Neurodegenerative as well as psychiatric diseases are associated with decreased/increased synaptic connectivity in selected brain areas. We characterize proteins involved in the (de-)stabilization of synapses. We are engaged both in industrial contract research (Target research, drug development) and in joint projects with industrial and academic partners.
Application of our techniques is documented in high ranking publications
Techniques, Methods, Equipment
Test systems- CNS diseases:
- Rats in vivo
- Organotypic slice cultures
- Dissociated neurons
Molecular biology routines:
- RNA Interference (siRNA, miRNA, shRNA)
- Recombinant protein expression
- Tissue-specific promoters for targeted expression
- Fluorescent Proteins
Gene transfer methods:
- Viral systems (lentiviral, adenoviral, retroviral)
- Stereotactic injection of lentivirus in vivo
- Non-viral systems (Lipofection, Nucleofection)
Available Analyses:
- Immunostaining for neuronal differentiation, synaptic density
- Fluorescence microscopy, laser scan microscopy
- Imaging incl. 3D reconstruction of labelled neurons
- Common assays: viability, apoptosis, qRT-PCR, ROS, Reporterassays, signalling, protein interaction
- Assay development for HCS application
Services:
- Target identification via siRNA libraries
- Target validation via overexpression or RNA interference
- Development of viral expression systems
- Drug testing in neuronal systems
Network
Universities
Tübingen, Hannover, Berlin, Freiburg, Würzburg, Haifa, London, Dublin, Kopenhagen, Tartu, Milton Keynes, Genf, Paris
Research institutes