Look below for a selection of research projects whose results form the basis for new therapeutic approaches. The research is based on animal testing and alternative methods (replacement).

It is still unclear how newly formed neurons successfully mature and survive to fulfill their functions within a fully formed organ. The research group led by Professor Dr Matteo Bergami at University of Cologne’s CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research investigated these processes using mouse models. They employed a combination of imaging, viral tracing and electrophysiological techniques. They found that, as new neurons mature, their mitochondria (the power houses of the cells) along dendrites undergo a boost in fusion dynamics to acquire more elongated shapes. This process is key in sustaining the plasticity of new synapses and refining pre-existing brain circuits in response to complex experiences. The results may be helpful for the development of specific interventions to restore neuronal plasticity and cognitive functions in conditions of disease.       

Further information:

• Fuelling nerve cell function and plasticity

So-called chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) are increasingly being used to treat aggressive lymphomas and blood cancer (leukaemia). For this therapy, immune cells are taken from patients and programmed by means of genetic engineering to detect proteins on the malignant tumour cells. Back in the body, the CAR T cells then fight the cancer cells. Due to some heavy side effects, this therapy requires extreme caution and long hospital stays. A team of researchers at University Hospital Cologne have now been able to develop a new strategy using cell cultures and also mouse models to develop new mechanisms to make immunotherapy more effective and safer. 

Further information:

• New strategy for safer CAR T cell therapy in lymphomas

“It's better not to google ‘polycystic kidney disease’ – at least not without thinking about what Google might reveal – because it’ a lot to take in... However, it is one of many kidney diseases and we need research to understand and better treat them.

Johannes and Roman spoke to nephrologist Professor Bernhard Schermer from University Hospital Cologne, who is conducting research on the kidney and kidney diseases. His working group is a great example of the diverse the research methods and models used in laboratories today. This also includes animal testing on mice – although he actually hates it. That is why he and his team are working hard to develop new methods to reduce animal testing and perhaps even replace it.

They are already thinking about the next step and the one after that: Replacing animal additives in cell cultures and organoids, as well as sustainability in the laboratory.”

A research team has discovered antibodies that could lead to a new approach to the treatment of acute and chronic infections with the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Due to its numerous resistance mechanisms, the bacterium is associated with high morbidity and mortality and can cause complicated infections and dangerous cases of sepsis in severely ill patients. In extensive experiments in cell culture and animal models, the researchers were able to show that the newly developed antibodies are as effective against the bacterium as regular antibiotics. The antibodies can be used in new therapeutic approaches, especially in acute and severe infections with the bacterium, and protect patients with an increased risk of infection – especially in intensive care units or in the case of cancer – by means of passive immunization.

Further information:

• New antibodies neutralize resistant bacteria

Researchers from the University of Cologne’s CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research have found in animal experiments that breast cancer cells heavily rely on vitamin B5 to grow and survive. Tracking vitamin B5 level could also be used as a biomarker to help researchers and doctors understand the genetic composition of a tumour in a human. In collaboration with King’s College London, the team also develops indicator molecules – so-called tracers – for vitamin B5. These could be used to identify patients who are more likely to respond to Myc-specific treatments in clinical trials.

Further information:

• Reducing vitamin B5 slows breast cancer growth

Researchers from the University of Cologne’s CECAD Clusters of Excellence for Aging Research and the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences have found a promising synthetic plant biology approach for the development of a therapy to treat human neurodegenerative diseases, especially Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes widespread deterioration in the brain and disrupts thinking, behaviour, emotion and movement. In the long term, the goal is to develop plant-derived therapeutic proteins to treat neurodegenerative diseases in humans.

Further information:

• Plant chloroplasts promise potential therapy for Huntington’s disease

In collaboration with researchers from the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), the Virus Immunology Unit (Clinic of Virology),  has successfully tested a combination of antibodies in HIV-infected individuals. (Lab animals: mice).

Further information (only available in German):

• Hochwirksamer HIV-Antikörper unterdrückt Resistenzentwicklung
• Vielversprechender Ansatz: Antikörper-Therapie
• HIV-1 neutralisierende Antikörper
• Erfolgreiche Antikörperstudie bei HIV-Infektion

Every year, almost 60,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with lung cancer. Using samples of small cell lung tumours, a research team from the University of Cologne’s CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research has discovered two new ways to induce tumour cell death. In addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, research is focusing on the body’s own defences.

Further information:

• Small cell lung cancer: scientists identify two new approaches for therapy
• Kleine Zelle, großer Schaden (only available in German)