2550c9b487464a4397fd025b36a28256

Potsdam meeting 2024

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:37:53 GMT

Last week, as a satellite meeting of the famous ProRetina Potsdam meeting, our cientific consortium gathered for a two-day meeting aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation. The event brought us, esteemed professors, principal investigators, and a cohort of bright young scientists and PhD students, once again together - eager to make their mark in the scientific community.

The meeting kicked off with a dynamic brainstorming session, as the consortium's budding scientists came together to chart out a unique plan for a patient day.

The young scientists and PhD students dove into discussions, sharing ideas on how to engage with patients, understand their needs, and tailor research efforts to address pressing medical challenges. It was inspiring to witness the passion and dedication of these future leaders as they plan a meaningful experience for both patients and researchers alike.

Later that day, the PIs and professors joined the meeting for the first scientific talks: the presentations of the young scientists on their newly established collaborative projects, funded by the start up grant of the SPP 2127. After great progress reports, lively discussions and intense scientific exchange, the group transitioned from the conference room to the bowling alley. Laughter and friendly competition filled the air as professors and students alike bonded over strikes and spares, strengthening the bonds that would fuel collaboration in the days ahead.

With newfound connections forged and spirits high, day two dawned with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Short talks were on the agenda, providing each PI with the opportunity to showcase their projects and present their ideas for further networking to the consortium.

As the meeting drew to a close, thoughts turned to the future. Ideas for networking and ongoing collaboration were exchanged, laying the groundwork for continued innovation and discovery beyond the confines of the meeting room.

In retrospect, the Potsdam consortium meeting was more than just a gathering of minds—it was a celebration of collaboration, curiosity, and the transformative power of science. As the participants dispersed, energized and inspired, they carried with them not only new ideas and connections but a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge for the betterment of society.

Annual meeting 2023

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:37:44 GMT

In the picturesque town of Weilburg, Germany, where history meets innovation, a remarkable event recently unfolded. Scientists, researchers, and experts from around the world gathered for the annual meeting of the DFG funded research program SPP2127, titled "Gene and Cell-Based Therapies to Counteract Neuroretinal Degeneration." This captivating event, hosted at the Castle Hotel Weilburg, was a melting pot of knowledge, ideas, and collaborations that promises to revolutionize the field of neuroretinal research.

SPP2127: Pioneering the Fight Against Neuroretinal Degeneration

Neuroretinal degeneration, a group of debilitating eye diseases that cause progressive vision loss, has long been a formidable challenge in the field of ophthalmology. However, thanks to the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) funded research program SPP2127, scientists have been granted the resources and platform to pool their talents and tackle this issue head-on.

SPP2127 focuses on exploring gene and cell-based therapies to combat neuroretinal degeneration. These innovative approaches hold the promise of not just slowing down the progression of these diseases but potentially reversing the damage, restoring sight to those who have lost it.

The Annual Meeting at Castle Hotel Weilburg: A Nexus of Scientific Brilliance

The Castle Hotel Weilburg, with its rich history and stunning architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous scientific gathering. The event unfolded over three days, and each day was filled with intensive discussions, presentations of cutting-edge research, and the sharing of groundbreaking results.

The collaborative spirit was palpable as researchers from diverse backgrounds and institutions engaged in spirited debates, shared insights, and brainstormed solutions to the complex challenges posed by neuroretinal degeneration.

One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of start-up funding awards for young scientists. These awards not only recognize the potential of these emerging researchers but also invest in the future of neuroretinal research . Congratulations to all the recipients!

Exploring Weilburg: A Glimpse into the Past

While the primary focus of the meeting was on advancing science, the organizers also ensured that attendees had a chance to explore the charming old town of Weilburg. The second day included a city tour that allowed participants to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this beautiful German town.

International Collaboration at Its Best

SPP2127's annual meeting was not just a local event. It drew invited guests from renowned institutions in Ghent, Basel, Marburg, and the United States, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This international presence further enriched the discussions and emphasized the global significance of the research being conducted.

Over the three days, the meeting provided a rare opportunity for most members of the consortium and numerous young scientists to come together, connect, and intensify their collaborations. The exchange of ideas, methodologies, and experiences was invaluable, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among all participants.

