Professur für Nephropathologie

Prof. Dr. Christian Alzheimer holds the Chair of Physiology and heads the venerable, yet continuously modernized Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, which stands half in the idyllic Schlossgarten. He is interested in the electrical behavior of neurons and their synaptic connections in neuronal networks such as the hippocampus. His aim is to understand elementary neuronal processes that are crucial for cognitive performance and affective behavior and which, if disturbed, can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders.

What his research is all about:

• Nomen est omen: How Activin, a pluripotent growth and differentiation factor, optimizes neu-ronal circuits involved in thinking and feeling
• Physiological functions of the enzyme β-secretase 1 (BACE1), which is widely recognized as a major molecular culprit in Alzheimer’s disease
• Neuropsychiatric disease models and mechanisms of action of psychoactive substances, in collaboration with the Psychiatric University Hospital

PD Dr. Dominic Bernkopf is a cell biologist studying the molecular mechanisms that regulate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the context of tumor development and tissue homeostasis. His research develops basic science into translational concepts. The lab currently focuses on preclinical studies to develop a colorectal cancer therapy based on inhibition of the Wnt pathway through G-protein-coupled receptors. Besides, ongoing research projects focus on regulation of the Wnt pathway through the microtubule cytoskeleton and through biomolecular condensates sensing the tumor microenvironment.

The lab employs a variety of techniques, including cell culture methods, cancer organoid models and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, imaging techniques, biochemical methods for protein analysis and preparation, luciferase reporter-assays, qRT-PCR analysis and next-generation sequencing, as well as molecular biology techniques. Students joining the lab will have the opportunity of contributing to innovative research projects aiming to develop targeted therapeutic approaches based on basic science.

Main research areas: cellular signal transduction, molecular tumor biology, biomolecular condensates

am Lehrstuhl für Klinische und Molekulare Virologie

Prof. Dr. Christian Bogdan holds the Chair of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Immunology at the Medical Faculty of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and is director of the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene at the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. The Institute is located in the Wasserturmstraße directly behind the Orangery building of the Schlossgarten.

Research at the institute focuses on the analysis of the immune response during infections with bacteria, protozoa, fungi and helminths, on the mechanisms of immune evasion by infectious pathogens, the characterization of T cell immunity after vaccination and the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in chronic inflammatory diseases. With his own research group, he mainly investigates chronic cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, a highly prevalent, but nevertheless neglected tropical disease. Using cell culture methods, in vivo infection models and state-of-the-art molecular technologies (including spectral flow cytometry, high resolution imaging, single cell RNA seq, microbiome and metabolomic analyses, real-time RT-PCR), he aims to unravel the mechanisms of parasite control, disease chronicity and of lifelong parasite persistence. A particular emphasis is given to the arginine metabolism and its impact on parasite replication and T cell function.

Prof. Dr. Anja Bosserhoff holds the Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

The research of her group primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression, with a particular emphasis on malignant melanoma. Key areas of her work include the investigation of proteins like Melanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA) influencing melanoma cell migration and metastasis, transcriptional regulation, cancer dormancy and translational research, contributing to advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Prof. Bosserhoff’s lab employs a variety of techniques, including immunohistochemistry, protein analysis, PCR, next-generation sequencing (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq), cell culture methods, biofabrication, and cloning, providing students with comprehensive training in molecular biology methods. Students joining her team can expect to engage in cutting-edge research that bridges fundamental molecular biology and clinical translation.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Brabletz holds the Chair of Experimental Medicine 1 and is Maniging Director of the Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center at the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Focusing on malignant cancer progression, in particular mechanisms of metastasis and therapy resistance, he aims to integrate basic and clinically relevant cancer research. He proposed a concept of transient rounds of EMT and MET, resulting in aberrant cellular plasticity and the generation of ‘Migrating cancer stem cells’ as driving force of metastasis. His major interests are uncovering underlying molecular mechanisms, such as feedback loops between EMT-inducers, oncogenic pathways and tumor-enviromental crosstalks, as well as identifying critical vulnerabilities, particularly ferroptosis sensitivity, as basis for novel therapeutic strategies to fight cancer metastasis and therapy resistance.

