Research projects in BioMed

• Subject classification: Medicine
• Project management: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Boehm (Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology)
• Funding period: 2014-2026
• Speaker University: LMU München

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels represent a diverse protein family with salient roles as versatile cellular sensors and effectors. TRP proteins control an exceptionally broad spectrum of homeostatic physiological functions, illustrated by more than 20 hereditary human diseases caused by mutations in 11 Trp genes. Most TRP channel-related human disorders impinge on development, metabolism and other homeostatic functions. However, a detailed understanding of the underlying pathophysiology is missing. There is accumulating evidence to link TRP channels to even more human diseases beyond TRP channelopathies, and accordingly, TRP proteins have been identified as appealing therapeutic targets.

The research of the CRC will help overcome a merely genetic classification of TRP channels by means of physiologically relevant functional criteria, thus leading to a functional re-definition of what is presently called the “TRP channel family”. Such fundamental insight will furthermore open up new avenues for specific, tailored treatment options for patients suffering from diseases inflicted by dysfunctional TRP proteins.

Homepage of CRC/TRR 152

• Research Unit
• Subject classification: Thermal engineering / Process engineering
• Speaker: Prof. Dr. Christian Wagner (Experimentalphysik)
• Funding period: seit 2019

The way blood flows through the vessels plays a major role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as thrombosis and arteriosclerosis. However, the physical principles of blood flow are poorly understood. Blood is more heterogeneous than water is and is driven by a pump, the heart, it pulsates. Previous experiments on flow behavior, however, have generally been based on water moving uniformly. An interdisciplinary team from physics, engineering and medicine from several universities want to close this knowledge gap. Together, they are working on this goal in the newly established Research Unit "Instabilities, Bifurcations and Migration in Pulsating Flow".

Homepage of the Research Unit

• Project lead: Prof. Dr. Christoph Wittmann (Systembiotechnology)
• Funding period: 2024-2026

With the FUMBIO project, we are addressing the increasing demand for bio-based chemical products with a good ecological profile by developing a new, sustainable "fumarate value chain".

Based on fermentation, this is intended to replace the chemical synthesis of fumarate from fossil raw materials. The new process uses two main starting materials: CO2, which is obtained from chemical processes, and sugar (e.g. glucose), which is produced by plants from CO2. This means that the expected carbon footprint of fumarate and other downstream products is significantly lower or even negative compared to standard petrochemical-based processes. Furthermore, we will develop biocatalytic routes to further utilise the fermentation-based fumarate for the production of biodegradable chemicals, such as complexing agents and polymers. Both are high-volume product groups (>200 kt/year), so there is significant potential to improve sustainability.

With FUMBIO, we want to show the complete value chain from the raw materials to the end product and evaluate the environmental impact and CO2 footprint as part of a life cycle analysis. The consortium of experts from the fields of metabolic engineering, systems biotechnology, biochemistry, bioprocess development and life cycle analysis (Philipps University Marburg, Saarland University, Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau, BASF) has all the necessary tools and expertise to achieve the outlined goals. We expect short development times, a high technical probability of success despite a significant need for innovation, competitiveness and high sustainability as the basis for successful commercial realisation.

• Project leader: Prof. Dr. Giovanna Morigi (Theoretical Quantum Physics)
• Funding period: 2022–2025

The project will develop quantum algorithms that benefit from noise. A conceptual framework will be developed in which quantum algorithms are understood as a self-organizing process with an interplay of noise and coherent quantum dynamics.

The project is led by Saarland University. In addition, the Freie Universität Berlin, the Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Qruise GmbH, and IBM Research Europe as an associated partner are also conducting research here.

Homepage of NiQ

• Project leader: Prof. Dr. Christoph Becher (Quantum Optics)
• Funding period: 2021–2025

Compared to classical computers, quantum computers can perform complex calculations much more efficiently. Thanks to this speed advantage, problems can become computable that are considered unsolvable with classical computers. For practical applications, however, systems are needed that can work with a significantly larger number of quantum bits (qubits) than previously possible.

In QPIC-1, a novel platform for a quantum computer will be developed using single light particles (photons) as qubits. This requires both novel sources to generate quantum light and integrated photonic circuits in which the information processing takes place. The work and developments in QPIC-1 are intended to make quantum computers practical for real applications.

The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Munich. In addition to Saarland University, six other partners are working in the joint project.

Homepage of QPIC-1

• Project lead: Prof. Dr. Christoph Becher (AG Quantenoptik)
• Funding period: 2025–2027

Quantum communication is a key technology for future security in data transmission. It can protect against attacks using both modern computers and powerful quantum computers. This is possible because fundamental physical principles guarantee the security of exchanged keys. Quantum repeaters are needed for quantum-secured communication over longer distances. These can securely store and redistribute quantum states.

