PHYSIOLOGICAL CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF GENOME INSTABILITY

"Mechanism and consequences of SLX4IP- and ERCC1-XPF-dependent telomere dysfunction", (project 6)

The objectives of this research proposal are to understand how SLX4IP regulates ERCC1-XPF function to ensure telomere stability and to elucidate the physiological consequences of a dysfunctional SLX4IP-ERCC1-XPF module, particularly with regards to telomere stability, general genome stability and kidney homeostasis. 

"tba", (central project 1)

A computational platform for data support, integration and management 

The Research Unit will generate large amounts of OMICS data. These data require powerful and sophisticated analyses. The Z1 project will support analysis, data integration within and among the individual projects as well as management to ensure efficient usage and reproducibility of the data among the Research Unit members. It will assist in planning OMICS experiments, for example, the design of technical and biological replicates and experimental blinding strategies. In addition, it will also provide training to members of the Research Unit to empower researchers to interrogate their own data and to properly document their work. The Z1 project leaders are experienced in generating and working with diverse and large-scale data types and are in a unique position to oversee and support this aspect of the Research Unit. The Z1 project will assist in the generation, selection, analysis, sustainable storage and usability of diverse OMICS data. 

Radiation biology and DNA repair

Prof. Dr. Markus Löbrich (TU Darmstadt)

Our laboratory investigates the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the most toxic lesions endangering cellular viability. We are interested in dissecting DSB repair mechanisms and uncovering novel repair factors, providing basis to understand the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer and the development of novel radio- and chemo-therapeutic strategies.