MedTech Projects at FAU

Exploring Brain Mechanics (EBM): Understanding, engineering and exploiting mechanical properties and signals in central nervous system development, physiology and pathology
Acronym: SFB 1540 - EBM
Start: 1. January 2023
Ende: 31. December 2026
Funding: DFG / Sonderforschungsbereich / Transregio (SFB / TRR)
URL: https://www.crc1540-ebm.research.fau.eu/
Leaders: Paul Steinmann
Description:

The central nervous system (CNS) is our most complex organ system. Despite tremendous progress in our understanding of the biochemical, electrical, and genetic regulation of CNS functioning and malfunctioning, many fundamental processes and diseases are still not fully understood. For example, axon growth patterns in the developing brain can currently not be well-predicted based solely on the chemical landscape that neurons encounter, several CNS-related diseases cannot be precisely diagnosed in living patients, and neuronal regeneration can still not be promoted after spinal cord injuries.

During many developmental and pathological processes, neurons and glial cells are motile. Fundamentally, motion is driven by forces. Hence, CNS cells mechanically interact with their surrounding tissue. They adhere to neighbouring cells and extracellular matrix using cell adhesion molecules, which provide friction, and generate forces using cytoskeletal proteins.  These forces are transmitted to the outside world not only to locomote but also to probe the mechanical properties of the environment, which has a long overseen huge impact on cell function.

Only recently, groups of several project leaders in this consortium, and a few other groups worldwide, have discovered an important contribution of mechanical signals to regulating CNS cell function. For example, they showed that brain tissue mechanics instructs axon growth and pathfinding in vivo, that mechanical forces play an important role for cortical folding in the developing human brain, that the lack of remyelination in the aged brain is due to an increase in brain stiffness in vivo, and that many neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by changes in brain and spinal cord mechanics. These first insights strongly suggest that mechanics contributes to many other aspects of CNS functioning, and it is likely that chemical and mechanical signals intensely interact at the cellular and tissue levels to regulate many diverse cellular processes.

The CRC 1540 EBM synergises the expertise of engineers, physicists, biologists, medical researchers, and clinicians in Erlangen to explore mechanics as an important yet missing puzzle stone in our understanding of CNS development, homeostasis, and pathology. Our strongly multidisciplinary team with unique expertise in CNS mechanics integrates advanced in vivo, in vitro, and in silico techniques across time (development, ageing, injury/disease) and length (cell, tissue, organ) scales to uncover how mechanical forces and mechanical cell and tissue properties, such as stiffness and viscosity, affect CNS function. We especially focus on (A) cerebral, (B) spinal, and (C) cellular mechanics. In vivo and in vitro studies provide a basic understanding of mechanics-regulated biological and biomedical processes in different regions of the CNS. In addition, they help identify key mechano-chemical factors for inclusion in in silico models and provide data for model calibration and validation. In silico models, in turn, allow us to test hypotheses without the need of excessive or even inaccessible experiments. In addition, they enable the transfer and comparison of mechanics data and findings across species and scales. They also empower us to optimise process parameters for the development of in vitro brain tissue-like matrices and in vivo manipulation of mechanical signals, and, eventually, pave the way for personalised clinical predictions.

In summary, we exploit mechanics-based approaches to advance our understanding of CNS function and to provide the foundation for future improvement of diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

Mechanical joining without auxiliary elements
Acronym: TRR 285 C01
Start: 1. July 2019
Ende: 30. June 2027
Funding: DFG / Sonderforschungsbereich / Transregio (SFB / TRR)
URL: https://trr285.uni-paderborn.de/
Leaders: Dietmar Drummer, Marion Merklein
Description:

