Desmosomes represent cell-cell-contacts required for proper intercellular adhesion. Thus, they are most important in tissues constantly exposed to mechanical stress. With our research we aim to investigate the regulation of desmosomal adhesion in the skin where their dysfunction leads to the bullous dermatosis pemphigus as well as to the ectodermal dysplasia skin fragility syndrome.
Multiple myeloma (MM), a blood cancer disease, is rarely curable despite major advances in therapy. Clinical experience shows that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be effective in MM, especially when combined with today's standard therapies. However, the currently clinically used mAbs are all directed against surface structures that are also found on healthy tissue.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Occurrence of these liver tumors is associated with poor prognosis and the treatment options are strongly limited. Aspartyl β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a protein overexpressed on the cell surface of HCC tumor cells und represents a specific target for immunotherapeutic approaches.
The treatment of tumors with oncolytic viruses is a promising approach in tumor therapy. Disadvantageously, the immune system attacks these oncolytic viruses, like any other virus-caused disease, by means of antibodies that are capable of recognizing defined structures of the viral particle which finally leads to the inactivation of the virus. Since antiviral antibodies actually represent highly effective defense vehicles, we are aiming to to convert this potential into an anti-tumor weapon.
The aim of this study is to increase the viability of adipocytes after autologous transplantation in order to reduce the resorption rate of the transplant. Due to the application of the angiogenetic hormone leptin the perfusion of the transplanted tissue shall be enhanced and hence the viability of the transplanted adipocytes shall be improved.
The presentation of antigens to T-lymphocytes plays a central role in the induction of immune responses. The intracellularly located molecule HLA-DO thereby elicits a central function. Up to now it is unknown, which factors regulate the functionality and expression of HLA-DO. Aim of the project is to analyze in detail the regulation of HLA-DO expression.
More than 20 years ago, the "European Renal cDNA Bank - Kröner-Fresenius Biopsy Bank" (ERCB-KFB) was established in an interdisciplinary European collaboration of kidney research centres in order to enable systematic gene expression analysis in kidney biopsies. It is a unique archive of human kidney biopsies which are specially processed for gene expression analysis. The objectives of this initiative, coordinated by the applicants, are.
The Else Kröner-Research School aims to promote the career of young physicians as so-called Clinician Scientists, who combine patient care and medical research.
The scholars develop research projects, in which basic research is interlinked with clinical questions. The findings are translated into improved patient care in the field of gastrointestinal malignoma.
The Research school provides protected time for research and intensive supervision and mentoring as well as further education and training.
In brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease increased levels of aggregated tau and amyloid-beta protein can be observed. In the underlying processes, modifications of these proteins, like phosphorylation, play a crucial role. Our novel therapeutic approach does not target inhibition of the activity of the (co-)responsible enzymes CK1δ and CK1ε in general, but will block their interactions with specific cellular proteins. This is made possible by using short protein fragments, so called peptides.
Many people suffer from cardiovascular disease in their lives. It has been shown that elevated levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Very high levels of CRP often occur in patients with oral inflammation such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Therefore, in the context of the PAROCARD Study, we investigate whether periodontitis and / or gingivitis are associated with atherosclerotic changes in the vascular wall.