A Bright Future for Neuroretinal Research

The annual meeting of SPP2127 at Castle Hotel Weilburg was a testament to the power of collaborative research. As we move forward in the fight against neuroretinal degeneration, the connections made and knowledge shared during this event will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking therapies and, ultimately, the restoration of vision for those in need.

The Castle Hotel Weilburg may have witnessed centuries of history, but the SPP2127 meeting showcased the bright future of neuroretinal research, one where science and collaboration shine as beacons of hope for those affected by these debilitating diseases. As we eagerly await the developments that will emerge from this meeting, we can be certain that the quest to conquer neuroretinal degeneration is stronger and more unified than ever before.

Summer School 2023

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:13:21 GMT

The city of Dresden, known for its rich cultural heritage and scientific achievements, became a hub of innovation and knowledge during the recent Summer School organized by the Special Priority Programme (SPP2127). This three-day event brought together passionate young scientists, including PhD students and postdocs, to learn, collaborate, and unlock their potential in the field of research. Hosted at the renowned labs of esteemed researchers, Mike O. Karl and Marius Ader, the Summer School provided a unique platform for budding researchers to enhance their grant writing skills, gain valuable insights from fellow students' projects, and embark on their journey to secure internal grants within the SPP2127 framework.

Fostering Future Leaders in Research

The SPP2127 Summer School is part of the program's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific leaders. This initiative was designed to empower young scientists by equipping them with essential skills, enabling them to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in their respective fields. The program focused on three key aspects: grant writing, project presentations, and the formulation of proposals for SPP2127 internal grants.

Mastering the Art of Grant Writing

The Summer School commenced with a series of workshops led by experts in grant writing, where participants gained insights into the nuances of crafting compelling proposals. Seasoned researchers shared their experiences, offering valuable advice on how to identify funding opportunities, structure proposals, and effectively communicate the significance of their research. The young scientists were encouraged to think innovatively, ensuring their projects aligned with the broader goals of SPP2127.

Peer Learning and Project Presentations

The summer school provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to showcase their ongoing research projects. Each participant presented their work to their peers, fostering an environment of collaboration and constructive feedback. This platform enabled budding scientists to refine their presentation skills and learn from diverse research approaches. The supportive atmosphere encouraged open discussions and stimulated fresh ideas, inspiring participants to tackle research challenges with renewed enthusiasm.

The Path to SPP2127 Internal Grants

The highlight of the Summer School was the final day, dedicated to present the proposals for SPP2127 internal grants. Armed with the knowledge acquired from grant writing workshops and inspired by peer interactions, the participants pitched their project proposals. Mentors Mike O. Karl and Marius Ader were on hand to provide personalized guidance and expertise. The young scientists were encouraged to explore interdisciplinary collaborations, aligning their projects with the overarching themes of SPP2127.

Impact and Beyond

The impact of the SPP2127 Summer School extended beyond the three-day event. The participants returned to their home institutions with newfound skills, confidence, and a broader network of collaborators. As they pursued their research projects, they remained connected through an online platform, facilitating continuous support and knowledge exchange.

For many, the Summer School marked the beginning of an exciting journey towards securing internal grants within the SPP2127 program. The scientific community eagerly awaits the outcomes of these proposals, anticipating groundbreaking research that will shape the future of various fields.

Potsdam meeting 2023

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:55:24 GMT

As a research consortium, we recently held a research meeting that brought together PhD students and professors to share their latest findings, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, we were able to hold the meeting in person, taking all the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the science slam for the PhD students. Instead of the traditional poster session, the students had the opportunity to present their research projects in a fun and engaging way, using creative formats such as poetry, music, or theater.

The science slam proved to be a fantastic opportunity for the students to showcase their research in a more interactive and dynamic way, engaging the audience in their discoveries and sparking curiosity and interest in their work. The format also allowed for personal and direct feedback from the attendees, as they could ask questions and engage in lively discussions with the presenters.

The science slam was not only a great platform for the students to share their research projects, but also a valuable experience in science communication, which is becoming increasingly important in today's world. The students had to think outside the box and find creative ways to present their work, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

As a research consortium, our mission is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote innovative research, and contribute to advancing knowledge in our fields of expertise. The research meeting is a key element of our strategy, and we look forward to continuing to organize such events in the future. We believe that by bringing together bright minds and diverse perspectives, we can create a vibrant and dynamic research community that can tackle the most pressing challenges of our times.