The aim of this project is to conduct fundamental scientific research into joining without auxiliary element using metallic pin structures produced by forming technology, which are pressed into the joining partner or caulked after insertion into a perforated joining partner, and the joint properties that can be achieved with this. This includes the development of a fundamental understanding of the acting mechanisms with a focus on feasibility in phase 1, the optimisation of the pin structure with regard to geometry and arrangement as well as the joining process for the targeted adjustment of joining properties in phase 2 and the transferability of the technology to an extended range of applications in phase 3. The aim in phase 1 is therefore to develop a fundamental understanding of the extrusion of defined metallic pin geometries from the sheet plane using local material accumulation in order to be able to determine local changes in the material properties, such as strength. Simultaneously, different process control strategies for joining metal and FRP as well as different metals will be fundamentally researched and process windows will be derived.In the case of FRP, various process routes will be investigated with a focus on fibre-friendly injection of the pin structures or hole forming for caulking of the pin structures without delamination of the FRP. Ultrasound, vibration, infrared radiation or combinations of these methods are used to melt the matrix with the goal of identifying suitable process routes and generating an understanding of the mechanisms at work.  Based on the findings of the pin manufacturing and the results regarding the joining processes, a fundamental understanding of the process will be developed, which will allow the further development of the pin geometry and the definition of suitable simple, regular pin arrangements and dimensions in the next step. In order to meet the different requirements of the pin manufacturing process and the joining method, the adaptability of the tool and joining technology is essential. Accordingly, the adaptation on the tool side and the specific process control during pin production will be investigated in order to demonstrate the possible variations. In addition, the adaptability of the joining operation will be achieved by adapting the process control, especially in the case of metal-FRP joints, in order to react to different conditions, such as the fibre layer and layer structure of the FRP. Finally, the direction-dependent joint properties and the application behaviour of the multi-material joints joined with the developed pin geometries will be characterised and evaluated depending on the pin dimensioning and arrangement in order to identify the decisive influencing factors on the joint properties.

Fracture across Scales: Integrating Mechanics, Materials Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics (FRASCAL)
Acronym: GRK 2423 FRASCAL
Start: 1. January 2019
Ende: 30. June 2023
Funding: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
URL: https://www.frascal.research.fau.eu/
Leaders: Paul Steinmann
Description:

The RTG aims to improve understanding of fracture in brittle heterogeneous materials by developing simulation methods able to capture the multiscale nature of failure. With i) its rooting in different scientific disciplines, ii) its focus on the influence of heterogeneities on fracture at different length and time scales as well as iii) its integration of highly specialised approaches into a “holistic” concept, the RTG addresses a truly challenging cross-sectional topic in mechanics of materials. Although various simulation approaches describing fracture exist for particular types of materials and specific time and length scales, an integrated and overarching approach that is able to capture fracture processes in different – and in particular heterogeneous – materials at various length and time resolutions is still lacking. Thus, we propose an RTG consisting of interdisciplinary experts from mechanics, materials science, mathematics, chemistry, and physics that will develop the necessary methodology to investigate the mechanisms underlying brittle fracture and how they are influenced by heterogeneities in various materials. The insights obtained together with the methodological framework will allow tailoring and optimising materials against fracture. The RTG will cover a representative spectrum of brittle materials and their composites, together with granular and porous materials. We will study these at length and time scales relevant to science and engineering, ranging from sub-atomic via atomic and molecular over mesoscale to macroscopic dimensions. Our modelling approaches and simulation tools are based on concepts from quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, mesoscopic approaches, and continuum mechanics. These will be integrated into an overall framework which will represent an important step towards a virtual laboratory eventually complementing and minimising extensive and expensive experimental testing of materials and components. Within the RTG, young researchers under the supervision of experienced PAs will perform cutting-edge research on challenging scientific aspects of fracture. The RTG will foster synergies in research and advanced education and is intended to become a key element in FAU‘s interdisciplinary research areas “New Materials and Processes” and “Modelling–Simulation–Optimisation”.

Federated virtual twins for privacy-preserving personalised outcome prediction of type 2 diabetes treatment
Acronym: dAIbetes
Start: 1. January 2024
Ende: 31. December 2028
Funding: EU - 9. Rahmenprogramm - Horizon Europe
URL: https://daibetes.eu/
Leaders: Björn Eskofier, Alexandros Tanzanakis
Description:

Virtual twins have the potential to be used as prognostic tools in precision medicine to support individualized disease management. However, training these models requires large volumes of data from various sources, which is challenging due to privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Recently, privacy-preserving computational methods, such as federated learning, have emerged, offering a way to utilize extensive data effectively while protecting sensitive patient information.

In dAIbetes, our main medical objective is to provide personalized predictions of treatment outcomes for type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting 1 in 10 adults globally and leading to annual costs of approximately 893 billion EUR. Although healthcare professionals are improving at addressing diabetes risk factors like diet and exercise, there are currently no guidelines for predicting treatment outcomes tailored to individual patients.

dAIbetes brings together advaned expertise in federated learning, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, diabetes data standardization, clinical validation, as well as in legal and ethical evaluation of applying advanced federated machine learning to personalized medicine. 13 Partners from 13 European countries and the US will jointly implement the project which is structured into 9 Work Packages (WP1-WP9). At FAU, we are working on WP3, i.e., the development of virtual twin apps for training of virtual twin models that will use data from type 2 diabetes patients.

