Certain gene products are overexpressed or mutated in tumors. This is particularly important when the corresponding proteins are functionally relevant or causative for tumorigenesis, tumor progession, -angiogenesis, -metastasis and/or -resistance. The specific knockdown via RNA interference (RNAi) offers an approach for the analysis and elucidation of molecular functions and cellular consequences of these gene products.

The targeted molecular interference via gene knockdown may lead to novel therapeutic strategies. The therapeutic potential of RNA interference, however, is seriously hampered by issues mainly related to the delivery of small RNA molecules, e.g., siRNAs or chemical derivatives, especially upon their systemic injection.

We develop and employ polymer-based nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids, in particular small RNA molecules like siRNAs or microRNAs (miRNAs). This includes novel chemical polymer modifications, which are tested in vitro and in preclinical mouse models in vivo with regard to efficacy and biocompatibility. Beyond RNAi-based knockdown strategies, this approach is extended towards the therapeutic application or inhibition of miRNAs, and allows for the analysis of how miRNAs affect the expression of tumor relevant genes and how this can possibly be exploited therapeutically (e.g., miRNA replacement therapy).

These nanoscale therapeutics (‘nanomedicines’) are further studied in mouse models, mainly for the therapy of solid tumors or metastases by targeting different growth factors, receptors and downstream signal transduction molecules. However, in the frame of collaboration projects, their therapeutic use is also extended towards other pathologies.

A second core competence of our Division is based on our longstanding expertise in the field of drug analysis in biological samples, clinical pharmacokinetics, consulting in questions of drug therapy and in the clinical toxicology of acute intoxication. On this basis, we also address questions regarding drug safety in critical patient populations.

Results from our own research regarding drug safety, unwanted side effects and acute toxic effects are also implemented in the new editions of our textbook „AkuteVergiftungen und Arzneimittelüberdosierungen“, which has become a standard reference work in the field (so far, only available in German).
By analyzing the clinical pharmacokinetics of centrally acting drugs like Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Sulpirid, Citalopram, Escitalopramor, Atomoxetin, we also participate in collaboration projects with clinical neuroscience groups at the University of Cambridge.