VLP-Technology

Due to the large potential of VLP technology, the research group is very well connected at the DPZ as well as with external partners. In particular, the departments Cognitive Neuroscience, infection biology, neurobiology and stem cell biology aiming for first cooperation with the research group to develop optogenetic methods with the VLP technology.

Current projects

VLP-Modifications

View into the interior of a VP1 pentamer with bound carrier peptide (Figure: Stefan Ludtke)

Inside: Adapter proteins for the transport of new Cargos (small molecule drugs, therapeutic peptides, etc.)
Outside: Covalent coupling of various ligands (eg immunoglobulins, see below)
Optimization of binding by site-directed mutation in variable loop of the VP1 protein

RNAi-Therapy

Tumor cells — Dying tumor cells after RNAi treatment (Figure: Jens Gruber et al 2012, FEBS J)

Various in vitro and in vivo models, such as HIV in primary human cells or rodent models for cancer and osteoporosis
Therapeutic nucleic acids are brought about VLPs into target cells and tissues

RNAi-Therapy

Dr. Jens Gruber Head of the junior research group +49 551 3851-193 +49 551 3851-372 Contact