Overview

Capsid / VLP (Figure by Jens Gruber and Martin Schmeißer)

The aim of the group is to explore the basics of gene regulation and the role of small RNAs. The focus is on studies of RNA interference and its role in human diseases.

In particular the VLP tehnology, developed at the DPZ, allows innovative research approaches for the introduction of gene regulatory small RNAs into cells.

The patents for the VLP technology are owned by the DPZ and will be further developed.

Equipment / Technologies

VLP production / Proteomics (1)
Analytic / Next Gen Sequencing of small RNAs and whole transcriptome sequencing (2)
Cell based assays (3)

(1) ÄKTA avant 25 FPLC system for proteinpurification and analysis (Figure: Jens Gruber)

Ion Torrent PGM — (2) IonTorrent PGM, semiconductor-based sequencing platform for RNA and DNA sequencing (Figure: Life Technologies)

(3) Synergy 2 multiwell / multi-format analysis for cell-based assays, including fluorescence, luminescence and absorption measurement (Figure: BioTek Instruments)

Research interests

VLP technology

RNA biology