GRK 2950: Synthetic Molecular Communication Across Different Scales: From Theory to Experiments
Acronym: GRK 2950
Start: 1. June 2024
Ende: 31. May 2029
Funding: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
URL:
Leaders: Robert Schober
Description:

Over the past decade, Molecular Communications (MC) has emerged as a new research area in Communications. The main idea behind MC is to exploit molecules as information carriers, as is done in many natural communication processes including inter- and intracellular communication, synaptic communication, quorum sensing, and insect communication, to communicate in environments and with objects/organisms that are not suitable for conventional electromagnetic wave based communication systems. Synthetic MC systems are expected to enable new disruptive medical, environmental, and industrial applications. The objective of the proposed research training group "Synthetic Molecular Communication Across Different Scales: From Theory to Experiments (SyMoCADS)" is to establish the first structured doctoral training program on MC worldwide and to equip the participating doctoral students with the knowledge and skill set needed to advance this emerging interdisciplinary field of research. To this end, a multi-facetted research and qualification program will be established. To balance the inherent heterogeneity of the overall topic and the need for close interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle MC research problems, the doctoral research projects are organized in three clusters (C1-C3): C1: MC based design, monitoring, and control of bioprocesses; C2: MC based modelling, analysis, and design of magnetic nanoparticle steering systems; C3: Models, designs, and system architectures for airborne MC. Each cluster investigates an important and challenging overarching research problem, whose conceptual, communication-theoretical, and experimental aspects are tackled synergistically in three doctoral projects. This promotes close interdisciplinary collaboration between the doctoral students within each cluster, which constitutes a vital part of their training. The different clusters reflect the heterogeneity of MC in terms of length scales, particle transport mechanisms, propagation environments, communication tasks, experimental techniques, and application domains. This provides the opportunity to investigate the implications of these differences for MC analysis, modelling, and simulation techniques as well as for the embedding of information into molecular signals. The conceptual and methodical support needed for addressing these cross-cluster research questions, exploiting cross-cluster synergies, and fostering cross-cluster collaboration will be provided by a postdoctoral project. SyMoCADS is led by an interdisciplinary team of researchers who were carefully selected to foster fundamental theoretical and experimental contributions to each of the three cluster topics and the general field of MC. 

MQV Superconducting Qubits Quantum Computer Demonstrators
Acronym: MUNIQC-SC
Start: 1. January 2022
Ende: 31. December 2026
Funding: Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR)
URL:
Leaders: Roland Nagy, Martin Vossiek, Norman Franchi, Robert Weigel
Description:

Motivation

Today, quantum computers are considered to be the computing machines of the future. They use so-called qubits instead of the conventional bits of classical computer technology. The special properties of these qubits allow the quantum computer to assume all states that can be represented with the qubits simultaneously, while conventional computers can only work with one of the combinations that can be represented by the available bits per computing step. Quantum computers can thus be used to solve tasks that conventional computers fail at. Processes at the molecular level can be simulated so that, for example, the mode of action of new active ingredients can be predicted for the pharmaceutical industry. Likewise, quantum computers can find ways to develop highly efficient battery storage or solve complex problems in traffic management.

Objectives and approach

The present collaborative project aims to build the demonstrator of a quantum computer based on superconducting circuits, as well as the peripherals necessary to interface the quantum computer to conventional computer systems. The work includes research into microwave circuits to control the qubits, research into integration methods for superconducting circuits, and extends to the development of customized compilers and runtime environments for the quantum computer. The associated quantum processor is expected to be able to compute with up to 100 qubits, and would thus be capable of representing ten to the power of thirty states simultaneously (which is about ten billion times the estimated number of stars in the universe).

Innovation and perspectives

The goal of the work is, among other things, to ensure reliable operation of such a quantum computer and, on the other hand, to create the periphery to make the computing power of this computer available to a broad group of users via cloud computing.

