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The Laboratory of Molecular Physiology of Somatic Sensation at the Max Delbrück Center, led by Gary Lewin, together with Entrepreneur-in-Residence Klaas Yperman, is advancing a novel therapeutic approach to treat neuropathic pain by targeting the mechanosensory protein STOML3. The project focuses on translating robust academic discoveries into a therapy that addresses the underlying mechanisms of aberrant touch sensation. By selectively modulating STOML3 activity, the approach aims to restore normal sensory function while avoiding the side effects associated with current analgesics.

The aim of the StrokeCap project is to close a central gap in preclinical stroke diagnostics. Strokes are among the most common causes of death and often result in permanent neurological impairments in survivors. Early initiation of therapy is crucial for treatment success, because “time is brain”.

The Puringe project aims to develop an innovative syringe-based system for precise and contamination-free injections, with an initial focus on intravitreal operative medication administration (IVOM). The core innovation is a flexible, impermeable membrane that physically separates the drug from the syringe at all times, thereby reliably preventing contamination by silicone oil or abrasion particles. At the same time, the Puringe functions as an integrated dosing aid, structurally eliminating overfilling and reducing the risk of overdosing and drug waste.

Personalized neoepitope-based immunotherapies are considered a promising approach for the targeted treatment of cancer. These therapies are based on tumour-specific neoepitopes which arise through somatic mutations, occurring exclusively in tumour tissue, and can be recognized as foreign by the immune system.

With the EKFS doctoral program “IMMUNE PILOT,” the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn introduces medical students to the interface between immunology, neuroscience, and genetics at an early stage and specifically prepares young medical professionals with a passion for research for a career as a clinician scientist. In addition to intensive supervision, structured qualification, and international exchange opportunities, participants also gain access to an exceptionally strong research infrastructure.

Acute kidney injury is one of the most serious complications after major surgery and organ transplantation — and targeted treatments are still lacking. This project focuses on hemoproteins: molecules released during cell damage that can place a heavy burden on the kidneys.

Using cutting-edge single-cell technologies, the scientists uncover how these processes harm individual kidney cell types and test new protective strategies in experimental models. Clinical data and patient samples from transplant and cardiac surgery cohorts complement the research.

Patients with chronic kidney disease have a markedly increased risk of heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This close interaction between the heart and the kidneys is referred to as cardiorenal syndrome, characterized by dysfunction of one organ inducing or aggravating structural and functional damage of the other. The aim of this project is to investigate how impaired renal function drives cellular remodeling of the human myocardium.