Lars Bräuer heads the prosecture and is responsible for body donation within the Institute of Anatomy, which results in many connections between clinical investigation and macroscopic research. Beside the investigation and characterization of surface-active proteins and their regulation and significance on extrapulmonary systems, there are numerous interdisciplinary research collaborations and research interests within the working group.

A selection of the most recent is listed below:

• Investigation of biomechanical properties of nerve tissue and cartilage (Cooperations: Prof. Mario Perl Trauma Surgery EK-Erlangen, Prof. Marcel Betsch Orthopaedics UK-Erlangen, Prof. Silvia Budday, Technical Faculty of the FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, integration in SFB 1540 EBM)
• Investigations into the composition of laryngeal mucus in relation to the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinomas (Prof. Heinrich Iro ENT Clinic UK-Erlangen, Prof. Antoniu Gostian ENT Clinic Straubing, Marohn project Bräuer/Gostian)
• Macroscopic, microscopic and functional analysis of the larynx (Cooperations: Prof. Michael Döllinger Phoniatrics UK-Erlangen, Prof. Marius Hinganu Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, Chair of Anatomy and Embriology, Iasi, Romania)

Prof. Dr. Felix Engel is professor for Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research in the Department of Nephropathology and Head Molecular Cardiology in the Department of Cardiology at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. He is a trained engineer and completed his doctorate on cell cycle control of mammalian cardiomyocytes at the Max Delbrück Centrum for Molecular Medicine. After his postdoctoral training at the Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School he became a group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research and habilitated in Cell and Developmental Biology at the Goethe-University. Besides his academic career, he founded with colleagues the company Biomedical Consulting & Development KG (predecessor of preclinics GmbH) and was involved in the foundation of the company Hydra Biosciences.

The work of Prof. Engel focuses on cardiomyocyte proliferation, non-centrosomal MTOCs, the role of the adhesion GPCR Gpr126 in heart and kidney development, cardiac tissue engineering, cancer metastasis, and the role of autoantibodies in viral diseases. His lab employs a large variety of techniques and model systems including cell lines, primary cells, stem cells, zebrafish, mice, rats, and human tissue samples. Examples of lab techniques are PCR, RT-RCR, several types of cloning, next-generation sequencing, immunofluorescence staining, RNAScope, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, several kinds of assays to determine cell behavior such as proliferation and ferroptosis, xenografts in zebrafish, live cell imaging, and 3D bioprinting. Students joining his team can expect to be trained in a highly interdisciplinary and international team performing cutting-edge research.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Enz holds the Professorship for Biochemistry and Medical Molecular Biology at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

The central nervous system is the most complex organ of man, being composed of more than 100 billion nerve cells that contact each other by numerous synapses, thereby creating a sophisticated network. The main interest of the research group of of Prof. Ralf Enz is the description of molecular mechanisms that control signalling at these synapses in sensory tissues such as retina and cochlea, both in space and in time. Specific research topics include the identification and characterization of binding partners of various neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels localized at synaptic structures, mapping their interaction domains and elucidating their 3-dimensional structure. In addition, the sub-cellular expression patterns of receptors, ion channels and their interacting proteins are compared. Also, functional consequences of identified protein-protein interactions for the neuronal excitability are analysed. For the described projects, the lab of Prof. Ralf Enz combines a variety of methods from the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, anatomy, electrophysiology, cell culture and bioinformatics.

Prof. Anna Fejtova is Professor of Molecular Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University Hospital in Erlangen. The main research area of her team is the neuronal communication in healthy brain and in brain diseases, and more specifically, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control synaptic neurotransmission.

“Our research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern synapse formation, function and plasticity. We investigate the molecular interactions and signalling pathways as well as the functional crosstalk between neurons and other brain cell-types. Based on a deep understanding of the molecular processes that regulate physiological synaptic activity, we aim to comprehend synaptic dysfunction in brain diseases and provide a basis for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

In our research, we utilise advanced imaging techniques to study neurotransmission, membrane trafficking, and protein and organelle dynamics in living cells. We use brain slices and cultured neurons and glia derived from transgenic animals or human stem cells. Additionally, we employ advanced genetics for in vivo and in vitro disease modelling, and a range of cellular, molecular, and biochemical techniques.”