Munich Quantum Valley
Acronym: MQV
Start: 1. October 2021
Ende: 30. September 2026
Funding: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (StMWK) (seit 2018)
URL:
Leaders: Florian Marquardt, Michael Hartmann, Kai Phillip Schmidt, Martin Eckstein, Roland Nagy, Martin Vossiek, Norman Franchi, Robert Weigel
Description:

Quantum information processing (QIP), and generally the use of quantum technologies (QT) for communication, sensing, metrology and computational purposes, has become a key technology during the last decade for the advancement of science and technology. The capability to prepare and manipulate quantum states and to generate superpositions and entanglement on demand has led to the development of measurement and computational procedures, which promise to perform well beyond classical tools. During the last two decades, the physics of quantum information (QI) has been developed in laboratories and routes to quantum devices with unsurpassed features have been demonstrated [ARU19]. In particular, it has been shown that quantum computing (QC) promises unprecedented computational power for the solution of some hard problems, especially when quantum features are involved, as for example, in chemical calculations and for quantum simulations of many-body problems as are frequently encountered in material sciences. Moreover, quantum procedures enhance optimization routines and can be used for the efficient solution of some hard mathematical problems, such as factoring.

During the last decade, laboratory realizations of quantum computers have demonstrated their unique computational capabilities and spawned the efforts to make such devices available for a wider use in industrial applications. IBM has made quantum computers available via cloud access and attracted a huge number of users and customers who want to get themselves acquainted with the new technology. Google has demonstrated what they coined “quantum supremacy”, i.e., it shows a large speedup compared with classical computational power. While the hitherto demonstrated algorithm (random circuits) is useless for practical purposes, it clearly demonstrated the quantum advantage that can be achieved. Such a computational potential led to the establishment of hundreds of startups, both hardware and software oriented, in search of realizing scalable quantum devices and algorithms. While much of the foundations and many demonstrated quantum features were obtained in Europe, most of these newly founded companies were established in the US, Canada, in Australia, some in the UK, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, but very few in Germany. Realizing the potential advantages of QC and the general-purpose use of QT and pertaining devices, several initiatives are currently forming to establish QC and QT in Germany and, especially, in Bavaria. Expertise in QC and QT will enable advanced technologies and ensure the leading role of the German and the Bavarian industry for decades to come.

MQV – the Munich Quantum Valley initiative intends to combine the profound quantum knowledge of the research institutes and universities in Bavaria with expert technologies of companies and industry to develop and provide QC technology, and more generally, expertise in QT. New startup companies are expected to be established in the course of the proposed work, enhancing the technology environment and making Bavaria increasingly attractive for research and development. Moreover, the initiative aims at educating a new generation of engineers with a quantum technology background and quantum physicists with solid engineering expertise to establish the basis for new quantum applications and quantum devices as a resource for shaping the future.

Shortening the path to rare disease diagnosis by using newborn genetic screening and digital technologies
Acronym: SCREEN4CARE
Start: 1. October 2021
Ende: 30. September 2026
Funding: Sonstige EU-Programme (z. B. RFCS, DG Health, IMI, Artemis)
URL:
Leaders: Joachim Wölfle, Ferdinand Knieling
Description:

TRR 369: DIONE Entzündungsbedingte Knochendegeneration
Acronym: SFB TRR 369
Start: 1. April 2024
Ende: 31. December 2027
Funding: DFG / Sonderforschungsbereich / Transregio (SFB / TRR)
URL:
Leaders: Aline Bozec
Description:

Entzündungen gelten als Hauptauslöser für lokale und systemische Knochenerkrankungen. Knochenschwund und Knochenbrüche sind bei einer Vielzahl von chronischen Entzündungskrankheiten wie rheumatoider Arthritis, entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen und Parodontitis weit verbreitet. Basierend auf neue technologische- und konzeptionelle Fortschritte, wird DIONE neue Wege definieren, die den Knochenumbau bei Entzündungen steuern. DIONE umfasst drei Hauptforschungsbereiche: (A) Die Charakterisierung von systemischen regulatorischen Immunsignalen, die die Funktion von knochenresorbierenden und knochenbildenden Zellen bestimmen. (B) Die Identifizierung von Mikroumgebungsfaktoren, die die knochenresorptive Nische bestimmen. (C) Die Untersuchung zelleigener Faktoren, die die Osteoklastenfunktion und den Stoffwechsel regulieren und dadurch zum Knochenverlust beitragen. Die drei Bereiche werden durch ein zentrales klinisches Projekt unterstützt, das eine schnelle Umsetzung unserer Forschung unter Verwendung der Datenbanken und Bioproben in Erlangen und Dresden ermöglicht. Darüber hinaus wird ein Infrastrukturprojekt die Daten unserer Forschungsinitiative verwalten und einen FAIRen Umgang sowie eine schnelle und sichere Übertragung der Daten zwischen den Teilnehmern ermöglichen, um die Transparenz zu stärken und die Zusammenarbeit zu fördern. Diese Strategie wird die Innovation vorantreiben und neue Erkenntnisse über die Mechanismen und therapeutischen Ansätze zur Eindämmung des entzündlichen Knochenschwunds liefern.

