The Bähr Lab

Dr. rer. nat. Katrin Eckermann

phone:

+ 49 - 551 - 39 14343

fax:

+ 49 - 551 - 39 8405

e-mail:

keckerm(at)gwdg.de

Main Research Interest

Aggregation and fibril formation of proteins are the neuropathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite intensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes and the biochemical nature of the disease-associated toxic species are largely unknown.

Figure: Model of aSyn and tau misfolding and aggregation, and the involvement of kinases and phosphatases on their phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Tenreiro S, Eckermann K, Outeiro TF.
Front Mol Neurosci. 2014 May 13;7:42

Our group focuses on unraveling molecular mechanisms of pathological protein aggregation from a biochemical perspective. We investigate biochemical properties of the disease-associated proteins alpha-synuclein and tau in cell culture and animal models. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins impact on protein conformation, function, and protein interactions. PTMs are key regulatory events in living cells, and moreover, are involved in different aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, the posttranslational conjugation of the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) to target proteins aroused interest in recent years. Our current research interest is the functional analysis of protein sumoylation. Identification and detailed investigation of modified forms of a protein is a prerequisite for our further understanding of disease mechanisms.

Tools & models:

In vivo: stereotaxic injections, AAV-mediated gene transfer
In vitro: Cell culture, Primary cell culture, Immunocytochemistry/Immunfluorescence, , SDS-PAGE and native gel electrophoresis, Sumoylation assays, Aggregation assays, Filter trap assays, Proteasome activity assays, (co-)Immunoprecipitation, Fluorescence microscopy, Molecular biology

Claudia Fokken, Dipl. Biologist

phone:

+ 49 - 551 - 39 14304

e-mail:

claudia.fokken(at)med.uni-goettingen.de