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ZaissLab among the top two percent of most frequently cited researchers worldwide

ZaissLab among the top two percent of most frequently cited researchers worldwide
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Dr. Kerstin Dürholz won the DGfI price for the best talk on the annual DGfI meeting 2023 in Strasbourg!

Dr. Kerstin Dürholz won the DGfI price for the best talk on the annual DGfI meeting 2023 in Strasbourg!
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At the 43rd edition of the EWRR, Ilia Gimaev won a price for the best report!
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Check the amazing speaker list for next Gut-Bone-Axis meeting in Naples, Italy in April 2024 on https://www.gut-bone-axis.org/

Our work was selected as a highlight project at this year's EULAR conference in Vienna.

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In order to make AG Zaiss more eco-friendly, all members have completed further training to become a ‘My Green Lab Ambassador’.
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Research

In addition to their function as energy carriers, metabolites of our food also have a role as direct modulators of immune functions. Immune responses require changes in our metabolism, conversely, immune responses also dictate changes in our metabolism. The aim of our research group is to study the interplay of immunology, metabolism and nutrition to contribute to the prevention and resolution of inflammation in autoimmune diseases.

Influence of short-chain fatty acids on autoimmunity
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are metabolites of our intestinal bacteria that are produced when fiber is converted. Preventive treatment with SCFA has a protective effect on the development of inflammatory diseases such as RA, but the influence of SCFA on already established inflammatory processes is largely unknown. We investigate the impact of SCFA propionate on RA resolution. Here we analyze the effect of propionate supplementation on the intestinal flora and its released metabolites and how these can alleviate ongoing inflammatory processes. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the connection between intestinal flora and inflammation and to establish new, nutrition-related therapy options for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Intestinal post-translationally modified proteins and their potential to induce rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
We investigate how modified gut proteins are involved in the early appearance of modified protein antibodies (AMPA) responsible for synovial inflammation in arthritis. Modified proteins can act as novel antigens and provide the basis for early autoantibody production that later cross-reacts with local tissue antigens in the joints, promoting disease onset and disease severity. Therefore, we aim to clarify the role of AMPA in synovial inflammation in RA. It is expected that our findings can be directly applied to novel treatment strategies in emerging RA.

Influence of dysbiosis on the intestinal barrier
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and a defect in the gut barrier represent a risk factor that can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases such as RA. Mice with collagen-induced arthritis show a change in the intestinal microbiome and increased permeability of the intestinal barrier even before the onset of symptoms. We therefore assume that changes in the composition of the intestinal bacteria and the resulting metabolic products cause changes in the intestinal barrier. This project deals with the question of which early changes in the intestine are involved in the development of arthritis.

Alcohol modulates immune responses
It has long been known that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption reduces the severity of autoimmune diseases, but at the same time reduces the effectiveness of vaccination. Unfortunately, specific cellular or molecular mechanisms by which alcohol modulates the immune system are poorly understood. Recently, we uncovered cellular mechanisms by which acetate, the metabolite of alcohol, reduces helper T cell responses. We are currently investigating molecular mechanisms in T cells that are directly responsible for decreased T cell function as a result of increased alcohol exposure.

Relationship between intestinal inflammation and bone loss - what role does the hormone erythropoietin play?
Severe bone loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is often accompanied by intestinal inflammation. In contrast, patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and osteopenia. Against this background, we are investigating the connection between intestinal inflammation and the development process of arthritis. We also want to specifically investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that is mainly released in the kidneys and stimulates the production of red blood cells. In addition, EPO also has effects on other cells, sometimes on the intestinal endothelium - i.e. cells lining blood vessels - and osteoclasts (bone-degrading) and osteoblasts (bone-building progenitor cells). Thus, EPO could be a central link between bone loss and intestinal inflammation.