Advancing osteoporosis medicine by observing bone microstructure and remodelling using a fourdimensional nanoscope
Acronym: 4-D nanoSCOPE
Start: 1. April 2019
Ende: 31. March 2025
Funding: EU - 8. Rahmenprogramm - Horizon 2020
URL: https://www.4dnanoscope.de/
Leaders: Andreas Maier
Description: Due to Europe’s ageing society, there has been a dramatic increase in the occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) and related diseases. Sufferers have an impaired quality of life, and there is a considerable cost to society associated with the consequent loss of productivity and injuries. The current understanding of this disease needs to be revolutionized, but study has been hampered by a lack of means to properly characterize bone structure, remodeling dynamics and vascular activity. This project, 4D nanoSCOPE, will develop tools and techniques to permit time-resolved imaging and characterization of bone in three spatial dimensions (both in vitro and in vivo), thereby permitting monitoring of bone remodeling and revolutionizing the understanding of bone morphology and its function.

Skin Classification Project: Smarte Algorithmen zur Unterstützung in der Melanomdiagnostik
Acronym: SCP2
Start: 1. October 2020
Ende: 30. September 2023
Funding: Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG)
URL:
Leaders: Carola Berking
Description:

Wir möchten im Rahmen des hier beantragten Projektes die Voraussetzungen dafür schaffen, dass ein auf
künstlicher Intelligenz basierendes Diagnostik-Assistenzsystem für Hautläsionen in einer
groß angelegten klinischen Studie auf seinen realen Nutzen in der dermatologischen Praxis
überprüft werden kann.

Integratives Konzept zur personalisierten Präzisionsmedizin in Prävention, Früh-Erkennung, Therapie und Rückfallvermeidung am Beispiel von Brustkrebs
Acronym: DigiOnko FAU
Start: 1. October 2020
Ende: 30. September 2024
Funding: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Gesundheit und Pflege, StMGP (seit 2018)
URL: https://www.digionko-bayern.de/
Leaders: Matthias Beckmann, Peter Fasching, Björn Eskofier, Peter Dabrock, Hans-Ulrich Prokosch, Andreas Maier, Oliver Schöffski
Description:

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the field of oncology in Germany. For the successful care and treatment of patients with breast cancer, a high level of information for those affected is essential in order to achieve a high level of compliance with the established structures and therapies. On the one hand, the digitalisation of medicine offers the opportunity to develop new technologies that increase the efficiency of medical care. On the other hand, it can also strengthen patient compliance by improving information and patient integration through electronic health applications. Thus, a reduction in mortality and an improvement in quality of life can be achieved. Within the framework of this project, digital health programmes are going to be created that support and complement health care. The project aims to provide better and faster access to new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in mainstream oncology care, to implement eHealth models for more efficient and effective cancer care, and to improve capacity for patients in oncologcal therapy in times of crisis (such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic). The Chair of Health Management is conducting the health economic evaluation and analysing the extent to which digitalisation can contribute to a reduction in the costs of treatment and care as well as to an improvement in the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Integratives Konzept zur personalisierten Präzisionsmedizin in Prävention, Früh-Erkennung, Therapie undRückfallvermeidung am Beispiel von Brustkrebs - DigiOnko
Acronym: DigiOnko UKER
Start: 1. October 2020
Ende: 30. September 2024
Funding: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Gesundheit und Pflege, StMGP (seit 2018)
URL: https://www.digionko-bayern.de/
Leaders: Matthias Beckmann, Björn Eskofier, Peter Dabrock, Hans-Ulrich Prokosch, Andreas Maier, Oliver Schöffski
Description:

