Research

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Mission

The research of IBI-2 Mechanobiology aims at an in-depth understanding of information processing by living cells. As in the technical world, cells receive and send out information via physical signals. Within the broad gamut of possible signals, we focus on generation, sensing, and processing of mechanical signals such as forces, stiffness, and local geometry. We perform experiments on human and animal cells. Whenever possible we choose cells and processes relevant for the central nervous system. We are especially interested in the interplay of (supra)-molecular architecture and mechanical properties, in the interactions of cells with their environment, that is with the extracellular matrix or neighboring tissue cells, as well as in sensing and processing of mechanical signals by cells. These questions are of high relevance for many physiological and pathological processes like embryonal development, tissue toughness, cancer development, and concussion. In this quest, we use and, if needed, develop cutting-edge tools of cell biophysics and cell biology. Our final goal is to contribute from basic science to knowledge-based methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in medicine.

Research Topics

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Understanding functional neuronal networks under strain

We characterize in detail underlying mechanisms for strain signals that induce or support neuronal functionality on single cell and functional meshwork level. Furthermore, we characterize functional neuronal meshworks after intense straining to simulate brain trauma events with subsequent induction of neuronal damage protection on different time scales.

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Cell and Tissue Stretching

Cells in living organisms are constantly subjected to various mechanical stimuli. One of those is cyclic stretch, which can be found e.g. around blood vessels. Mammalian cells are known to sense such stretch and to reorient their cytoskeleton and shape to maintain homeostasis. Cell-stretchers are used to investigate these processes.

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Information processing of mechanically stressed epithelia

The skin defines the largest organ in mammals and is the first line protection against chemical, biological and mechanical stresses. We focus on cytoskeletal and adhesive adaptations and underlying signal cascade characterization. State of the art techniques from various scientific fields are combined with in-house developed stretching devices to ultimately help understanding tissue homeostasis and to tune epidermal tissue development for medical applications.

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Selectively expressed RNA molecules against neuronal diseases

We are developing seRNA molecules for reseach as well as preclinical and clinical applications against diseases with highest medical need, such as brain tumors (glioblastoma) or Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL).

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Deciphering mechanical signal processing at the cell-basement membrane-matrix interface between cells, basement membrane, and extracellular matrix

Our work aims at the understanding of mechanobiological signaling cascades that regulate tissue function. To recapitulate reciprocal signal processing between cells and the ECM, we apply physiological mechanical ECM cues to biomimetic 3D cell cultures of BM-covered breast spheroids and neuronal networks.

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Molecular delivery targeting the cerebral microvasculature

Crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB) in drug delivery is one of the most challenging pharmacological missions. We tackled this problem and designed lipid-based nanocarriers loaded with radical-scavenging agents able to target the endothelia of the cerebral microvasculature and to protect brain tissue against oxidative stress.

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New strategy for breaking the cellular membrane barriers

Efficient incorporation of biomolecules e.g. proteins, mRNA, or anti-cancer therapeutics into living cells is a major pharmacological challenge. There are several cellular uptake routes involved in nanoparticle incorporation. Of the possible delivery routes, we selected the most efficient and fastest, complexation with lipid nanoparticles that fuse directly with biomembranes, for numerous cargo deliveries into living cells.

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Publications

Publications of IBI-2

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Last Modified: 20.12.2022