain injury on the brain’s structure, function, and development. Her group was the first to show al-terations in the brain’s microstructure associated with heading the ball in soccer. Together with her team, she detected signs of accelerated aging and neuroinflammation associated with expo-sure to repetitive brain trauma, identified risk factors and biomarkers of the neurodegenerative disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

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Work Group Learning Disorders

Research field of the worl group
Neuro-kognitive Grundlagen von Lernstörungen
Institute/Department/work group
Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy
Principal Investigator
Kristina Moll
Internships
2
Project description
The Learning Disorders Research Group, headed by PD Dr. Kristina Moll at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, focuses on the neuro-cognitive basis of learning disorders (reading, spelling and numeracy disorders), as well as the development and evaluation of interventions in the area of learning disorders. Research topics include the comorbidity of learning disorders, typical and atypical reading, spelling and arithmetic development, reading and spelling development in different orthographies, and the development of S3 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of learning disorders.

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Work Group Precision Psychiatry

Research field of the work group
Development of machine learning methods for diagnostics and prediction in psychiatry
Institute/Department/Work group
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Principal Investigator
Nikolaos Koutsouleris
Internships
3-4
Project description
Prof. Koutsouleris holds the Chair of Precision Psychiatry at Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich and at the King’s College in London.
As the head of The Early Psychosis Studies and the Workgroup for Neurodiagnostic Applications, his research focus concerns the implementation of predictive models that (1) enable effective personalized management of high-risk individuals across different centers and healthcare settings, (2) facilitate the individualized stratification of risk for disease onset, chronicity and poor functional outcomes across different psychiatric disorders, and (3) improve our understanding of the diagnostic boundaries between and within these disease entities based on multivariate subgroup identification methods.
To identify disease patterns that constitute highly predictive tools for precision medicine in psychiatry, he implemented and applied advanced machine learning methods and tools, such as NeuroMiner, to databases composed of neuroimaging, neurocognitive, genetic, clinical, and environmental data.

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Working groups in the Anatomical Institute

Pettenkoferstr. 11

Work Group Yeruva

Research module project
Regulation of cardiomyocyte cohesion and its implications in the outcome of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Institute/department/AG
Chair of Anatomy I
Principal Investigator
Sunil Yeruva
Internships
1
Project description
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Work Group Hartig-Vielmuth

Research field of the work group
Biophysical characterization of cell cohesion
Institute/Department/Work group
Lehrstuhl für Anatomie I
Principal Investigator
Franziska Hartig-Vielmuth
Internships
1
Project description
Desmosomal cadherins provide strong intercellular adhesion and thus are most abundant in tissues constantly exposed to mechanical stress, such as the heart and the epidermis. Dysfunction of desmosomal cadherin interaction lead to severe diseases such as pemphigus (in the skin and mucous membranes) and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we investigate the structure and binding properties of desmosomal cadherins to understand their regulation and dysfunction in the respective diseases.

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Work Group Horn-Bochtler

Research field of the work group
Neuroanatomy of the oculomotor and vestibular system
Institute/Department/Work group
Lehrstuhl für Anatomie I
Principal Investigator
Anja Horn-Bochtler
Internships
4
Project description
In vertebrates the eyes are moved by three pairs of extraocular muscles, which are innervated by motoneurons in the brainstem. There are 6 types of eye movments (vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic reflex, saccades, smooth pursuit, vergence and fixation) which are controlled by independent premotor networks that converge on the motoneurons. Recent work by our group showed that there are two sets of motoneurons which innervate two different types of muscle fibres, singly-innervated twitch- and multiply-innervated tonic muscle fibres. Both muscle fibre types appear to be controlled by different premotor networks implying different functions. Our research focuses on the identification, histochemical characterization and transmitter inputs of functional cell groups that are involved in eye movements in animal studies. In a further step these neuron populations are identified in the human brain by these histochemical properties. Despite the lack of a stretch reflex sensory information reaches the brain from the eye muscles. However, the occurence of classical proprioceptors is highly variable in different vertebrates and often present only in a rudimentary form as in human. One current research project is the investigation of the sensory innervation of the extraocular muscles including the role of the specialized palisade endings only present in eye muscles.