Empatho-Kinaesthetic Sensor Technology
Acronym: SFB 1483 EmpkinS
Start: 1. July 2021
Ende: 30. June 2025
Funding: DFG / Sonderforschungsbereich / Transregio (SFB / TRR)
URL: https://www.empkins.de/
Leaders: Martin Vossiek, Björn Eskofier
Description: The proposed CRC “Empathokinaesthetic Sensor Technology” (EmpkinS) will investigate novel radar, wireless, depth camera, and photonics based sensor technologies as well as body function models and algorithms. The primary objective of EmpkinS is to capture human motion parameters remotely with wave-based sensors to enable the identification and analysis of physiological and behavioural states and body functions. To this end, EmpkinS aims to develop sensor technologies and facilitate the collection of motion data for the human body. Based on this data of hitherto unknown quantity and quality, EmpkinS will lead to unprecedented new insights regarding biomechanical, medical, and psychophysiological body function models and mechanisms of action as well as their interdependencies.The main focus of EmpkinS is on capturing human motion parameters at the macroscopic level (the human body or segments thereof and the cardiopulmonary function) and at the microscopic level (facial expressions and fasciculations). The acquired data are captured remotely in a minimally disturbing and non-invasive manner and with very high resolution. The physiological and behavioural states underlying the motion pattern are then reconstructed algorithmically from this data, using biomechanical, neuromotor, and psychomotor body function models. The sensors, body function models, and the inversion of mechanisms of action establish a link between the internal biomedical body layers and the outer biomedical technology layers. Research into this link is highly innovative, extraordinarily complex, and many of its facets have not been investigated so far.To address the numerous and multifaceted research challenges, the EmpkinS CRC is designed as an interdisciplinary research programme. The research programme is coherently aligned along the sensor chain from the primary sensor technology (Research Area A) over signal and data processing (Research Areas B and C) and the associated modelling of the internal body functions and processes (Research Areas C and D) to the psychological and medical interpretation of the sensor data (Research Area D). Ethics research (Research Area E) is an integral part of the research programme to ensure responsible research and ethical use of EmpkinS technology.The proposed twelve-year EmpkinS research programme will develop novel methodologies and technologies that will generate cutting-edge knowledge to link biomedical processes inside the human body with the information captured outside the body by wireless and microwave sensor technology. With this quantum leap in medical technology, EmpkinS will pave the way for completely new "digital", patient-centred diagnosis and therapeutic options in medicine and psychology.Medical technology is a research focus with flagship character in the greater Erlangen-Nürnberg area. This outstanding background along with the extensive preparatory work of the involved researchers form the basis and backbone of EmpkinS.

Intelligente, Chatbot-assistierte ambulante Nachsorge der Depressionen bei Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen
Acronym: iCan
Start: 1. September 2021
Ende: 31. August 2024
Funding: Innovationsausschuss beim Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA Innovationsfonds)
URL: https://klips.phil.fau.de/ican
Leaders: Matthias Berking
Description:

Generation of neuronal diversity by temporal mechanisms in the developing spinal cord
Acronym:
Start: 15. September 2021
Ende: 14. September 2024
Funding: DFG-Einzelförderung / Sachbeihilfe (EIN-SBH)
URL:
Leaders: Andreas Sagner
Description: In the vertebrate spinal cord different classes of neurons form the neuronal circuits that allow us to move and perceive our environment. During development, these distinct classes of neurons are generated in response to spatial cues that pattern the embryonic neural tube along its dorsal-ventral axis. This subdivision however is not sufficient to account for the complexity of neurons observed in the spinal cord - instead each neuronal class can be further divided into distinct subtypes based on molecular and functional characteristics. The signals and gene regulatory networks that orchestrate the specification of these neuronal subtypes and underlie their correct incorporation into circuits with specific functions are still largely unclear.My recent work uncovered a temporal dimension to neuronal subtype specification in the spinal cord, which depends on cohorts of transcription factors (TFs) that are specific for early, intermediate, or late-born neurons. Here, I propose that this temporal TF program is essential and works in combination with the spatial TFs that define the identity of the distinct neuronal classes to establish neuronal diversity and the correct patterns of neuronal connectivity in the spinal cord. To test this hypothesis, I plan to combine in vitro stem cell differentiation with genomic assays, in vivo genetic tracing and functional perturbation approaches. The key aims of this proposal are to:1. Characterize the signals and gene regulatory networks orchestrating the temporal stratification of neurons in the spinal cord,2. Investigate the molecular logic by which spatial and temporal TFs jointly establish neuronal subtype-specific patterns of gene Expression, 3. Delineate how temporal TF expression in the embryo underlies neuronal diversity and connectivity in the adult spinal cord. The expected results of my proposal will provide a detailed understanding how spatial and temporal patterning systems jointly specify neuronal diversity and underlie the correct formation of neuronal circuitry in the mouse spinal cord. Ultimately, such mechanistic understanding of cell fate and connectivity will underpin the development of novel disease models and therapies for neurodegenerative movement disorders and spinal injuries.

