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Human-Microbe Systems Bioinformatics

The human body encompasses fewer human cells than microbes. They constantly interact with each other and the host and greatly affect an individual's health and well-being. In our group, we develop and apply state-of-the-art bioinformatics software to study the human-microbe systems and aim to discover natural products involved in communication between the two realms. This group is located at the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) .

Genome Analytics

The Genome Analytics (GMAK) facility provides next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to the HZI. External users may also have access to the technology, e.g. upon collaborative arrangements. In addition to sample DNA/RNA quality check, library preparation and sequencing, the facility provides primary data processing, data quality check and analysis. A number of pipelines for secondary data processing are established.

Laboratory of Transmission Immunology

Transmission of viruses is only possible during a specific time frame after infection: we can call this the “window of transmission”. A major gap in mitigating (e.g., airborne) transmission and closing this window quickly is the lack of understanding of critical immune determinants of efficient transmission. To be able to close the window of transmission through the design of better mitigation strategies, we develop a mechanistic understanding of the spatial and longitudinal interplay between virus tropism, innate and adaptive immune responses, changes in host physiology, and exhalation or shedding of infectious virus in droplets or fluids.

Prof Dr Anna K. H. Hirsch

Prof Dr Anna K. H. Hirsch Head of Research Group +49 681 98806 2100 E-Mail Anna Hirsch read Natural Sciences with a focus on Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and spent her third year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, doing a research…

Prof Dr Josef Penninger

Prof Josef Penninger Scientific Director - Scientific Management +49 531 6181-1000 E-Mail Josef Penninger was born on 5 September 1964 in Gurten, Oberösterreich. After attending medical school in Innsbruck , he started his scientific career at the…

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Topics

Genome Architecture and Evolution of RNA Viruses

RNA viruses are a major threat to human health and responsible for millions of deaths each year. Their replication is orchestrated by the RNA genome, which encodes for viral proteins needed to hijack the host cell. Traditionally, infectious disease research has focused on blocking viral replication by inhibiting these proteins. However, we now appreciate that the genomes of RNA viruses are not just passive carriers of protein coding information, but active participants in the viral infection process through the action of non-coding RNA. We study the structure and function of viral non-coding RNA, with the goal of harnessing the resulting knowledge in the design of next generation RNA-based therapies. This group is located at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) .

Single-cell Analysis

Pathogenic bacteria can reside in a mammalian host for a life-long period and chronic carriers form a reservoir leading to recurrent infections. Despite the importance of chronic infections for public health, how a subset of pathogens escape the host’s immune surveillance and how the host contains the spread of bacteria are still poorly understood. Scientists within the Single-Cell Analysis group develop and use single-cell transcriptomics and computational approaches to decipher the microenvironments of individual pathogens and ultimately their functional consequences on infection outcome. This group is located at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI).

Microbial Immune Regulation

The microbiota encompasses a diverse population of microorganisms that colonize many body sites such as skin and intestine of multicellular hosts. The composition of the microbiota in humans is highly variable and is influenced by nutrition, immune competence, illness and use of medication (especially antibiotics). We are interested to enhance our understanding on how these microbial communities affect human infectious diseases and how they can be manipulated to treat diseases.