GRK 2662:  “Charging” into the future: Understanding the interaction of polyelectrolytes with biosystems

• Subject Area: Polymer Research ; Analytical Chemistry ; Chemical Solid State and Surface Research ; Physical Chemistry
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 434130070

Polyelectrolytes are linear or branched macromolecules onto which charged units are appended. Natural polyelectrolytes such as DNA, proteins or heparin play a central role in virtually all biochemical processes. Evidently, a quantitative understanding of the forces leading to binding of polyelectrolytes to biomolecules is of central importance for a variety of problems, for instance a rational design of therapeutic lead structures. In order to address this important issue, the International Research Training Group (IRTG) initiative aims to establish a close partnership between researchers of Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), McGill University, Montréal and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada) that benefits from the complementary expertise on both sides. Research at Freie Universität Berlin is mainly focused on fundamental physical and chemical issues and therefore aims to understand interactions between polyelectrolytes with biosystems. The Canadian side will use the gained knowledge to tackle questions of direct pharmaceutical importance. Based on this, the research projects of the IRTG are arranged along their chemical and biological complexity in a two-dimensional matrix comprising three themes: Theme A “Polyelectrolyte - biomolecule interactions” is devoted to basic questions and modelling. Theme B “Cellular interactions with polyelectrolytes” focuses on the interaction of polyelectrolytes with more complex systems including neuronal cells. Theme C “Polyelectrolyte interactions in complex environments” constitutes the highest level of complexity including inflammatory diseases and blood interactions. All projects are strongly interlinked and regular exchange will ensure a fruitful collaboration throughout. The IRTG will provide a well-structured training program to young doctoral researchers, which is organized along the research themes and is coordinated by leading interdisciplinary researchers with strong track records. Our IRTG will allow trainees to benefit from top interdisciplinary bilateral qualification and acquire international research experience by six months’ research visits. In addition, they will receive excellent training by specific lectures, workshops, annual symposia, and industry collaborations. The integrated research network will hence be able to tackle (bio)chemical challenges related to polyelectrolyte systems with high complexity and clearly defined biomedical relevance.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: Canada
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• IRTG-Partner Institution: University of British Columbia; McGill University
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Kevin Pagel, since 5/2023
• Participating Researchers: Dr. Katharina Achazi; Professor Dr. Matthias Ballauff; Dr. Stephan Block; Privatdozent Dr. Jens Dernedde; Professorin Dr. Bettina Keller; Professorin Dr. Beate Koksch; Professor Dr. Roland Netz; Professor Dr. Thomas Risse; Professorin Dr. Marie Weinhart
• IRTG-Partner: Spokesperson: Professor Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu, Ph.D.