Call 2

Leading PI: Christoph Wittmann (Saarland University) Curcuminoids, secondary metabolites found in turmeric (Curcuma longa, L.), exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Notably, they have anti-HPV (human papilloma virus) activity, which is significant since chronic HPV infections cause over 99% of cervical cancer cases. Due to the lack of medication for […]

Leading PI: Sigrun Smola (Saarland University) Neutrophil granulocytes, part of the myeloid cell compartment, are crucial for controlling and clearing microbial infections. They detect bacterial components and release pro-inflammatory signals, leading to their recruitment to infection sites. Depending on their activation, neutrophils release reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), phagocytize pathogens, and undergo […]

Leading PI: Sigrun Smola (Saarland University) The female genital tract mucosa is prone to infection, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Surgery is the standard treatment for pre-cancerous lesions but poses risks for childbearing women. Alternative therapies are needed. Our group identified IL-6 receptor signaling as crucial for cervical carcinogenesis and developed 3D models for therapy evaluation. We […]

Leading PI: Rolf Müller (HIPS), Aránzazu del Campo (INM) The project aims to create living PUFA supplements by engineering safe yeast strains to produce omega-3 fatty acids, offering a sustainable alternative to fish oil. The yeast will be encapsulated in protective microcapsules for oral intake, enabling PUFA production directly in the gut. Key steps include […]

Leading PI: Matthias Laschke (Saarland University) The project aims to analyze the biocompatibility of shielded living therapeutics both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays will be established to investigate cytotoxicity and various properties of the materials after seeding with different cell types. To study in vivo the acute host tissue response to the […]

Leading PI: Olga Kalinina (HIPS), Robert Bals (Saarland University Hospital) Lung infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 cause significant illness and death. Current treatments involve systemic or inhaled antimicrobial substances, but these can be toxic and ineffective against new pathogens or resistance mechanisms. Multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are particularly challenging to treat. Changes in the […]