Professur für Ethik in der Medizin

Prof. Dr. Martin Fromm is Chair of Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology (FAU).

The overall goal of our work is to improve efficacy and safety of drug therapy. One particular area of interest is to clarify the role of various transporters for disposition of endogenous compounds and drugs. Our group also intensively investigates the role of intestinal, hepatic and renal transporters in drug-drug interactions using in vitro cell models. Another area of research focusses on improving medication safety in clinical routine, e.g. during therapy with the important class of oral antitumor drugs (AMBORA projects). Methodologically, we cover classical molecular biology techniques and establish and use different cell lines overexpressing various transporters. E.g., the use of polarized cell monolayers enables to investigate mechanisms of directional drug transport. The Chair also runs a mass spectrometry unit, which focusses on highly sensitive targeted quantification of small molecules as well as on untargeted metabolomics studies.

PD Dr. rer. nat. Fabian Garreis is a Senior Scientist and Laboratory and Research Group Leader at the Institute for Functional and Clinical Anatomy at FAU.

Our group specializes in the molecular biology and immunology of the ocular surface, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial peptides, host defense mechanisms, and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Our work combines fundamental research with translational studies to explore the physiology and pathology of the tear film and lacrimal apparatus. We use a wide range of advanced methods in research projects to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the ocular surface and associated structures. These include:

• Molecular Biology Techniques: Quantitative PCR, RNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and gene knockdown experiments.
• Protein Analysis: Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry to study protein expression and localization.
• Cell Culture Models: Utilization of immortalized and primary human cell lines for in vitro studies.
• Microscopy: Confocal and electron microscopy for detailed structural analysis and visualization of cellular and subcellular components.
• Functional Assays: Calcium imaging, electrophysiology, and TRP channel activity measurement to investigate ion channel function.
• Histology and Tissue Analysis: Examination of ocular and lacrimal tissues using advanced histological staining techniques to assess physiological and pathological changes.
• Biophysical Studies: Analysis of tear film composition and dynamics, as well as measurement of mechanical and surface properties of tissues under varying environmental conditions.

These methods provide a robust framework for understanding the interplay of molecular pathways, immune responses, and environmental factors in maintaining ocular health and addressing diseases like dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. Feel free to contact me via email at fabian.garreis@fau.de to discuss possible thesis topics and learn more about available research projects.

Lehrstuhl für Biometrie und Epidemiologie

Professur für Diagnostische Molekularpathologie

Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie

Prof. Dr. Said Hashemolhosseini is a Principal Investigator and part of the chair of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. His lab is since more than 20 years well funded by the German Research Council (DFG) and other grant organizations.

The general goal of his research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of myogenesis, starting with muscle stem cells, myoblasts, mytubes, adult muscle fibers, and until the neuromuscular synapse. His research including skeletal muscle associated myopathies, myasthenias, and rhabdomyosarcoma, as a basis for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Main research areas are the AGRN-MUSK/DOK7-CHRN, the canonical Wnt, and Hippo members YAP1/TAZ-TEAD, signaling pathways and their cross-connections, which are investigated in vitro, by primary muscle stem cell cultures, and in mice. The lab uses all cutting-edge state-of-the-art modern technical approaches, like nucleic acid and protein techniques, Omics analyses, 2D/3D qualitative/quantitative imaging, gene-edited mouse models, and, electrophysiological recordings to monitor neuromuscular tranmission.

Overall, Prof. Hashemolhosseini is a well-known scientist embedded within his international community, and he and his team aim to conduct basic and translational research.

Prof. Dr. Claus Hellerbrand holds the Professorship for Biochemistry and Molecular Pathobiology at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

The general goal of his research is to unravel the molecular mechanisms of chronic liver disease including liver cancer and metastasis as basis for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Main research areas are alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, tumor metabolisms, the interaction of (disseminated) tumor cells with non-parenchymal liver cells, chemotherapy-resistance and the characterization of beneficial effects of phytonutrients.