BTN in T cell activation
Together with B lymphocytes, T cells form the adaptive arm of the immune system. Many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus erythrematosus, are characterized by unwanted T cell responses against endogenous characteristics. In healthy people, the activation of such T cells is suppressed by a wide variety of tolerance mechanisms. We investigate the influence of butyrophilins (BTNs), a group of co-stimulatory molecules, on T cell activation, both during maturation in the thymus and on peripheral T cells. Using genetic "knockout" models, we want to characterize how BTNs contribute to preventing this tolerance breach and test possible therapeutic approaches with co-inhibitory BTNs.

Role of lymph node scaffold cells in regulation of immune response
Previously considered primarily as scaffolding cells to facilitate the meeting of B, T, and dendritic cells (DC), lymph node stromal cells (LNSC) have recently attracted more attention for their demonstrated ability to actively regulate immune cell functions drawn. Here we are interested in investigating the role of a particular LNSC subset, the fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC), specifically in the popliteal lymph nodes (pLN) during the initiation of RA.

Publications

Our publications on PubMed

Videos & Media

PODCAST:

Nutrition is the key to everything...

Listen to the Podcast of Dr. Anne Fleck, one of the best-known and most unconventional nutritionists in Germany, explaining the link between nutrition and the development of disease.

Dr. Anne Fleck - Gesundheit und Ernährung mit BRIGITTE LEBEN! | AUDIO NOW

ARTICLES & VIDEOS:

Team

Prof. Mario M. Zaiss, Dr. rer. nat.

I graduated in zoology/ecology (Heidelberg) with a special focus on marine biology. Since then, my scientific curiosity has led me through various exciting areas (osteimmunology, parasitology, nutrition) and places (Greece, US, Switzerland) before I started my own lab in Erlangen in 2016. Since then I have enjoyed working with my fantastic team on various projects with a shared focus on tolerance induction, autoimmunity and the gut-joint axis. Besides science I spend a lot of time outdoors (climbing, cycling, ski touring) with my family & friends.
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Kerstin Sarter, Dr. rer. nat.

I started my studies at the Universtiy of Heidelberg where I graduated in zoology/ecology. After a 2-year field work in marine biology and fisheries on Crete, I become intrigued by immunolgical topics and started my PhD thesis at University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, where I completed my thesis work on Galectins in immune functions at the Institute of Clinical Immunology. Following postdoctoral training in Erlangen I moved to the Department of Pathology and Immunology at University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland and finally returned in 2016 to Erlangen where I fcous on preclinical mouse models and clinical immunology. In my freetime I take care of my small flock of sheep and enjoy running and climbing in Frankonia.
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Lena Marx, Dr. rer. nat.

Hi, my name is Lena. I am the scientific coordinator of the DFG-funded GRK2599, where I am passionately responsible for managing the program’s coordination while supporting Mario in his role as speaker. I started in 2022 and am excited about the tasks and challenges that lie ahead. My background is in neurobiology, as I completed my PhD at the Department of Psychiatry in Erlangen. My thesis focused on the role of the transcriptional co-repressor CtBP1 in adult neurogenesis. In my free time, I love traveling with my family and friends and am always curious to explore and experience new things.
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Michael Schmidt, Dr. rer. nat.

Hi, I am Michael. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Erlangen, followed by a Master’s in Cell and Molecular Biology, where I developed a deep interest in immunology. During my PhD, I focused on glycoimmunology, specifically investigating the role of sialic acid, a vertebrate sugar, in regulating B and T cells in mice. I am now thrilled to join the Zaiss group as a Postdoctoral Researcher, where I will investigate how nutrition impacts the resolution of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Outside of work, I enjoy dancing (Standard and Latin, Swing, and Tango Argentino) and playing card or board games with friends.
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Yuichi Maeda, MD

