Three Research Track Project Awards presented
The Research Track Awards, each worth €500, are presented on the recommendation of the Vice Dean's Office for Science and Transfer. A three-member jury had previously selected the winners from ten applications and formulated recommendations. The awards were open to doctoral projects that began in 2024/25.
Anna-Maria Baleff is a doctoral student in Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommer´sLaboratory for Targeted Immunotherapy working group, located in den Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC). Her dissertation focuses on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Despite the availability of effective medications, AIDS remains a global problem because the virus mutates rapidly and can hide in certain immune cells. This creates a highly individual proviral reservoir. Most HIV carriers—known as non-neutralizers—develop antibodies that are barely strong enough to combat the virus. In contrast, a small proportion of carriers, known as elite neutralizers, develop particularly strong antibodies. This study investigates how sensitive the viral reservoirs of these two groups are to broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). First, the gene sequences of the viral envelope protein (HIV-1 env) from both patient groups will be identified and genotypically characterized. Then, pseudoviruses containing HIVenv sequences derived from patients will be produced. Next, the sensitivity of these pseudoviruses to selected bNAbs and the underlying resistance patterns will be compared. Finally, all experimental steps will be combined into a workflow pipeline that enables precise characterization of the bNAb sensitivity of proviral patient samples. The goal is to develop new therapeutic approaches.
Jule Müller, a doctoral student in Prof. Dr. Oliver Cornely's working group, has spent the last twelve months collecting data for her “CandEYE” project. This project investigates the feasibility of fundus screening for candidemia patients and uses a handheld fundus camera to record findings. The project aims to enable the early detection and treatment of possible ocular candidiasis, a yeast fungal infection of the skin and mucous membranes located in the eye. Unlike the standard indirect ophthalmoscopy examination, which uses a light source and a magnifying glass held in front of the patient's eye, this examination is quick, mobile, and can be performed by untrained personnel. Jule Müller coordinated the project. She was also responsible for taking pictures with the handheld fundus camera and documenting obstacles. The evaluation is scheduled for March.
Ellen Weber is a doctoral student in the junior research group, “Pathology of the Tissue Microenvironment”, led by AG Lerbs, at the Institute of Pathology. She investigates the role of the tetraspanin CD63 in lung adenocarcinomas, which are malignant tumors with glandular differentiation or mucus production. Tetraspanins are membrane-bound proteins that form tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) on the cell surface. These microdomains modulate signaling pathways involved in a variety of cellular processes. In tumor biology, they influence the growth of cancer cells and communication with the tumor microenvironment. This project focuses on the tetraspanin CD63 and its role in lung adenocarcinoma progression. To this end, tumor tissue from patients is analyzed using multiplex immunofluorescence, supplemented by examinations of fresh tissue and in vitro models, to investigate the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages. The goal is to identify mechanistic relationships and lay the groundwork for developing new therapeutic strategies for lung adenocarcinoma.
Contact:
Dr. Sören Moritz
soeren.moritz[at]uk-koeln.de
Original article here: https://medfak.uni-koeln.de/aktuelles-details/medizinische-fakultaet-drei-research-track-project-awards-vergeben