Prof. Dr. Winfried Römer

CV

Winfried Römer is Full Professor of Synthetic Biology of Signalling Processes at the Faculty of Biology and member of the BIOSS and CIBSS signaling research centers. His research is mainly focused on host-pathogen interactions; in particular, he is interested in understanding the impact of bacterial lectins on host cell physiology of single cells, tissues and model organisms in molecular detail by using a combination of analytical and synthetic approaches. For instance, his lab investigates the effects of the P. aeruginosa lectins LecA and LecB on wound healing processes (e.g. cell proliferation, cell adhesion and migration). Moreover, in collaboration with chemists he develops alternative strategies to fight bacterial infections, e.g. divalent glycomimetics that fully block host cell invasion when applied in nano-molar concentrations, or bacteriophages to kill intracellular bacteria.

Selected Publications

• Shiga toxin induces tubular membrane invaginations for its uptake into cells.
  Römer W, Berland L, Chambon V, Gaus K, Windschiegl B, Tenza D, Aly MR, Fraisier V, Florent J-C, Perrais D, Lamaze C, Raposo G, Steinem C, Sens P, Bassereau P, Johannes L (2007). Nature. 450:670-675
• Actin dynamics drive membrane reorganization and scission in clathrin-independent endocytosis.
  Römer W*, Pontani L, Sorre B, Rentero C, Berland L, Chambon V, Lamaze C, Bassereau P, Sykes C, Gaus K, Johannes L* (2010). Cell. 140(4): 540-53             
• A lipid zipper triggers bacterial invasion.
  Eierhoff T*, Bastian B, Thuenauer R, Madl J, Audfray A, Aigal S, Juillot S, Rydell GE, Müller S, de Bentzmann S, Imberty A, Fleck C*, Römer W* (2014).
  Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 111(35): 12895-900           
• Carbohydrate-dependent B cell activation by fucose-binding bacterial lectins.
  Wilhelm I, Levit-Zerdoun E, Jakob J, Villringer S, Frensch M, Übelhart R, Landi A, Müller P, Imberty A, Thuenauer R, Claudinon J, Jumaa H, Reth M, Eibel H, Hobeika E*, Römer W* (2019). Sci Signal. 12(571): eaao7194

FRIAS Research Project

MatrixCode: matrisome pathology

The “extracellular matrix” (ECM) encompasses all secreted, deposited, and soluble proteins in the interstitial milieu. In recent years, our perspective on ECM has changed on the functional and protein level, as we now understand the ECM less as a passive “scaffold”, and more as integral part of the diverse, complex, and dynamic signaling environment sustaining healthy tissue. By improved understanding of these complex aspects of the so-called “matrisome”, our opportunities to develop targeted therapies interacting with these processes in disease, scarring, and regeneration will be strengthened. The MatrixCode project aims to decipher how pathophysiological signaling depends on biochemical and biophysical modifications of the ECM. MatrixCode is compiled of four sub-projects focusing on different aspects of ECM signaling within wound healing and tumor biology. MatrixCode will strengthen ECM research in Freiburg by creating a critical mass of scientists, and strengthening ties to collaboration partners in Strasburg and worldwide. MatrixCode will lay the foundation for subsequent collaborative funding initiatives.