Image-based therapy monitoring in glioma patients: Evaluation of quantitative MRI data and Deep Learning

For doctors specializing in brain tumors, it is difficult and time-consuming to assess whether a tumor is growing or if changes are caused by therapy. To determine this, they often have to rely on the temporal course or supplementary and scarcely available tests such as FET PET. A method utilizing quantitative MRI imaging and Deep Learning could help improve therapy and treatment monitoring. This research project aims to develop such a method.

Effects of LRRK2-mediated RAB hyperphosphorylation on the autophagic clearance of mitochondria

Mutations in the LRRK2 gene are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease and lead to increased phosphorylation of RAB proteins by inducing hyperactivity of the LRRK2 enzyme. However, the mechanism by which RAB hyperphosphorylation may contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease is still unclear.

Characterization of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Induced Coaguloapathy

For many decades, changes in blood coagulation have been recognized to occur during treatment with a (heart) lung machines (ECMO), yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Changes in blood coagulation may clinically manifest both by "blood clots" such as thromboembolism, e.g., in the form of strokes, as well as by a bleeding tendency, e.g., in the form of cerebral or pulmonary haemorrhage. These complications may negatively affect the treatment outcome and in some cases even be the reason for death.

Periphere Lipolyse als therapeutische Zielstruktur während und nach Myokardinfarkt bei Übergewicht und Diabetes

In the present project, we will investigate the effects of a heart attack in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus on white adipose tissue and here especially on the stimulation of adipose tissue breakdown, also known as lipolysis. It is well known that the stress response of a myocardial infarction stimulates lipolysis, and that lipolytic products are harmful to the heart. Whether and how exactly this connection also applies to patients with obesity and diabetes is not known.

Understanding the positive effect of antibiotics to influence chemotherapies in pancreatic cancer

Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), however, only some patients respond to the treatment. In preclinical models of PDAC, mice receiving an antibiotic combination responded better to clinically used chemotherapies. Antibiotics are known to strongly change the composition of bacteria that inhabit our body. Whether antibiotics change the efficacy of chemotherapies by modulating our endogenous bacteria will be the center of this research proposal.