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Cardiac Surgery Clinic

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Work Group Tissue Engineering

Research module project
See below
Institute/department/AG
Heart surgery clinic
Principal Investigator
Christian Hagl
Linda Grefen
Internships
2
Project description
We are currently working on the following main areas of research:
- Development of patient-specific prostheses
- Individualized therapy planning
- Electrospinning
- Testing of newly developed bio-hybrid materials
- Optimization of decellularization processes
- Construction and validation of test rigs and bioreactor systems
- Biocompatibility testing
- Patient-specific therapy


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Work Group Experimental Aortic Surgery

Research field of the work group
Development and progression of diseases of the aorta, from the cellular level to biomechanical resilience
Institute/Department/Work group
Heart Surgery Clinic
Principal Investigator
Joscha Büch
Internships
1-2
Project description
Our understanding of the pathophysiology of aortic diseases has changed fundamentally in recent years. The aorta is not comparable to a simple industrial tube, but is an organ with a complex biomechanical structure. In this context, the “Experimental Aortic Surgery” working group deals extensively with the development and progression of diseases of the aorta, from the cellular level through to biomechanical resilience (compliance). A further focus is on improving patient safety through the continuous development and innovation of surgical and interventional therapy procedures and the medical technology used.

From clinical experience to technical innovation

Since the turn of the millennium, more than 8,000 patients have received conservative or surgical advice and treatment at the LMU Clinic. The experience gained from these often interdisciplinary treatment approaches is continuously analyzed and improved. As a result, modern hybrid procedures, i.e. forms of therapy that combine open surgical procedures with endovascular stent technologies, have been developed and brought to clinical application. Biosynthetic three-dimensional models and computer-based stress analyses are now used exclusively for the introduction into clinical routine.

Individualized medicine based on molecular genetic and biomechanical analyses

The genetic basis plays an important role in the development of aortic aneurysms. In addition to the known syndromes, such as Marfan syndrome, genetic changes in the genome that favor or cause the development of aortic diseases are increasingly being identified. However, knowledge about and the significance of many of these genetic changes is still rudimentary. In addition to hereditary characteristics, however, there are also biomechanical components that are increasingly being visualized using innovative diagnostic procedures such as 4-D MRI. The aim of the working group is to understand the significance and regulatory mechanisms of molecular genetic and biomechanical influencing factors towards patient-centered “precision medicine”.

Cellular basis of aortic diseases

In addition to pure heredity, regulatory processes at the cellular level are also important. Cells of aneurysmal aortas behave differently from cells of “healthy” aortic tissue. These specific properties of a cell are analyzed on the basis of a biological database and conclusions are drawn about the development and progression of aortic diseases, generally summarized as the term “natural history”.


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Working groups at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital

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Work Group Neuromodulation

Forschungsmodulprojekt
Repetitive neuro-muskulären Magnetstimulation (rNMS) als neues Therapieverfahren für Kinder und Jugendlichen mit Kopfschmerzerkrankungen oder Bewegungsstörungen bei angeborener oder erworbener Hirnschädigung.
Institut/Abteilung/AG
iSPZ am Hauner
Principal Investigator
Michaela Bonfert
Praktikumsplätze
4
Project description
The Neuromodulation Working Group, headed by Dr. Bonfert at the iSPZ of the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, is working on repetitive neuro-muscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) as a new therapeutic method for children and adolescents with (1) headache disorders or (2) movement disorders due to congenital or acquired brain damage. In the context of rNMS as a headache therapy, the working group is currently conducting a large, longitudinal, controlled, randomized study on the neurophysiological mechanisms of rNMS in healthy young adults and adults with high-frequency episodic migraine. The subjects are randomly assigned to treatment with rNMS or placebo treatment over the shoulder-neck muscles and receive extensive neurophysiological diagnostics with ultrasound, muscle MRI, cranial MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after treatment. The aim of the study is to better understand the neurophysiological and muscular processes underlying migraine and to establish a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment option for migraine. The second patient group consists of children, adolescents and young adults with congenital and acquired movement disorders due to cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or stroke. In addition to a wide range of symptoms, there is increased muscle tone in some muscles (spasticity) and weakness in other muscle groups, which in turn is associated with difficulties in walking and standing, postural control and restrictions in everyday activities. By strengthening weak muscles or reducing the tone of spastic muscles as well as postulated cortical effects, rNMS appears to be promising. Various projects are currently underway in the field of motor skills with the application of rNMS to the gluteus and tibialis anterior muscles in order to establish rNMS as a therapeutic option in neuropaediatrics and neurology. Here, too, a large-scale, multi-parametric study is being carried out in order to better understand the mechanisms of action of rNMS at all systemic physiological levels and to develop customized therapy protocols.

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Work Group Kim-Hellmuth

Research module project
- Genetic basis of human immune response variation
- Gentic regulation of protein expression during immune ell development in human neonates
Institute/department/AG
Comprehensive Childhood Research Center at the Hauner
Principal Investigator
Sarah Kim-Hellmuth
Internships
1-2
Project description
Genetic basis of human immune response variation

The human immune system is crucial for protection against infections, control of autoimmune diseases, cancer defense, metabolism and aging. A deeper understanding of individual susceptibility to disease therefore requires research into the variability of the immune response at the population level.
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have already identified numerous immune-related genetic loci, highlighting the key role of the immune system in genetically determined disease risks.
Nevertheless, the functional significance of most genetic variants and their context dependency remains largely unclear. Their investigation is hampered by the complexity of the immune system, which consists of many different cell types that react and interact differently to signals.
Our research group uses state-of-the-art genomic and genetic methods to decipher the genetic basis of the immune response. The focus is on molecular quantitative traits (molQTLs) in the context of immune activation as well as the cell type and context specificity of genetic variants. The aim is to translate genetic discoveries into functional findings and ultimately clinical applications.