Overall, the research meeting was a resounding success, with the science slam proving to be one of the most popular and engaging events. It was a great example of how we can foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration in our research community, by providing opportunities for the next generation of scholars to share their ideas and learn from one another.

Kick off meeting 2022

183:766774448 (Stieger Knut) — Tue, 17 May 2022 09:07:13 GMT

We are ready for the next chapter!

The second funding period of the SPP 2127 has officially started!

With new and old members coming together in Frankfurt in May, presenting their research ideas for the next three years, discussing old and new topics, collaborations, ideas for the SPP 2127, new conference tools and locations we are looking forward to a great second funding period of the SPP 2127!

German press release:
Erbliche Netzhauterkrankungen sind bis heute nicht heilbar. Die Sinneszellen der Netzhaut werden zerstört, das Sehen verschlechtert sich zunehmend, den betroffenen Patientinnen und Patienten droht das schwere Schicksal der Erblindung. Der Verlust des Augenlichts erfolgt bei der Diagnose „erbliche Netzhautdystrophie“ aufgrund einer neuroretinalen Degeneration zum Teil bereits in jungen Jahren. Umso wichtiger ist die Grundlagenforschung zu künftigen Behandlungsmöglichkeiten. Das Schwerpunktproramm SPP 2127 „Gen- und Zellbasierte Therapien für die Behandlung neuroretinaler Degeneration“, zu dem im Jahr 2018 unter Federführung der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU) die Arbeit aufgenommen wurde, geht jetzt in die nächste Runde. Die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) fördert das Konsortium weitere drei Jahre lang mit insgesamt rund sechs Millionen Euro.

Um Menschen, die von der bislang unheilbaren Augenkrankheit betroffen sind, eine Perspektive zu geben und erfolgversprechende Behandlungsmethoden zu erforschen, arbeiten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler aus den Bereichen Augenheilkunde (Ophthalmologie), molekulare Biologie, Gentherapie, Zelltherapie, Pharmakologie, Immunologie und Vektorologie in einem interdisziplinären Verbund zusammen, der nun für eine zweite Förderperiode ausgewählt wurde. Die Federführung liegt bei Prof. Dr. Dr. Knut Stieger, Experimentelle Ophthalmologie der JLU; er ist Koordinator und Sprecher des SPP 2127. Aufgrund der erfolgreichen Arbeit in der ersten Förderrunde können sein Team sowie etwa 20 weitere Gruppen in Deutschland von 2022 bis 2024 an innovativen Ideen zur Entwicklung neuer Behandlungsformen forschen.

„Wir sind froh, dass wir dank der Förderung durch die DFG auf der Basis unserer gemeinsamen erfolgreichen Forschungsarbeiten in den vergangenen drei Jahren auch weiterhin einen wissenschaftlichen Beitrag dazu leisten können, um Menschen mit bislang unheilbaren Augenerkrankungen langfristig neue Perspektiven eröffnen“, sagt Prof. Stieger. Seit dem Beginn der Arbeiten im Konsortium im Jahr 2018 sei es gelungen, neue Modellsysteme – wie den im Labor generierten 3D-Organoiden der Netzhaut – zur Testung neuer Behandlungsmethoden zu etablieren. Wertvoll seien zudem neue Erkenntnisse zur Immunreaktion des Auges auf Therapieverfahren. „Auch im Bereich der therapeutischen Genomeditierung mittels CRISPR-Cas konnten wichtige Weichen für zukünftige Therapien gestellt werden“, ergänzt der Koordinator des Schwerpunktprogramms.

Das Schwerpunktprogramm SPP 2127 „Gen- und zellbasierte Therapien zur Behandlung von neuroretinaler Degeneration“ umfasst in der zweiten Förderrunde ein Konsortium von 20 wissenschaftlichen Arbeitsgruppen aus ganz Deutschland, die in den nächsten drei Jahren Therapien für bisher nicht behandelbare erbliche Netzhauterkrankungen weiterentwickeln. Die beteiligten, auf diesem Gebiet international führenden Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler haben im Rahmen des von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) geförderten Schwerpunktprogramms die Möglichkeit, in enger Kooperation die bisherigen Errungenschaften in der Therapieentwicklung gemeinsam und effektiv voranzutreiben. Dabei wird ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Förderung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses gelegt.