Prof. Hellerbrand’s lab employs a variety of techniques including functional in vitro analyses to characterize the tumorigenicity of cancer cells, to simulate cellular lipid metabolisms and the molecular mechanism of excessive extracellular matrix deposition of fibrotic processes. Furthermore, his team is performing different preclinical mouse models of dietary induced obesity and hepatic steatosis, models of chronic hepatic injury and fibrosis, and comprehensive models to study hepatocellular cancer and hepatic metastasis. Furthermore, his lab applies various  in vitro models to study the interaction of different primary human liver and cancer cells as well as comprehensive „omics“ analyses of clinical liver and cancer tissues of patients with liver diseases and cancer. Overall, the team of Prof. Hellerbrand aims to perform translational research from bench to bedside and bedside to bench.

Professur für Experimentelle Biomedizin

PD Dr. Anselm Horn is a member of the Bioinformatics Group at the Institute of Biochemistry of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). He also shares his expertise as liaison scientist for the Erlangen National High Performance Computing Center (NHR@FAU).

One area of his research comprises structural bioinformatics and molecular modeling of mutations of unknown clinical significance in human proteins. By means of a variety of structure-based computational methods, the implications of these mutations on the protein structure and thus its physiological function are investigated.

Another focus of his work is on the application of molecular dynamics simulations to protein systems of medical/biological interest: Using the high-performance computing facilities of NHR@FAU he aims at elucidating the effect of internal (mutation, post-translational modification) or external (change of pH, temperature, ion type or concentration) perturbations on the dynamical properties of biological systems at the atomic level. Additionally, he applies electronic structure methods from quantum chemistry for the parameterization of medically relevant protein ligands and non-natural amino-acids to make them accessible to simulation.

The Tobias Huth group studies the physiological and pathophysiological functions of beta-secretase BACE1, the rate-limiting enzyme in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing. The resulting Aβ peptide plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to its proteolytic activity, BACE1 interacts non-proteolytically with ion channels, prompting a particular interest in the structure-function relationships of voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels.

Our research emphasizes electrophysiology at multiple scales: single ion channels at the molecular level, neuronal excitability at the cellular level, and overall network function at the organ or behavioral level. We employ techniques ranging from patch-clamp and microelectrode array (MEA) recordings to behavioral assays, such as EEG, motor tests, and somatosensory investigations in mice. These methods are complemented by standard molecular biology and imaging approaches, alongside theoretical analyses. Advanced methodologies in our lab include single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and high-performance computing (HPC) simulations of ion channels at the NHR@FAU supercomputers. Together, these techniques allow us to integrate insights from the molecular to the behavioral level in our quest to better understand BACE1 functions.

Marisa Karow holds the Professorship for Biochemistry and Molecular Neuroscience at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Our research focuses on identifying new molecular targets not only for enhancing and navigating but also for correcting defective neurogenesis. The lab is integrating the strength of two complementary approaches to study the formation of human neurons, that is in forced and natural conditions. Through overexpression of neurogenic transcriptions factors, neurogenesis is forced in non-neural brain-resident pericytes of the adult human cerebral cortex to obtain lineage conversion into induced neurons (iNs). Previous work has revealed not only an unprecedented understanding of the intermediate states during the fate change of pericytes into iNs but also provided new insights into the molecular underpinning of neuron subclass specification. Based on these findings, our vision is to employ the iN model system to identify transcriptional programs driving neuronal subtype specification in natural conditions. This will provide not only new cues on the specification of distinct neuron classes but might also provide new insights in the molecular basis for many neurodevelopmental disorders (including neuropsychiatric disorders) in which this fine-tuned balance of neuron specification is altered. The tools to investigate this „natural“ neurogenesis are centered around brain organoids, a model system allowing to study early aspect of human brain development. The lab uses a variety of -omics techniques to decipher molecular programs during cell fate change.

Before joining the FAU, Marisa Karow did her postdoc in Stanford (Genetics Department) working on genome editing of stem cells using a phage integrase, and at the BMC in Munich where she embarked on direct lineage reprogramming of pericytes into induced neurons.

am Lehrstuhl für Neuropathologie

Information on the institute’s hompage

https://www.physiologie2.med.fau.de/forschung/forschung_korbmacher/

Prof. Kornhuber chairs the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), which includes a state-of-the-art Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology.

