Super-resolution force spectroscopy to delineate early pathogenic effects of autoantibodies and cytokines in desmosome dysfunction (A03)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 547068789

A03 investigates the biophysical binding properties of desmosomal cadherins and the precise sequence of events following a pathogenic stimulus, i.e., autoantibodies or cytokines. For this purpose, atomic force microscopy (AFM), single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy are used in combination with biochemical approaches.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 425: Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers (DEFINE)
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Head: Dr. Michael Fuchs