Hi, I’m Yuichi Maeda from Japan. I graduated Osaka Medical College in 2007. I had been working as a rheumatologist until 2012. After that, I completed Ph.D. course of Prof. Kiyoshi Takeda’s laboratory at Osaka University in 2016, and currently was an assistant professor in the university. My research interest is the relationship between gut microbiota and host immune responses. I found that Prevotella species were enriched in the intestine of early rheumatoid arthritis patients, and correlated with the severity of arthritis in mice. To expand my research and make more precise investigation, I moved to Germany and started working as a postdoc in Prof. Mario Zaiss’s group in April 2022. I like climbing, skiing, playing with my family and friends.
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Heike Danzer, BTA

My name is Heike and I am a technical assistant with heart and soul. Over 20 years of professional experience have taught me many different methods in the field of molecular biology, microbiology and especially immunology. My profession is my vocation. Staying curious and thus always learning new techniques and how to use the latest equipment means that everyday life is never boring. But not only that and the general laboratory organisation are part of my tasks, of course I am also happy to be there for my colleagues and support them with words and deeds.
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Eva Schmid, Dr. rer. nat. candidate

My name is Eva and I did my master in nutrition and biomedicine at the Technical University Munich in Freising, Germany. During this time, I became interested in the connection between nutrition and immunology, luckily found Mario’s group which focuses on this topic, and started my master thesis in 2021. After this I decided to continue with a PhD with a focus on the gut – bone axis and am happy to learn so many new and fascinating things. I love to do creative things, swimming, biking and good coffee.
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Ilann Sarfati, Dr. rer. nat. candidate

Hi, my name is Ilann and I come from France. I got my engineering degree in health biotechnology in 2018, and completed it with a Master’s degree in integrative biology in 2020. I have always been interested in discovering new ways to understand and treat diseases, with an emphasis on transfering discoveries to more concrete applications. Today, I have the opportunity to investigate serotonin, known as the „happiness hormone“ in the central nervous system, and its involvment in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. In Mario’s group, the clinical context gives me the perspective of applied research I am looking for. Outside of the lab, I like doing sport, have a beer with friends, and making videos for my Youtube channel.
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Leona Ehnes, Dr. rer. nat. candidate

Hi, my name is Leona. I did my Bachelor in Biochemistry in Tübingen and my Master in Molecular and Cell Biology in Erlangen. Early I discovered my interest in Immunology and focused especially on this discipline during my studies. In Mario's group, I luckily found a very interesting research topic in combination with a pleasant working environment. Therefore, I was happy to be able to continue my master thesis project during my PhD and investigate the role of indole propionic acid in RA and its influence on the gut-brain axis. Outside of the lab, I love trying new things, especially in the fields of sports and cooking.
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Nadine Otterbein, Dr. rer. nat. candidate

Hi, my name is Nadine. I did my Bachelor in Integrated Life Sciences and my Master in Integrated Immunology in Erlangen. After gaining some insights into pharma industry as well as into clinical trial management I decided to do a PhD with main focus on bioinformatics. I am very interested in the immune system in the gut, its role in health and disease as well as its connection to other organs. Due to that I am very happy to perform my PhD project in the Zaiss lab where I also did my bachelor thesis. In my free time enjoy doing yoga, horse riding as well as climbing and hiking.
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Ilia Gimaev, Master Student

Hi, my name is Ilia. I am a medical doctor by my main profession, but I have always been more interested in working in a laboratory. I graduated from Sechenov University in Moscow in 2018, and then I did my residency in immunology at the Rogachev Medical Centre. I have always been fascinated by the molecular mechanisms of intestinal immunity and its interaction with the microbiota, so from 2020, I worked in the Department of Immunology at Lomonosov Moscow State University, studying the IgA-mediated immune response in the intestine of mice and its role in the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. To deepen my fundamental knowledge of immunology and molecular biology I enrolled on the Integrated Immunology programme at FAU in 2022 and now have a unique opportunity to participate in research led by professor Mario Zaiss. In my free time, I like to hike in the wilderness, travel, as well as play video games and do some sports.
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