Prof. Stieger arbeitet seit fast 15 Jahren in Gießen an der Entwicklung neuer Therapieformen für erbliche Netzhauterkrankungen sowie an neuen diagnostischen Methoden, um die in klinischen Studien auftretenden therapeutischen Effekte möglichst genau morphologisch und funktionell darstellen zu können. Dabei nutzt er mit seinem Team neueste Methoden der Gentherapie sowie der Genomeditierung, die vielversprechende Ansätze in der zukünftigen Behandlung von erblichen Krankheiten darstellen.

Weitere Informationen

https://www.uni-giessen.de/fbz/fb11/institute/klinik/augenheilkunde

Kontakt

Prof. Dr. Dr. Knut Stieger
Experimentelle Ophthalmologie, Fachbereich 11 – Medizin der JLU Gießen
Sprecher des DFG-Schwerpunktprogramms Gen- und zellbasierte Therapien für die Behandlung neuroretinaler Degeneration
Aulweg 123; 35392 Gießen
Telefon: 0641 99-48600

English translation:

Hereditary retinal diseases are still not curable. The sensory cells of the retina are destroyed, vision progressively deteriorates, and the affected patients are threatened with the severe fate of blindness. The loss of sight occurs in the diagnosis "hereditary retinal dystrophy" due to neuroretinal degeneration, sometimes already at a young age. This makes basic research into future treatment options all the more important. The priority program SPP 2127 "Gene- and cell-based therapies for the treatment of neuroretinal degeneration", for which work began in 2018 under the leadership of Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), is now entering the next round. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the consortium for a further three years with a total of around six million euros.

In order to give people affected by the hitherto incurable eye disease a perspective and to research promising treatment methods, scientists from the fields of ophthalmology, molecular biology, gene therapy, cell therapy, pharmacology, immunology and vectorology are working together in an interdisciplinary consortium that has now been selected for a second funding period. Prof. Dr. Dr. Knut Stieger, Experimental Ophthalmology at JLU, is the lead investigator; he is the coordinator and spokesperson for SPP 2127. Based on the successful work in the first funding round, his team and about 20 other groups in Germany will be able to conduct research from 2022 to 2024 on innovative ideas for developing new forms of treatment.

"We are pleased that, thanks to the funding from the DFG, we can continue to make a scientific contribution based on our joint successful research work over the past three years to open up new long-term perspectives for people with previously incurable eye diseases," says Prof. Stieger. Since work began in the consortium in 2018, he says, it has been possible to establish new model systems - such as the 3D organoid of the retina generated in the laboratory - for testing new treatment methods. Also valuable, he said, are new findings on the eye's immune response to therapeutic procedures. "In the field of therapeutic genome editing using CRISPR-Cas, important groundwork has also been laid for future therapies," adds the coordinator of the priority program.

In its second funding round, the Priority Program SPP 2127 "Gene- and Cell-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Neuroretinal Degeneration" comprises a consortium of 20 scientific research groups from all over Germany that will further develop therapies for previously untreatable hereditary retinal diseases over the next three years. The participating scientists, who are international leaders in this field, will have the opportunity to work in close cooperation within the framework of the priority program funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to jointly and effectively advance previous achievements in therapy development. Special attention is paid to the promotion of young scientists.

Prof. Stieger has been working in Giessen for almost 15 years on the development of new forms of therapy for hereditary retinal diseases as well as on new diagnostic methods in order to be able to depict the therapeutic effects occurring in clinical studies as precisely as possible in morphological and functional terms. He and his team use the latest methods of gene therapy and genome editing, which are promising approaches for the future treatment of hereditary diseases.

Second funding period is starting

183:766774448 (Stieger Knut) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 09:22:10 GMT

T he official confirmation and refusal letters of the DFG were sent out to the applications for the second funding period some weeks ago.

We are looking forward to a fresh mix of researchers and topics and can't wait to meet all the new and old PIs for our in-person kick off meeting in June!

Still - we are sad that so many great researchers are not a part of the SPP anymore as they did not receive further funding. But we will continue to cooperate and foster our established networks from the first funding period!