PancREatic Cancer OrganoiDs rEsearch Network
Acronym: PRECODE
Start: 1. October 2019
Ende: 30. September 2023
Funding: EU - 8. Rahmenprogramm - Horizon 2020
URL: https://precode-project.eu/contact-us/
Leaders: Christian Pilarsky
Description:

The role of physical forces between epithelia and their external environment in tissue morphogenesis
Acronym: Emmy Noether-Programm
Start: 1. October 2021
Ende: 30. September 2024
Funding: DFG-Einzelförderung / Sachbeihilfe (EIN-SBH)
URL:
Leaders: Stefan Münster
Description:

Trusted Ecosystem of Applied Medical Data eXchange; Teilvorhaben: FAU@TEAM-X
Acronym: TEAM-X
Start: 1. January 2022
Ende: 31. December 2024
Funding: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE)
URL: https://www.mad.tf.fau.de/research/projects/team-x/
Leaders: Jörg Franke, Björn Eskofier, Christian Jäger
Description: TEAM-X – Trusted Ecosystem of Applied Medical Data eXchange forms the basis for future-oriented health care that is preventive, predictive, personalized and participative. For this purpose, a protected and trustworthy digital data ecosystem is being established based on the GAIA-X infrastructure.
TEAM-X enables European healthcare companies – especially SMEs – to develop data-driven business models, products and services. TEAM-X combines all the necessary competences in a pre-competitive manner in order to achieve the outlined goals and to implement them taking into account the GAIA-X rules and architecture. In the process, TEAM-X also integrates the actual marketers along the two use cases (transsectoral data of care and data of women’s health) in the project. TEAM-X can therefore act as an exemplary solution for all hitherto unused medical data. To achieve this, a forward-looking solution for data management is needed. Consequently, the development of trustworthy data spaces based on the open and networked GAIA-X infrastructure, as envisaged by TEAM-X, is essential.

Acronym: ForInter
Start: 1. March 2019
Ende: 28. February 2023
Funding: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (StMWK) (seit 2018)
URL: https://www.bayfor.org/en/bavarian-expertise/bavarian-research-associations/associations/association/forinter.html
Leaders: Beate Winner
Description:

The human brain has a complicated architecture of divers and specialised cells, like neurons, glial and microglial cells. These cells form and interact in functional and dynamic circuits, thus providing the basis for the complex functions of the human brain.

Even though our understanding of the human brain has made tremendous advances in recent decades, many questions about the physiological and pathological functions of the human brain remain unanswered until to date. The structural analysis of the brain can be performed in post mortem brain tissue, but these neuroanatomical and pathological studies only represent a static approach and reflect the specific variables only at a fixed point of time. For a deeper understanding, dynamic and functional investigations of the interaction between the different cells in the human brain are required.

Therefore, the Bavarian Consortium ForInter aims to investigate the interaction between the different cell types in the human brain using multidimensional cell culture systems.

Systems medicine of melanoma and autoimmunity in the context of immunotherapy
Acronym: MelAutim
Start: 1. October 2019
Ende: 30. September 2022
Funding: Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR)
URL: https://www.melautim.net
Leaders: Julio Vera González, Carola Berking, Lucie Heinzerling
Description:

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have shown clinical activity in advanced melanoma, with significant survival benefit and response rates for anti-CTLA-4 (19%), anti-PD-1 (36-44%) and combined therapy (58-61%). While responses can be durable, a significant proportion of patients show autoimmune side effects, including autoimmune colitis, hepatitis and musculoskeletal side effects. In about one third of cases patients exhibit side effects in more than one organ system. In a fraction of the patients autoimmunity is present prior the therapy and may exacerbate. To be able to predict the risk of appearance of these severe autoimmune side effects would enable physicians to personalize the anticancer treatment to the patient and understanding mechanisms of these autoimmune reactions could improve therapy.

