Nanoscopy, Nanobodies, Microarrays and Epigenetics
Prof. Heinrich Leonhardt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU)
The group studies epigenetic mechanisms controlling genome activity in development and disease. We want to identify the factors involved in epigenetic regulation and study their interactions with the ultimate goal to control and manipulate epigenetic processes. We are studying epigenetic processes involved in tumor formation as well as the generation and differentiation of stem cells. For this purpose the group is developing new technologies to visualize and manipulate cellular processes in living cells.
The goal of the first project is to combine nanoparticles and fluorophores with genetically encoded probes and introduce them into living cells. For that purpose new delivery methods need to be developed and optimized. With this approach we want to explore the structure and function of the mammalian nucleus and selectively manipulate cellular processes.
In a second project we try to elucidate the structure, function and regulation of DNA methyltransferases using a combination of biochemical assays, crystallography, cryo-EM, live cell & super-resolution microscopy and genetic manipulation of embryonic stem cells.
Eligible candidates that want to join one of these projects should have a strong background in at least two of the following areas:
- Biochemistry (protein purification and structural biology)
- Fluorescence Microscopy and Advanced Optics (e.g. super-resolution)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Organic Chemistry (especially surface interactions)
- BioInformatics (gene expression or modeling of complex systems)
We are also looking for highly motivated students to venture into artificial protein evolution or high-density protein chip development. These high-risk projects however require exceptional talent, determination, independence, stamina and creativity!
Selected publications:
- Gaudet et al.: Induction of Tumors in Mice by Genomic Hypomethylation. Science, 300: 489-492.
- Rothbauer et al.: Targeting and tracing antigens in live cells with fluorescent nanobodies. Nature Methods, 3, 887-9.
- Schermelleh et al.: Subdiffraction multicolor imaging of the nuclear periphery with 3D structured illumination microscopy. Science, 320, 1332-6.
- Kirchhofer et al.: Modulation of protein properties in living cells using nanobodies. Nature Struct. Mol. Biol., 17, 133-139.
Further information and publications can be found on our research website:
http://sci.bio.lmu.de/epigenetics/index.html