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The complement system in vision research - Pauly lab

Our research projects are a compli(e)ment to the eye.
We investigate the molecular and intracellular role of the complement system, part of the innate immune response, in eye diseases.

Research projects

Compliment in retinal pigment epithelium cells

Foto: J. Schikora

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is one of the retinal layers and forms the outer blood-retinal barrier to establish the immune-privileged structure of the retina. With a variety of important functions the RPE helps to maintain our eyesight. Under pathological conditions the RPE is able to undergo epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and loses its mature form, unable to preserve its vital role in the retina. Our goal is to characterize the maturation of the RPE and analyze the role of the complement system in this process, using the immortalized human cell line ARPE-19 as well as RPE cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Scifimed

An EU wide project to investigate the Factor H related protein family
Millions of people in the European Union suffer from diseases associated with dysregulation of the complement system. This can be bacterial infections like invasive meningococcal disease, chronic inflammation of the kidney or, as in 15 million elderly european residents, age-related macular degeneration resulting in impaired vision.
SciFiMed will investigate the pathophysiology of the FH-protein family, to enable the development of personalized, radically new on-time diagnostics, which allow improved patient stratification for prospective cohort studies to understand complement-associated diseases.
SciFiMed work packages are divided between 8 european academic and industrial partners.
In our lab in Marburg, we manage and coordinate the project and focus on investigating structural and functional interaction partners of the Factor H related protein family using phage-display library and mass spectrometry.

For detailed information see www.scifimed.eu.

Training in Biomedical science (BSc. and MSc.)

Working out loud (WOL)

Foto: Diana Pauly

Collaboration brings us forward in all fields of our life, especially in research. We will bring WoL to the University of Marburg to  explore the new way to build relationships that help you achieve a goal, develop a skill, or explore a new topic. Instead of networking to get something, we will invest in relationships by making contributions over time, including your work and experiences that you make visible.
After our 2022 WoL course we resumed what we learned from the 12 weeks we spent and worked together, which prerequisites a good goal for WoL should fulfill and we put together some exemplary WoL goals for the upcoming WoL course. 

🎓 Master's Thesis Opportunities at Our Lab:

🔬 Cutting-Edge Lab Techniques:

  • Culturing adherent human cells
  • RNA isolation & transcript quantification (qPCR)
  • Protein isolation & quantification using Western Blot
  • ELISA (Multiplex-ELISA)
  • Detailed cell analysis with immunostaining
  • Dive into special techniques like immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, complement activation assays, cell barrier assays, phagocytosis assays
  • Specialize in cloning & expression of recombinant proteins, if needed

🚫 No Animal Testing:

Our lab embraces ethical research practices. We use advanced in vitro models and computer-based analysis instead.

🌍 Digital & Flexible:

  • Work from anywhere—café, airport, or even a Mediterranean island—when not in the lab!
  • Digital lab notebook & online group meetings
  • Personalized mentoring via GatherTown—flexible access to your advisor

🤝 Interdisciplinary & International Networks:

Expand your horizons and research opportunities with collaborations across Germany and Europe.

🎤 Conference & Presentation Opportunities:

Present your research at the annual ProRetina Conference with a poster presentation—data permitting as early as April!

For more information and contact details please visit Pauly lab.