The aim of the project is to improve our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the interplay between autoimmunity and cancer, with an interest on the role of predisposing factors in the appearance or exacerbation of autoimmunity under immunotherapy. The project uses melanoma, inflammatory bowel and rheumatoid diseases as models. Under the systems medicine paradigm, we will generate in vivo/patient data-based molecular networks and multi-level models accounting for the mechanisms behind the immune activation involved in the autoimmunity-cancer-immunotherapy axis. Combining data and network analysis, computer simulations and model experimentation, we will generate molecular and phenotypic signatures accounting for the emergence or enhancement of autoimmunity under checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and will correlate these signatures with published and de novo patient data. We expect the project to pave the way towards the translation into clinical practice of systems medicine-based methods for monitoring autoimmunity in melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy and establish a basis for rationale treatment approaches for autoimmunity in cancer patients.

BRAIn mechaNIcs ACross Scales: Linking microstructure, mechanics and pathology
Acronym: BRAINIACS
Start: 1. October 2019
Ende: 30. September 2025
Funding: DFG-Einzelförderung / Emmy-Noether-Programm (EIN-ENP)
URL: https://www.brainiacs.forschung.fau.de/
Leaders: Silvia Budday
Description:

The current research project aims to develop microstructurally motivated mechanical models for brain tissue that facilitate early diagnostics of neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases and enable the development of novel treatment strategies. In a first step, we will experimentally characterize the behavior of brain tissue across scales by using versatile testing techniques on the same sample. Through an accompanying microstructural analysis of both cellular and extra-cellular components, we will evaluate the complex interplay of brain structure, mechanics and function. We will also experimentally investigate dynamic changes in tissue properties during development and disease, due to changes in the mechanical environment of cells (mechanosensing), or external loading. Based on the simultaneous analysis of experimental and microstructural data, we will develop microstructurally motivated constitutive laws for the regionally varying mechanical behavior of brain tissue. In addition, we will develop evolution laws that predict remodeling processes during development, homeostasis, and disease. Through the implementation within a finite element framework, we will simulate the behavior of brain tissue under physiological and pathological conditions. We will predict how known biological processes on the cellular scale, such as changes in the tissue’s microstructure, translate into morphological changes on the macroscopic scale, which are easily detectable through modern imaging techniques. We will analyze progression of disease or mechanically-induced loss of brain function. The novel experimental procedures on the borderline of mechanics and biology, together with comprehensive theoretical and computational models, will form the cornerstone for predictive simulations that improve early diagnostics of pathological conditions, advance medical treatment strategies, and reduce the necessity of animal and human tissue experimentation. The established methodology will further open new pathways in the biofabrication of artificial organs.

SMART Start: Smarte Sensorik in der Schwangerschaft - Ein integratives Konzept zur digitalen, präventiven Versorgung schwangerer Frauen
Acronym: SMART Start
Start: 1. March 2020
Ende: 31. August 2022
Funding: Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG)
URL: https://www.smartstart.fau.de/
Leaders: Björn Eskofier
Description:

Sensorische Anwendungen finden heutzutage durch moderne Technologien (v.a. Smartphone/Smart-Watch vermittelt) vielfach Einzug in den Alltag. In diesem Zuge stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit auch sensorische Messungen der regulären Schwangeren-Vorsorge (Herzfrequenz, Blutdruck, Sonografie und Kardiotokografie), die dem Standard nach in der Hand des Arztes oder der Ärztin liegen, in den Smart-Home Bereich transferiert werden und valide Ergebnisse liefern, sowie zukünftig die Klinik-besuche schwangerer Frauen reduzieren bzw. spezifizieren können. Im Fokus der Fragestellung dieses Projekts steht die klinische Usability, die gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz, die Compliance durch die betroffenen Akteure und die Weiterentwicklung dieser sensorischen Techniken im häuslichen Bereich sowie damit assoziierte ethisch/medizinrechtliche Themen.

Ziel des Projektes ist, die Vorsorge für schwangere Frauen zu optimieren und zu vereinfachen, indem sowohl bewährte als auch innovative Sensorik in die Heim-Versorgung überführt und mit künstlicher Intelligenz und maschinellem Lernen analysiert wird. In diesem Projekt werden direkte Anwendungsmöglichkeiten zur Implementierung der Smart-Sensorik geschaffen, welche die optimierte Gesundheitsbetreuung durch die Ärztin oder den Arzt, aber auch die eigene Kontrolle und Optimierung der metabolischen Aktivität durch die schwangeren Frauen ermöglicht. Als Zielgruppe sind schwangere Frauen und deren Partner/innen angesprochen, die offen sind für die gesundheitsbezogene Anwendung moderner, digitaler Medien (Smartphone, Smart-Watch etc.).