Genetic Engineering and Gene Transfer

"We develop novel tools to halt ferroptosis by genetic engineering and gene transfer. The delivery of anti-ferroptotic genes combined with CRISPR/Cas9 technology is at the core of our research."

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated necrotic cell death driven by iron-induced radical reactions that damage the cell membrane, ultimately leading to cellular disintegration. Our past and current work uncovered gene signatures and mechanisms that can be exploited to prevent the execution of ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. To make full use of these mechanistic insights we want to modify the expression profiles in target cells to render them more or even less resistant to ferroptosis. The aim of our research is to deliver anti/pro-ferroptotic cargos in the form of RNAs and proteins. To achieve this, we are using established methods of gene transfer (lipid nanoparticles or virus mediated) and develop innovative tools on our way to potential non-viral gene therapies. This is specifically relevant for the development of future treatments to currently untreatable diseases involving a ferroptotic signature (neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia reperfusion injuries).