Genetic regulation of protein expression during immune cell development in human neonates

The composition and maturation of immune cells shows a high inter-individual variability in preterm and term neonates, which directly affects the immune response and influences susceptibility to infections and inflammatory reactions. Quantitative and qualitative changes in neonatal neutrophils are associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and neonatal sepsis - both leading causes of mortality and long-term morbidity. This individual variability is shaped by genetically anchored programs, the rapidly changing environment and their interactions (gene-environment interactions, GxE).
While perinatal mouse models and other model systems provide comprehensive insights into environmental influences on immune cell development, the genetic basis of human perinatal immune cell variability remains poorly understood, particularly with respect to the genetic factors that control the development and function of individual immune cell types during the early stages of life.
In this project, we investigate the role of cis-regulatory variants in protein expression during perinatal immune cell development in human newborns. For this purpose, we use the MUNICH-PreTCl birth cohort (Munich Preterm and Term clinical birth cohort). By integrating proteome profiles and genotype data of the participants, we identify genetic variants that influence protein levels in neonatal blood samples at defined gestational time points. These so-called protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) provide valuable insights into how genetic factors shape individual phenotypes by modulating specific protein expression profiles.




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Further working groups at other locations

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Work Group Merkel

Research field of the group
Smart drug delivery systems
Institute/Department/Work group
Department für Pharmazie
Principal Investigator
Olivia Merkel
Internships
1-2
Project description
The Merkel lab is interested in smart drug delivery systems. Our research on drug and RNA delivery is subdivided into the following topics:

Synthetic nano-sized delivery systems for RNA and CRISPR/Cas
Delivery is currently the greatest hurdle for the therapeutic use of nucleic acids such as siRNA, mRNA or CRISPR plasmids and RNPs. Therefore, we develop novel delivery systems based on biodegradable and amphiphilic polymers supported by molecular dynamics simulations, Design-of-Experiment, and machine learning and prepare nanoparticles by precision microfluidic assembly. We optimize their characteristics such as reproducibility of formulation, size, RNA protection and release, toxicity, immunogenicity and bioactivity for better in vivo results and develop clinically relevant dosage forms such as powders for inhalation with increased shelf-live prepared by spray drying.er Entzündungen unterstützen können.

Local administration routes
Due to rapid degradation by nucleases and fast excretion upon systemic injection, local administration of siRNA offers more clinical relevance. By local administration, both the dose and systemic side effects can be decreased. We are mostly interested in pulmonary administration for local effects and nasal administration for subsequent delivery to the brain via the olfactory bulb. We also investigate in situ forming hydrogels as local depot formulations.

Novel safe and target-specific nanomedicines
To reach specific cell populations within the lung or to deliver nucleic acids into the brain, we attach targeting ligands to the surface of the delivery systems. These targeting moieties have a strong affinity with the target cells and tissues. Due to this high affinity, these delivery systems are also investigated for their ability to detect distant targets, such mobile immune cells, circulating tumor cells or metastases.

Therapeutic approaches
Our goal is to develop novel nucleic acid-based nanomedicines for therapy of a range of diseases. We mainly focus on the treatment of asthma and lung cancer with a specific focus on EGFR and Kras mutations in lung cancer and their repair for chemosensitization. Since early 2020, we are investigating pulmonary siRNA delivery against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we are also interested in chemosensitization in ovarian cancer and breast cancer and investigate epigenetic mutations.

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Work Group Infection and Immunity

Research field of the work group
Die Erforschung der Wirtsantwort auf Infektion und Impfung
Institute/Department/Work group
Institut für Infektions- und Tropenmedizin
Principal Investigator
Christof Geldmacher
Internships
1-2
Project description
The “Infection & Immunity” group focuses on research into the host response to infection and vaccination in the context of cohort studies in humans with a focus on SARS-CoV2 infections, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and helminth infections (together with AG Inge Kroidl). This includes the molecular characterization of the infectious pathogen, the identification of correlates of immune protection against infection and disease progression, the discovery of biomarkers for TB diagnostics and therapy monitoring, the characterization of HIV reservoirs and the mapping of B-cell epitopes after vaccination. In addition to the analysis of systemic cellular and humoral immune responses, the group has expertise in the analysis of effector cell subsets in human tissue samples using multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry in combination with the detection of viral nucleic acids using in situ hybridization to study the microenvironment of virus-infected cells. The ability to bioinformatically analyze large RNA sequencing data and microscopy images is being further expanded.