In the ‘QR.N’ project, the partners are planning to demonstrate quantum repeater links with more than two nodes for the first time and to set up parallel quantum channels using multiplexing. To this end, the researchers are not only further developing basic components for quantum repeaters, but are also researching their use on test tracks outside university laboratories. The aim is to achieve a quantum advantage in transmission and implement error correction for high-performance quantum repeaters. The hardware developed in the project is based on various physical systems: Atoms and ions, semiconductor quantum dots and colour centres in diamond. These are supplemented by other systems for quantum memories, such as rare-earth ions. Hardware-independent quantum repeaters are to be developed through a hybrid combination of hardware systems and the use of cross-system protocols.

Quantum repeaters are an essential key component for future quantum networks. Possible fields of application initially lie in quantum-safe communication, for example in the protection of critical infrastructures or in communication with authorities. In the future, quantum repeaters could enable long-range quantum networks with entangled quantum states and even pan-European dimensions with a wide range of new applications such as distributed quantum computing.

Project profile of QR.N

• Project leader: Christoph Becher (Quantum Optics)
• Funding period: 2023–2026

The aim of the project "Miniaturized entangled photon source in the telecom sector based on AlGaAs Bragg reflection waveguides (VOMBAT)" is to develop a source for entangled photon pairs in which the required pump source and the generation of the entangled photon pairs are integrated in one chip. For the generation of photons with frequencies corresponding to low-loss telecommunication, a photon pair source based on the material system AlGaAs will be designed and fabricated. For the distribution of the photon pairs to the different receivers or frequencies, it is investigated how this can be done as compactly as possible in an integrated photonic circuit in which the chip-integrated photon pair source is embedded. The technological requirements for later commercial exploitation are also being investigated. The overall system will be tested in an existing fiber optic link.

The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications. In addition to Saarland University, two other partners are working on the joint project.

Homepage of VOMBAT

• Funding body: Volkswagen Stiftung
• Participants:
  • Prof. Sigrun Smola (Institute for Virology)
  • Prof. Jörn Walter (Genetics and Epigenetics)
  • Prof. Rolf Müller (Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS))
•  Funding period: 2023–2026

Reactivation of a latent viral infection poses a significant risk to immunocompromised patients in transplantation medicine. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a poorly understood virus that causes nephropathy or hemorrhagic cystitis in a significant number of renal or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Currently, there is no vaccine and drugs are urgently needed for preventive treatment to prevent organ damage. This interdisciplinary project addresses the major challenges that have hindered drug development against BKPyV. The project team synergistically combines specific expertise in small DNA virus immunology and cell biology, cutting-edge genomics, and translational drug discovery to identify drug candidates from unique compound libraries that disrupt key viral processes. The team has developed a novel BKPyV replication assay for drug screening and will use complex human 3D culture models for preclinical validation, such as BKPyV-infected organoids of the proximal renal tubules, organotypic 3D cultures with integrated immune cells, and organ-on-a-chip models. To gain molecular insights into the evolution of drug resistance and develop counterstrategies, researchers will use innovative BKPyV-specific next-generation sequencing technologies to monitor viral genetic adaptation and evolution in the host. With these combined approaches, the team hopes to advance both a straightforward translational approach to drug repurposing in transplant patients and the development of entirely new classes of drugs against BKPyV.

• Funding body: Wilhelm Sander Stiftung
• Project lead: Prof. Dr. Markus Hoth (Biophysik)
• Funding period: 2024-2026

The first-line therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a combined administration of different antibodies and poly-chemotherapy (R-CHOP, Pola-R-CHP). Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role as major mediators of rituximab (R)-mediated cytotoxicity. NK cytotoxic efficiency depends on intracellular calcium signals mediated by Orai/CRAC calcium channels.

We have uncovered a calcium optimum for cytotoxicity, with lower and interestingly also higher calcium signals being less efficient. To analyze calcium signals and cytotoxic efficiency of single NK-cells during apoptotic or necrotic killing of single lymphoma cells in parallel, we have developed single cell cytotoxicity assays with high resolution and automated analysis. Our project aims to analyze whether and how calcium signaling in NK-cells affects the serial killing efficiency of lymphoma cells in the presence of R-CHOP or Pola-R-CHP.

We want to understand whether targeted modulation of calcium signaling in NK-cells, e.g., by Orai channel blockers, could have a therapeutic advantage for the treatment of DLBCL, and whether calcium channels and calcium signaling could represent a target for lymphoma therapy.