Until now, the consortium of the second funding period of the SPP 2127 met for a short online meeting to answer the most urgent questions and get to know each other a bit.

Lab rotation in a nut shell

183:766774448 (Stieger Knut) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:38:58 GMT

young scientists: autumn school 2021

After 1,5 years we were finally able to meet again in person - and boy - what a meeting!

As a normal three day conference was not enough for us, we decided to add some extra for the students and young scientists in the SPP21217.

A big part of the SPP2127 is networking and learning from each others - something that has been missing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So we decided: let's not do a normal summer (or rather autumn) school with the typical talks, but let's teach our specialities to the others. As lab rotations were not possible in the last months, we went for "lab rotations in a nut shell"

Each group or even each person does have their special methods, their expertise and their little hints and tipps how to succeed even more in the lab - and we wanted to share them!

Although some were a bit hesitant at first concerning the hands-on workshops on pig retina preparation, all the students had lots of fun and learned valuable skills in fine motor skills, how pig eyes look and feel (very similar to human eyes!) and how the retina can be prepared. Have a look at the pictures below!

But there was more - ever heard of organs-on-a-chip? We had an introduction to this special technique and now we know what to look for when preparing the chip - and we learned that bubbles are your worst enemy.

Online retreat 2021

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:50:17 GMT

Another year, another PI meeting - digitally .

The PIs of the SPP2127 gather once more in a digital meeting to discuss and counsel how to further advance in their research and how to improve the SPP2127 furthermore.

With an two days meeting, there was plenty of time for talks and discussion. Unfortunately, as it is typical for online meetings, networking and personal interactions are missing from these events, but everyone agreed that the in-depth discussion of the projects and latest result was absolutely fruitful!

With that many new information and ideas in mind, the grant writing for the second funding period was never as easy ;-)

National Eye Institute - Office of Regenerative Medicine: Vision Innovation Seminars

Tue, 25 May 2021 09:25:02 GMT

Virginia Cora & Giovanni Pasquini will hold the Vision Innovation Seminar June 15th

From the homepage of VIS:

The field of regenerative medicine holds the promise of engineering damaged or diseased tissues previously thought to be irreparable. Some approaches involve the use of stem cells, progenitor cells, and novel materials.

The NEI Office of Regenerative Medicine (ORM) has launched a new webinar series, called the Vision Innovation Seminars, to promote and disseminate cutting-edge research that is relevant to the vision community. Authors of recently published articles will present their work to the research community through this monthly webinar series. This seminar series is recorded and can be made available upon request.

June 15, 2021 1:00-2:00 pm ET

Mr. Giovanni Pasquini & Ms. Virginia Cora : Talk title TBD

Recent Publication: Using Transcriptomic Analysis to Assess Double-Strand Break Repair Activity: Towards Precise in Vivo Genome Editing

Mr. Giovanni Pasquini is a PhD student in the Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB). His thesis work is focused on inferring and modulating Double Strand Break pathways activity by the study of transcriptomic data to guide in vivo Genome Editing approaches. His doctoral research is conducted at the Center for Regenerative Therapies of Dresden under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Volker Busskamp.

Ms. Virginia Cora is a doctoral student in the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. Since 2018, she is part of the team of the Institute for Neuroanatomy and Developmental Biology (INDB) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Stefan Liebau.

Ms. Cora's work is focused on unravelling the effects of a mutation located in the gene Crumbs Homolog 1 (CRB1) that is associated with the insurgence of Retinitis Pigmentosa. For her investigations she is utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived retinal organoids as a model system.

Additional reading relevant to talk:

Call for second funding period

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 13:07:56 GMT

With the first funding period of the SPP 2127 coming to an end in the next months, the call for the second funding period was published.

As the first funding period, the second funding period will be three years long. To further improve the development of therapeutic applications in this striving field of science, the results of the first three-year funding period, new data from current trials and preclinical experimentations as well as the improved understanding of the pathology of IRD require continued work at high level.

Find more information on the call and how to apply on the homepage of the DFG:

https://www.dfg.de/foerderung/info_wissenschaft/2021/info_wissenschaft_21_30/index.html

PI Meeting November 2020

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 11:42:12 GMT

The PI meeting 2020 takes place online

As the annual meeting of the SPP 2127 did not take place in March 2020 in beautiful Schlosshotel Weilburg, the members searched for another opportunity to discuss and connect with each other.