The laboratory’s research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly major depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and COVID-19 outcome prediction. Key areas include early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, alcohol dependence neurobiology, prenatal testosterone exposure’s impact on psychiatric disorders, sphingolipids in psychiatric conditions, and novel psychopharmacological mechanisms.

The laboratory combines preclinical approaches (cell culture and animal models) with translational clinical studies, bridging fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced molecular neurobiology techniques while contributing to research that aims to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

Professor Krappmann holds a professorship for Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at the Institute for Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene of the University Hospital Erlangen, where he studies pathogenic fungi and their determinants of infection. Main focus of research is the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, the causative agent of aspergillosis that affects mainly immunocompromised patients and those carrying specific predispositions. Aspects of fungal metabolism and development and their contribution to fungal virulence are under scrutiny by means of molecular biology, genetics, and in vitro analysis of interactions with host immune cells. The generation of recombinant strains and their phenotyping are cornerstones of his research activities with the aim to identify novel key factors of fungal pathogenicity.

Lehrstuhl für Klinische Nuklearmedizin

Karl-Heinz Leven is a licensed doctor and has completed parallel studies in history, Romance studies and Greek studies. He has held the chair for the history of medicine at FAU since 2009 and has been a member of the National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina) since 2012. His research areas are ancient and Byzantine medicine, the medical history of epidemics, medicine under National Socialism, the history of the Erlangen and Freiburg medical faculties, and the history of medical ethics. From a systematic perspective, it is about the self-image of medicine in different eras and cultures, the role of medicine in the respective society, and in contemporary history, in particular, the interaction of medicine with state actors.

Prof. Dr. Chichung Lie holds the Chair for Microscopic Anatomy and Molecular Imaging at the Institute for Anatomy of the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg.

His team is interested in unraveling the mechanisms controlling brain development in physiology and diseases such as intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. Our projects focus on understanding the role of cellular metabolism and cell homestatic pathways such as autophagy in controlling stem cell activity and formation of new neurons in the adult brain. In a second line of research, our group aims to uncover how neuropsychiatric disease genes perturb central nervous system development.

We employ state-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, epigenetics, imaging, and uses transgenic mouse lines and CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited human pluripotent stem cells as model systems. Students joining our highly international and interactive group will contribute to cutting-edge research that provides fundmental insight into physiological neurodevelopmental processes and their role in the pathogenesis of brain disorders.

Lehrstuhl für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie

Prof. Dr. Manfred Marschall holds the Professorship for Virology at the Institute for Molecular and Clinical Virology at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). The main goal of his research is to improve the understanding of protein kinases as regulators of herpesvirus infections and the development of kinase inhibitors as novel antiviral drugs.

Specific aims of the group’s research concept are focused on these topics (see also scheme):

1. Functional and structural characterization of the HCMV protein kinase pUL97
2. Cross-talk between herpesviral and cellular kinases:
   1. the nuclear egress of HCMV and other herpesviruses
   2. cyclin–kinase complexes modulated by viral infection
   3. virus–host protein assemblies as factors of viral pathogenesis)
3. Drugs, targets/kinases, and mechanisms: new antiviral strategies

The laboratory employs a variety of techniques, including virus infection models, cell culture methods, antiviral drug research, target validation methods, protein analysis, DNA detection and molecular cloning, qPCR, mutagenesis, transfection and transduction techniques, generation of recombinant herpesviruses, viral reporter assays, gene expression methods in many different cell types, immunofluorescence stainings, confocal laser-scanning microscopy, mass spectrometry-based interactomics, immunoprecipitation and protein assembly approaches, in vitro kinase assays, Western blot analysis, FACS, quantitative fluorometry, finally providing students with comprehensive training in molecular biology methods.

Prof. Dr. Lydia Meder and her team unravel mechanisms of cell plasticity at the tumor-host interface, at the Chair of Experimental Medicine 1, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). Prof. Meder is dedicated to research into signaling pathways in the microenvironment of solid tumors and their metastases. A central focus of her work is the preclinical development of new treatment approaches for lung cancer: “We combine basic and translational research with the goal to fight cancer. If you join us, you can perform cell and tissue cancer cultures, preclinical therapeutic investigations as well as genetic manipulations, and use qPCR, sequencing, flow cytometry, Western Blot or immunohistochemistry as read-outs.

Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Friedrich Paulsen. Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy.

Our research group works mainly on questions concerning the ocular surface, tears, the structures that produce tears, cornea, conjunctiva, immunological questions concerning the ocular surface and the draining tear ducts. We are trying to better understand diseases such as dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction as well as corneal wound healing and the effects that environmental pollutants such as micro- and nanoplastics from contact lenses, eyeliner or other livestyle products have on the ocular surface and the entire body. Every second patient who visits an ophthalmologist comes because of dry eyes. In Germany alone, there are around 12 million patients suffering from dry eye, and the number is rising.

In terms of methodology, we are particularly skilled in ultrastructural morphology and classical anatomy and visualize changes using histology, immunohistochemistry, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, 3D histology (HiD), 3D cinematic rendering and also use various molecular biological methods such as PCR, real-time PCR, cell culture methods, Western blot, ELISA and many others to answer our questions. We work closely with many other research groups in Erlangen, nationally and internationally in order to answer our questions. We are funded by various institutions such as the German Research Foundation, the European Union such as the EU PlastcsFate project with 28 European partners, the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists, the German Ophthalmological Society and the Anatomische Gesellschaft. Thanks to the many collaborations, many visiting scientists and doctoral students come to us, bringing an international atmosphere to our cool institute at the Castle garden and inspiring us scientifically.

Professur für systemisches Neurophysiologie

Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Bildgebung und Radiochemie

am Lehrstuhl für Physiologie (Vegetative Physiologie)

Lehrstuhl für Humangenetik

Susanne Sauer’s work explores mechanisms of the development of neuropathic pain, e.g. in diabetes or metabolic syndrome. We investigate primary nociceptive neurons, electrophysiological and neurochemical responses to noxious and pruritogenic stimuli and chemical mediators. In vitro, isolated tissue preparations, cultured dorsal root ganglion cells and transfected cell lines are used to study action potentials, ionic currents, calcium increases and release of neuropeptides. The aim is to elucidate nociceptive transduction and integration of stimuli as well as possibilities for pharmacological intervention. Mechanisms of sensitization by tissue acidosis, inflammatory mediators, metabolites and their intracellular signal transduction are investigated. One subproject is concerned with the diabetic metabolism are reactive dicarbonyl compounds e.g. Methylglyoxal that cause glycation of transduction channels e.g. TRPA1 channel or voltage-gated sodium channels, or glycosylation of a calcium channel (Cav3.2). These processes can increase or decrease the excitability of nociceptors and can thus contribute to the development of pain or loss of sensation., e.g. in diabetic neuropathy.

Professur für Experimentelle Tumorpathologie

Prof. Dr. Michael Scholz leads the Digital Anatomy Laboratory (DAL) at the FAU´s Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy. In digital image analysis, the focus at DAL is on the 3D reconstruction of human body tissue directly from medical image data (CT, MRI). In addition, by adapting and using mixed reality and AI-supported segmentation, the aim is to improve anatomical research and teaching by planning and implementing immersive content, e.g. for clinical questions and digital anatomy lectures/seminars. In collaboration with Dr. Klaus Engel (Senior Principal Key Expert at Siemens Healthineers AG), we are working intensively on the further development and improvement of cinematic rendering technology for the volumetric visualization of medical image data. The aim is to improve the use of photorealistic visualizations of patient or body donor images in real time for clinical diagnosis, surgery preparation, patient consultations and teaching in the context of medical education and training.

PD Dr. Seidel is a research group leader at the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

The research of his group focusses on cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and cellular remodelling in heart failure. This includes the investigation of related signaling pathways, pathophysiological processes, e.g. alterations in Ca2+ signaling, micro-/ and nanostructural analysis and the development of new in-vitro techniques. As such, Dr. Seidel’s group uses cardiac slice culture, confocal and superresolution microscopy, computational image analysis, signal processing and methods of molecular biology (RNA-Seq, qPCR, protein analysis).

