Characterization and modulation of protein-retention in hydrogels

In the context of this new subproject, we aim to investigate the yet unpredictable behavior of proteins and antibodies in the context of hydrogels to study important parameters for modulating protein transport through biological barriers. Of particular interest are several naturally occurring or chemically modified protein-based systems, e.g. cytokines or antibodies. Here, we will focus on their retention and transport in various hydrogels by studying binding and diffusion. We plan to include hydrogels originating from airway and intestinal surfaces as well as hydrogel models present in the CRC. Within this project, we build upon our expertise on the expression, modification and functional analysis of proteins and antibodies as well as on results from the first funding period in projects C01|Seitz/Pagel and C04|Haag/Mall, in which we established methods within the CRC to manipulate and analyze naturally occurring hydrogels. These include fluorescent microscopy and metabolic glycan engineering, which will be continued in the next funding period (with A05|Hedtrich/Bartfeld and B01|Kuebler/Ochs). With this project, we ultimately aim to provide design principles for the composition of biologically highly relevant protein systems including cytokines and antigen-recognizing proteins to either retain in or overcome hydrogel barriers.