During the second lockdown in Germany, the PIs gather digitally to discuss and counsel how to further advance in their research and how to improve the SPP furthermore. As the second funding period is coming closer and closer, this is also a big part of the discussion - thanks to the input of the DFG we are optimistic and looking forward for the new challenges and opportunities.

Digital student seminar

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:51:10 GMT

Bridging the time gap until the summer school...

As the Summer School 2020 was not able to take place due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the SPP 2127 decided to not wait for a new opportunity to connect and see each other, but to take it to the internet!

With this decision, we invited all the PhD students and young PostDocs of the SPP to present and discuss their projects and recent discoveries with each other.

But not only the students are able to get to know each other: the PIs and project leaders are also invited to participate and network with everyone.

Seeing each other every week - even if it's only at the computer screen - helps with getting to know each other, build and strengthen networks and finding help and new ideas. Although this all helps through the pandemic days and keep all from drifting apart, it is still so much more important to meet each other in person - we just have to wait for it a little longer.

PI Meeting

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:52:33 GMT

Frankfurt - November 2019

November 2019 - one year after the kick off meeting of the SPP2127, many of the PIs of the different projects and working groups, came together once more.

During this intense day, the main focus was on the challenges the projects and groups faced so far, how they solved them and what they expect for the future.

As the SPP2127 will also finance two new projects with a startup funding, also these two projects were presented and intensively discussed.

As always, there was also plenty of room for discussing personal experiences, ideas and other topics.

Summer School 2019, Giessen

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:29:26 GMT

Gene Therapy in the Retina

August 2019 - the first Summer School of the SPP 2127 took place in Giessen. PhD-students and young postdocs involved in the projects of the SPP 2127 met for three days to deepen their knowledge in Gene Therapy in the Retina, to network, getting to know each other and improve their presentation skills.

With talks of established scientists like Prof. Dr. Birgit Lorenz, Prof. Dr. Dr. Knut Stieger, PD Dr. Markus Preising, Dr. Florian Frohns, Dr. Wolfgang Wende and Dr. Tobias Wimmer, the participants were introduced to various topics around gene therapy, the application in the retina and the different phenotypes of IRDs present.

To not only focus on the scientific part of the SPP, but to widen the horizon, Dr. Sylvie Drahorad hold a very interesting talk on the topic of stress-management and mental health in science. Furthermore, the shared lunches and dinners as well as a geo-caching adventure and a collective evening at the pub strengthened the networking and the relationship between the participants.

PhD students pre meeting

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

March 2019 - Potsdam

March 2019 - Just before the ProRetina meeting in Potsdam in March 2019, the first gathering of all PhD students who have been enrolled in the programme so far, has been taken place.

This pre-meeting was meant to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere and to focus on the interaction between all of the students and what can be done within the next three years for them to improve the outcome of their individual projects.

Prof. Lorenz, the co-coordinator of the program agreed to give a lecture at which she provided an overview of the activities in the field of gene and cell based therapies from the very beginning up to the very recent news in the field.
Following, Prof. Stieger presented an overview of the possibilities for promoting young scientists within the program, what kind of activities at the level of summer schools etc are foreseen and what activities might be suggested from the students' side. There is a good amount of funding available to support activities and networking.

To get to know the students and their projects better, the pre meeting was closed by a science slam where each participant had the opportunity to present his or her PhD/postdoc project in under 5min without any technological help!

Back to the Homepage .

Kick Off Meeting

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Frankfurt - November 2018

November 2018 - The first meeting of the newly founded SPP2127 took place on 16.11.2018 at the Conference centre at the airport in Frankfurt/Main.
The following press release was published in the beginning of December.

Pressemitteilung 16.11.2018

Wer an erblicher Netzhautdystrophie leidet, dem droht derzeit das schwere Schicksal der Erblindung – oft bereits in jungen Jahren. Um Menschen mit dieser bislang unheilbaren Augenkrankheit eine Perspektive zu geben und erfolgversprechende Behandlungsmethoden zu entwickeln, arbeiten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler aus den Bereichen Augenheilkunde (Ophthalmologie), molekulare Biologie, Gentherapie, Zelltherapie, Pharmakologie, Immunologie und Vektorologie in einem interdisziplinären Verbund zusammen, dem neuen Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 2127 „Gen- und zellbasierte Therapien für die Behandlung neuroretinaler Degeneration“ der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Mit einer Kick-off-Veranstaltung hat der von Prof. Dr. Dr. Knut Stieger (Sprecher), Professur für Experimentelle Ophthalmologie an der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU), und Prof. Dr. Birgit Lorenz, Direktorin der Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde der JLU, koordinierte Verbund nun seine Arbeit aufgenommen.

