Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology Department Pharmaceutical Biology
Control of molecular processes in living cells with high spatial and temporal accuracy
Prof. Dr. Dominik Niopek's research group is driven by the vision of controlling molecular processes in living cells with high spatial and temporal accuracy for applications in basic research and future medicine. To this end, state-of-the-art methods such as optogenetics, CRISPR, viral vectors and machine learning are combined. The mixed experimental and computational group thus contributes to the ability to investigate processes in more detail and thus to clarify open questions in the mechanisms of action of biological processes.
Research Topics
The Pharmaceutical Biology group focuses its research on three major areas.
With its research on the specificity and control of CRISPR genome editing, the group contributes to making CRISPR easier and safer to use. Using state-of-the-art techniques, CRISPR activity is coupled to exogenous or endogenous stimuli. This enables targeted and local activation or deactivation of genome editing with the aid of a light signal. Naturally occurring CRISPR inhibitors (Acrs = anti-CRISPR proteins), which can be influenced by the signal, are used for this purpose.
Informatics methods, such as various machine learning methods, are used to support the group in research using genome editing and protein engineering. For example, models are used to identify sequences that are ideally suited for domain insertion.
In addition, the group is also researching the use of protein allostery to influence the activity of processes in the cell.
Links
Information for Applicants
The Niopek Group is generally open to internships, Bachelor's and Master's theses. For more information on possible topics, please follow the link on the right.