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Work Group Molecular Chronobiology

Research field of the work group
see below
Institute/Department/Work group
Institute for Medical Psychology
Principal Investigator
Martha Merrow und Borja Ferrero
Internships
1-2
Project description
The circadian clock in the eukaryotic cell

The circadian clock represents a fundamental aspect of biology that is possibly common to all cells. The clock imposes a temporal structure on processes from gene expression to behavior. Clocks are virtually always found in the entrained state in nature. Entrainment is the process whereby the circadian machinery is stably synchronized to the 24h environmental cycle. Entraining stimuli (zeitgebers) include light and numerous other reliable and predictable features of the environment stemming from the light cycle (e.g. temperature, food, etc.). Due to genetic and environmental variability (e.g. season), a distribution of entrained phases or chronotypes is observed in a given population. Thus, entrainment is not a single entity but rather a dynamic process and until we have figured out the rules therein we cannot understand daily timing.
We aim to elucidate the rules of entrainment using a novel approach, namely by describing and probing intracellular molecular oscillators. The clock in the organism is an amalgam of so-called peripheral clocks, such as liver, eye, kidney and heart. The human circadian clock is a combination of these organ oscillators, as they synchronize with the clock in the brain. However, each of these peripheral clocks is built from individual cells and thus it is the clock characteristics of cells that ultimately determine clock characteristics of the organism. How do they entrain? How do they respond to zeitgebers? What to their PRCs look like? What happens when two zeitgebers get involved? For this work, we exploit the simplest cellular clock systems for this work, from human tissue culture cells to S. cerevisiae.

Circadian clocks in prokaryotes

We operate from the hypothesis that all terrestrial organisms will have a circadian clock, a mechanism to keep track of time of day. We recognize the non-photosynthetic bacteria as an important frontier in the search for circadian clocks. We are attempting to unlock the secrets of the circadian clock in this huge class of organisms. We are using B. subtilis and E. coli in major efforts at this time.

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Work Group Kessler

Research field of the work group
Patient-derived organoids
Institute/Department/Work group
Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics
Principal Investigator
Mirjana Kessler
Internships
2
Project description
The group is investigating cellular mechanisms, which drive the development and metastatic growth of ovarian cancer. By using patient-derived organoids from solid tumour deposits we hope to identify key events that lead to cellular transformation, define response to therapy, and clonal evolution during disease progression. In this context, the role of homology-directed repair (HDR) mechanisms is of particular interest, as well as its involvement in the maintenance of stemness and growth potential of this deadly malignancy.
As a member of consortium OVA PDM (“Personalising the clinical decision making in ovarian cancer through patient-derived in vitro models”) ( ERA PerMed, Funding BMBF), based on in vitro response of ovarian cancer PDOs we aim to identify new biomarkers of PARPi and characterize hallmarks of PARP sensitivity.

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Work Group AI-based telemonitoring

Research field of the work group
KI-basie3rtes Telemonitoring
Institute/Department/Work group
Medizinische Klinik I/ Basic Research
Principal Investigator
Solveig Vieluf
Internships
1-2
Project description
The AI-based Telemonitoring research group focusses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with clinical practice. As telemedicine continues to evolve, the amount of valuable patient data has significantly increased, opening new opportunities for AI-driven insights to enhance patient care. Our research aims to leverage these data streams, combining cutting-edge AI techniques with clinical expertise.
Our team focuses on applications in cardiology but also collaborates across multiple disciplines, including neurology, psychology, sport science, bioinformatics, statistics, and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to conduct both foundational and applied research, focusing on the practical application of AI in real-world clinical settings.

Key research areas include:

AI for Wearables: Utilizing machine learning to analyze data from wearable devices, providing predictive insights for the early detection and management of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
Multimodal ML for Medicine: Using machine learning to analyze clinical data of different modalities including electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging, wearable sensors, and genomic data.

Cardiovascular Image Analysis: Developing AI models to improve the accuracy and efficiency of cardiovascular imaging, supporting precise diagnostics and personalized treatment plans.

Explainable AI in Clinical Practice: Advancing explainable AI techniques to ensure that machine learning models provide transparent, interpretable results that clinicians can trust and apply in decision making.
We specialize in using a variety of advanced machine learning methods, with a strong emphasis on explainability and reproducibility ensuring that our methodologies can be easily replicated and scaled for use in different clinical environments. Our research aims at integrating AI tools seamlessly into clinical workflows, offering user-friendly solutions that align with the needs of healthcare providers and patients.


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