Um die Aktivitäten von insgesamt 29 Projektleiterinnen und -leitern in 20 Projekten innerhalb des Verbundes zu koordinieren und durch intensives Networking einen Mehrwert für die beteiligten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler und damit für die einzelnen Projekte zu erzielen, trafen sich die Beteiligten im Konferenzzentrum des Frankfurter Flughafens. Die Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer erhielten dabei eine Übersicht über die geförderten Projekte, wichtige organisatorische Fragen wurden geklärt. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist die Organisation der Nachwuchsförderung: Innerhalb der verschiedenen Projekte werden in den kommenden drei Jahren über 20 Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden intensiv forschen. Dies bietet die einmalige Chance, hochkompetenten Nachwuchs für dieses Forschungsgebiet zu generieren. Darüber hinaus sind zwei internationale Tagungen innerhalb der Förderperiode geplant, auf denen die Ergebnisse der verschiedenen Aktivitäten innerhalb des SPP dem Fachpublikum sowie der Öffentlichkeit präsentiert werden.

Das Schwerpunktprogramm SPP 2127 umfasst ein Konsortium von 20 Gruppen aus Deutschland, die in den kommenden drei Jahren mit über 7 Millionen Euro auf diesem hochaktuellen Forschungsgebiet Therapien für bisher nicht behandelbare erbliche Netzhauterkrankungen entwickeln und parallel klinische Untersuchungsmethoden etablieren, mit denen die Sehfunktion in bisher nicht gekannter Detailliertheit gemessen werden kann. Bei erfolgreichem Verlauf besteht die Aussicht auf eine weitere dreijährige Förderperiode. Die beteiligten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler sind international führend auf diesem Gebiet und haben im Rahmen dieses von der DFG speziell geförderten Programms die Möglichkeit, in enger Kooperation die bisherigen Errungenschaften in der Therapieentwicklung gemeinsam effektiv weiter voranzutreiben. Dabei wird ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Verknüpfung von grundlagenbasierten und klinischen Projekten gelegt, sodass Expertinnen und Experten aus beiden Bereichen sich gegenseitig unterstützen und die jeweilige Expertise weitergeben können.

Prof. Stieger und Prof. Lorenz arbeiten an der JLU seit über zehn Jahren gemeinsam an der Entwicklung neuer Therapieformen für erbliche Netzhauterkrankungen sowie an neuen diagnostischen Methoden, um die in klinischen Studien auftretenden therapeutischen Effekte möglichst genau morphologisch und funktionell darstellen zu können. Dabei werden neueste Methoden der Gentherapie sowie der Genomeditierung genutzt, die vielversprechende Ansätze in der zukünftigen Behandlung von erblichen Krankheiten darstellen.

https://www.uni-giessen.de/ueber-uns/pressestelle/pm/pm230-18

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SPP 2127 has been established!

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

May 2017

May 2017 - The Senate of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) has established a new Priority Programme entitled „Gene and Cell Based Therapies to Counteract Neuroretinal Degeneration” (SPP 2127).

Gene and cell based therapies take centre stage in the attempt to find effective ways to treat rare diseases. Vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophies is a severe burden for two to four million patients worldwide and innovative strategies defeating neuronal dysfunction and cell loss are urgently needed. While the current state of the art is quite advanced in the field of experimental therapies of inherited retinal dystrophies, with clinical trials ongoing for some disorders and functional rescue to a certain level evident, the results of the current trials and preclinical experimentations as well as the improved understanding of the pathology of many inherited retinal dystrophies require continued work at high level. The major points arising in this striving field can be allocated to four main topics that are closely related and intercalate with each other.

Please find more information on the (already completed) proposal procedure

https://www.dfg.de/foerderung/info_wissenschaft/2017/info_wissenschaft_17_22/index.html

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