PD Dr. Marc Stemmler is a group leader in the Department of Experimental Medicine 1 at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

The group is interested in understanding the process of metastasis by integrating tumor cell intrinsic events and reciprocal tumor-stroma signaling that is established during tumorigenesis. To this end, the lab is dissecting the molecular function of the transcription factor ZEB1, which becomes aberrantly activated during tumor progression as a potent regulator of epithelail-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. In addition, ZEB1 is frequently upregulated in the stroma, e.g. in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In both compartments ZEB1 orchestrates the acquisition of cellular plasticity unleashing protumorigenic effects. The lab makes use of genetically engineered and transplantation mouse models of pancreatic and colorectal cancer, combined with gene inactivation in tumor or stroma cells. The variety of applied state-of-the-art techniques include immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence labeling, bulk and scRNA-Seq, spatial transcriptomics, precision cut tissue slice cultures and molecular and cell based assays (e.g.Western blot and qRT-PCR).

Overall, the team of Marc Stemmler focuses on identifying novel (stroma directed) vulnerabilities sensitizing tumors to standard or immunotherapy.

Prof. Dr. Heinrich Sticht holds the Professorship for Bioinformatics at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

His research focus is on the computational characterization of protein-protein interactions. The identification of the underlying principles of molecular recognition is important for the understanding of regulatory mechanisms as well as for the prediction of novel, physiologically relevant protein interactions. The bioinformatics group investigates molecular interactions by a variety of computational tools (e.g. se- quence data analysis, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics). Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the dynamics of viral proteins, the conformational changes of human proteins, or the effect of covalent modifications on molecular recognition processes. Molecular modeling is used to generate the structure of isolated proteins or biomolecular complexes and provides the basis for a molecular understanding of mutational effects on protein stability and binding properties. In addition, sequence based methods are developed that allow an improved detection of functional linear interaction motifs. Such motifs play an important role for the interactions of numerous pathogens with the target molecules of their host.

In short, the group of Prof. Sticht uses computational approaches of gain a deeper understanding of the structure, function, and interactions of medically relevant proteins.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Stürzl heads the Department of Molecular and Experimental Surgery at the University Hospital Erlangen. He studied biology at the universities of Regensburg, Boulder (Colorado, USA) and Freiburg, did his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry and habilitated at the LMU Munich. Before becoming a professor at the Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 2003, he headed the Department of Viral Vasculopathy at the Helmholtz Zentrum München.

His research focuses on the role of inflammation and blood vessels in intestinal diseases and tumours. Already very early he recognised the importance of the microenvironment in tumourigenesis by finding that tumour cell growth in Kaposi’s sarcoma depends on interactions with surrounding cells. Moreover, he was the first to find that Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) replicates in the tumour tissue in monocytes, thereby influencing disease progression. In collaboration with Prof. Dr. Naschberger, he discovered in studies on the role of the microenvironment in colorectal cancer that tumour blood vessels can not only activate but sometimes also inhibit tumour growth. His work has also contributed significantly to our understanding of how blood vessels are involved in inflammatory bowel diseases and offers new perspectives for possible therapies.

Prof. Stürzl’s research is aimed at deepening our understanding of disease mechanisms in the hope that this will lead to improved medical treatments in the future.

Prof. Dr. Klaus Überla is Director of the Virology Institute of the University Hospital Erlangen at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). His research focuses on antiviral vaccine research covering the development and preclinical characterization of novel vaccine platforms as well as mechanisms of protection from HIV and respiratory viruses.

Prof. Überla´s lab has established the production of experimental viral vector vaccines, mRNA and DNA vaccines, as well as virus-like particle vaccines and investigates immune responses and efficacy of vaccine candidates in preclinical models. The Virology Institute further provides a broad spectrum of advanced training opportunities including practical courses, regular seminars and lectures and hosts the DFG-funded research training grant: novel antiviral strategies: from small molecules to immune intervention.

