Novel optogenetic switches to control cell signaling

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Weber (BIOSS and Institute of Biology II, University of Freiburg)

In this project we will design artificial extracellular matrices, remote-controlled kinases as well as inducible promoters to provide defined mechanical and biological cues to (stem) cells. To this aim we will develop and apply new optogenetic approaches for the fast and reversible control of protein and promoter activity in response to multichromatic light. We apply these new approaches in collaboration with BIOSS-B scientists to understand how cell interpret their mechanical and chemical environment towards cell fate decisions.