Bionanalytical Core Unit

The structural and functional knowledge of natural hydrogels of the lung and intestine is sparse. This is largely caused by the enormous complexity of the underlying molecular networks that are composed of large protein chains, which are heavily glycosylated at multiple sites. Although it is accepted that the barrier function of the mucus is of fundamental importance to maintain the healthy state, a thorough and detailed analysis is required to unravel the structure-function relationship.

In the first funding period, core unit teams have developed improved methods for glycomics analysis, proteomics analysis of mucins in fixed tissues and also in patient-derived sputum samples after drug treatment in collaboration with A01|Mall/Gradzielski. These improved methods have then been applied in multiple collaborations with B01|Kuebler/Ochs, B02|Witzenrath/Seeberger, B05|Fulde/Forslund/Schaupp for glycomics analysis and B01|Kuebler/Ochs, B04|Siegmund/Weinhart, B05|Fulde/Forslund/Schaupp, C04|Haag/Mall and Z02|Mall/Siegmund/Weinhart for proteomics analyses. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has been used for three-dimensional structural characterization of synthetic mucus-like hydrogels. The 3D volume reconstruction from cryo-electron microscopic tilting series allowed e.g. the spatial characterization of glyco-based hydrogels (C02|Koksch/Delbianco/Keller) or of mucin-mimetic hydrogels (B03|Haag/Block). EPR spectroscopy enabled us to monitor in situ the gelation kinetics of synthetic mucin-mimicking gels (B03|Haag/Block). Furthermore, it was discovered that the site-directed spin labeling method can be used for glycosylated peptides (C01|Seitz/Hackenberger) present in mucins to elucidate their structural peculiarities.

In the second funding period (2025–2028), custom-developed image analysis methods provided by INF|Schütte/Ludwig are available as an analytical service coordinated by Dr. Yannic Kerkhoff. The current portfolio of tools is accessible via Zenodo. In addition to the established workflows, the development and adaptation of new analysis schemes can be requested. For this purpose, researchers are invited to contact Dr. Kerkhoff with a brief description of the intended analysis, references to related approaches, and at least one representative image. Following an initial assessment, a meeting will be arranged to discuss the implementation in greater detail.