Overview of projects

Chaperone-mediated regulation of HTT phase separation: 
This project is part of the new DFG-funded research unit FOR 5872 and aims to characterize how molecular chaperones regulate the condensation of HTT and its proteotoxicity in vivo together with Fan Liu (FMP, Berlin).

Crosstalk of the UPS and autophagy at the synapse: 
This project is part of the DFG funded research unit FOR5228 “Syntophagy” and aims to understand the activity and crosstalk of the UPS and autophagy at the synapse with aging. This is a joint project with the lab of Britta Eickholt (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin).

Sleep and neurodegeneration: 
Together with Henrik Bringmann (TU Dresden) we study the reciprocal relationship between sleep deprivation and Abeta aggregation and toxicity. We study the neuronal circuits that regulate sleep and its effect on Abeta pathology and vice versa how Abeta aggregation disrupts the sleep pattern.

Protein lifespan analysis: 
In cooperation with Tim Clausen (IMP Vienna) we study the regulation of protein lifespan in an aging organism (C. elegans) to identify factors that determine the lifespan (synthesis rate, maintenance and regulated turnover) of myosin that we use as model protein.  This project is funded by the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group.

Analysis of organellar proteostasis: 
In a joint project with the lab of Thomas Becker (Uni Bonn), we study the role of J-domain proteins in quality control of mitochondrial protein import. This project is part of the DFG SPP2453 “Mitostasis”.