Dr Antonius Plagge Dr.

My area of work is related to neurobiological functions of imprinted genes. Projects are focused on the analyses of two imprinted gene clusters: the Gnas locus and the Peg13-Trappc9 locus. The Gnas locus encodes variants of the cAMP signalling protein Gsα. We are specifically interested in studying their roles in neuroendocrinology and neural pathways that control energy homeostasis, energy expenditure and sympathetic nervous system activity. The Peg13-Trappc9-Kcnk9 cluster shows brain-specific imprinting and epigenetic regulation. Trappc9 encodes a subunit of the Trafficking Protein Particle complex involved in intracellular vesicle processes. Mutations of this gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. We are using genetically modified mice (knock-outs) as well as cellular and molecular biological approaches to investigate the gene functions. Furthermore, we are analysing the brain-specific epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes.

We are using reporter genes and virus vectors to label cells for imaging in animal models of disease, for example in the context of stem cell-based regenerative medicine therapies. Reporter genes for several imaging modalities are used, including luciferases and fluorescent proteins, which allow cell tracking over time in bioluminescence, fluorescence, optoacoustic or other imaging modalities. This work is done in collaboration with the Centre for Preclinical Imaging at our University.