Engineering biosensors for drug profiling across systems

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Olivia Andrea Masseck
• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology ; Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 545603968

The overall aim of this proposal is to elucidate the causal link between norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) dynamics in major depressive disorder (MDD) and to establish new drugs for its treatment. To this end, we have decided to bring together experts in their respective fields: Olivia Masseck (expert in 5-HT and in vivo models of depression), Tommaso Patriarchi (pioneer in the development of DA and NE biosensors) and Harald Sitte (pharmacologist, expert in drug characterisation and NPS). To this end, we will develop new, improved, high-affinity variants of NE sensors. Based on these new NE sensors and established 5-HT sensors (sDarken), an in vitro screening of new psychoactive substances for their potential as antidepressants will be performed. In parallel, we will use these bisoensors to identify signatures of resilience in a mouse model of depression. In the final phase of the project, newly identified compounds will be evaluated for their antidepressant potential.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Switzerland
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF); Schweizerischer Nationalfonds (SNF)
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Tommaso Patriarchi, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Harald Sitte