Julio Vera-González’s background is in Physics, and he is Professor of Systems Tumor Immunology at the Department of Dermatology, Uniklinikum Erlangen and FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. His research team works in computer-aided reconstruction and mathematical modelling of intracellular and cell-to-cell regulatory networks. They deployed computer model methods to integrate high-throughput biological data, and determine mechanisms of therapy (resistance) in cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Recently, they have combined artificial intelligence and immunoinformatics to design and optimize cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: Cancer immunotherapy, medical systems biology, systems immunology, network biology, ncRNA regulation, RNA-Seq, multi-level modelling, medical bioinformatics, immunoinformatics, melanoma, therapy resistance, drug target discoveryand drgu repurposing multi-objective optimization

Webpage: www.jveralab.net

Papers:

• Gene network-based and ensemble modeling-based selection of tumor-associated antigens with a predicted low risk of tissue damage for targeted immunotherapy (2024). Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC). doi:10.1136/jitc-2023-008104
• A disease network-based deep learning approach for characterizing melanoma. Int J Cancer. 2022 Mar 15;150(6):1029-1044. doi: 10.1002/ijc.33860. Epub 2021 Nov 17. PMID: 34716589. doi: 10.1002/ijc.33860

Prof. Dr. David Vöhringer is head of the Department of Infection Biology of the University Hospital Erlangen.

His research group investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate innate and adaptive type 2 immune responses associated with allergic inflammation and protection against helminths (worm parasites). The main work packages are currently on functional characterization of the transcription factor STAT6 in distinct cell types and deciphering the role of eosinophils, basophils, Th2 cells and type 2 innate lymphoid cells during type 2 immune responses in skin, lung and gut.

The Vöhringer lab uses a broad variety of different techniques for their investigations. This includes multi-color flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy, bulk and single-cell RNAseq, ELISA, microbiome and metabolite analyses, CRISPR/Cas9 gene inactivation of primary cells, lung and intestinal organoid cultures, and use of various conditional knock-out mouse lines. Exciting projects are always available for motivated students.

Information on the institute’s homepage

https://www.physiologie2.med.fau.de/forschung/forschung_tv/

Michael Wegner holds the Chair of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

His research deals with basic neuroscience questions of medical relevance and focuses on the regulatory mechanisms that govern development and differentiation of glial cells in the nervous system. Key areas include the identification of the main chromatin modifiers, transcription factors, and regulatory RNAs that are required to generate myelin-forming oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, and the characterization of their interactions within the glial gene regulatory network. A wide variety of techniques (biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, mouse genetics, “omics”, imaging etc.) is applied in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro to better understand myelinating glia and their alterations in neuropsychiatric and myelin-related diseases.

Leitung der Molekular-Neurologischen Abteilung des Uniklinikums

Leitung der Stammzellbiologischen Abteilung des Uniklinikums

Professur für Humangenetik

Due to construction works in the laboratory, no places for internships available.

Do I have to register for courses before the start of lectures?

In the first semester, registration for modules is usually not necessary in advance. It is important that you are present in the first courses of each subject because there is a lot of organizational information given.

Do I have to combine my own timetable?

No, you can (and should) stick to the regular timetable, which you can find on the homepage. Please note: The timetable is only tentative. Lecturers may change the semester schedule, which you can check in the course catalogue on Campo. It is therefore recommended that you search for the courses listed in the timetable in the course catalogue, check the times and find out where the courses are held. Under the path „Study programs of the Faculty of Medicine > Molecular Medicine > Master of Science Molecular Medicine major PO“ you will find all courses for the entire degree program.

Where can I find more information about the course content?

In the module handbook (available for download on the homepage of the degree program) you will find further information about the lecturers, the contents and the recommended textbooks. There is no need to buy any books in advance, as there will be good advice and recommendations in the first week.

What is „Rückmeldung“?

In order to remain enrolled for the next semester, FAU expects the payment of the semester fee during one defined week at the end of the preceding semester. This currently amounts to €72. After a few days, you will be able to download your updated enrolment certificate and revalidate your FAUcard. If you wish to exmatriculate or finish your studies, simply do not transfer the fee.

How is the Master’s thesis assessed? 

You select first and second examiners from the members of the examiner‘s list. These must belong to different chairs. Register your Master’s thesis promptly (“Master’s thesis registration” on the website).

Hand in the printed thesis to the first and second examiner on the last day of the deadline at the latest. The submission is confirmed by completing the corresponding document (see website). In addition, you must send your Master’s thesis digitally as a PDF (max. 10 MB) to molmed-info@fau.de .

The examiners will then send the report with your grades to the study program coordinator.

How do I get my certificate?

You will receive your certificate by post from Prof. Bosserhoff’s office approx. 2-4 weeks after entering your last achievement.