BIOTEC - Biotechnology Center TU Dresden

The aim of the Kröger group is to understand the mechanism of silica biomineralization in diatoms by identifying and characterizing   the biomolecules involved in this process, investigating their self-assembly properties, and analyzing their silica formation properties in vitro. This biochemical approach builds on previous research that has led to the identification of the first biomolecules involved in diatom silica formation, termed   silaffins,  silacidins  and  long-chain polyamines. In collaboration with the groups of    Ginger Armbrust  (University of Washington, Seattle) and    Thomas Mock (University of East Anglia, U.K.) the Kröger group is involved in diatom genome projects, and utilizes bioinformatics approaches to identify new biomineralization proteins in diatom genomes. 

Damage to the mammalian central nervous system often leads to persistent functional deficits. One important cause why these deficits become permanent is the establishment of a scar that forms locally at lesions, blocking regeneration. Investigating the origin of scar contributing cells following spinal cord injury, we identified a specific subpopulation of pericytes (perivascular cells of the microvasculature) as the main source of stromal scar tissue. Pericyte-derived stromal scar tissue formation is crucial for the re-establishment of tissue integrity after injury but constitutes the long-term persistent scar. Presently we are studying the general aspects of pericyte-derived scarring in the CNS and its role for regeneration.

Currently laser microdissection is not available within the Biopolis campus. Here we announce a talk about it!
Further information you can find here.
The hands on demo will follow about two weeks later allowing tests with your own sample.

Our group is interested in B cell differentiation in the germinal center reaction and the generation and function of human memory B cells. Another main research interest is the pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B cell lymphomas. We also study the role of viruses in B cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

In multicellular organisms the Wnt family of secreted proteins control various cellular properties such as cell proliferation, cell migration, cell polarity and cell fate determination.  These processes are critical during development and in adults for tissue homeostasis.  In humans, mutations or deregulation of proteins participating in Wnt signal transduction are commonly found in cancer and other diseases.  A fundamental understanding of how cells respond to Wnt proteins is thus essential for the detection and treatment of these diseases. 

My laboratory is identifying novel proteins implicated in Wnt signalling and is characterizing their function and mechanisms of action.  In this seminar, I will present two recent examples of our work characterizing novel proteins acting in beta-catenin-independent Wnt signalling during development and breast cancer progression.

The self-folding films are novel class of bioinspired materials, which mimic movement mechanisms of plants and are able to spontaneously fold and form complex 3D structures. The self-folding films consist of two polymers with different properties. As a result of its non-equal swelling of polymers, the film bends and forms tubes, capsules or more complex structures. Similar to ORIGAMI, the self-folding films provide unique possibility for straightforward fabrication of complex 3D constructs with cavities as well as with structured inner and outer walls that cannot be that easy achieved using currently available technologies. Self-folding films are particular promising for encapsulation and release of cells as well as for design of porous scaffolds.