Functional Biochemistry
Blüggel Lab
The Blüggel lab of Functional Biochemistry for protein modulation was established within the Faculty of Biology in 2025.
We focus on understanding how each protein interacts in several dynamic complexes and how we can manipulate the function in time and space. For this, we use specifically designed nanobodies (VHH) in different organisms: cancer cell lines, parasites, and patient material.
Dr. Mike Blueggel
Center of Medical Biotechnology
Faculty of Biology
University of Duisburg-Essen
Modern Characterization and Manipulation of Protein Interactions
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish a versatile nanobody-based platform for the precise control of protein function in complex biological systems. This modular toolbox will integrate nanobody technology with complementary strategies such as targeted protein degradation and spatially or temporally switchable modules.
By combining structural specificity with adaptable functional elements, the system will enable selective modulation, visualization and tracking of protein-protein interactions in health and disease.
Our Approach
We are using an interdisciplinary strategy that combines protein biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and multi-omics techniques to understand how highly complex and dynamic protein networks work together to perform their most important functions.
Our workflow often begins with the in vitro reconstitution of protein complexes to investigate their structure-function relationships. Using advanced proteomics in combination with bioinformatics, we explore dynamic protein networks and assess their involvement in specific cellular pathways. This system-level perspective allows us to identify critical nodes within interaction networks and design molecular tools for their modulation.
To translate our network insights into actionable tools, we validate the functional effects of our nanobody constructs through a combination of in vitro reconstitution experiments and cell-based assays. Recombinant expression of the modified nanobodies enables biochemical and biophysical assays, while cellular models allow us to probe their regulatory effects in a physiologically relevant context. These studies confirm target engagement, functional modulation, and downstream biological outcomes.
News
November 2025 EMBL Course
Im November 2025 war die Nachwuchsgruppe Functional Biochemistry eine Woche am Deutschen Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, um am EMBL-Kurs „SAXS for Biological Macromolecules“ teilzunehmen.
An der P12-Beamline konnten wir eigene Proben unserer Forschungsprojekte messen und den gesamten Workflow von der Probenvorbereitung über die Bestrahlung bis zur ersten Datenauswertung praktisch durchlaufen. Der Kurs wurde ergänzt durch Vorträge und Workshops zu Theorie, Datenqualität und Auswertung. Besonders bereichernd war der intensive Austausch mit den anderen Teilnehmenden und dem Beamline-Team: In fachlichen Diskussionen entstanden neue Ideen, wie SAXS mit komplementären biophysikalischen und biochemischen Methoden kombiniert werden kann, um Protein–Protein-Interaktionen und Konformationsdynamik besser zu verstehen.
Das erworbene Know-how fließt nun direkt in unsere laufenden Projekte ein und erweitert nachhaltig das methodische Spektrum unserer Arbeitsgruppe.
Research project on leukaemia in children A new, twofold approach
[13.10.2025] Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung will fund a new research project starting in October 2025 that explores tumor-specific protein degradation strategies. The goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches for head and neck cancers, including laryngeal carcinoma.
The team led by Dr. Mike Blüggel at the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) is developing tailored nanobody-based PROTACs designed to selectively target the survival enzyme Survivin. Survivin plays a central role in the development of various cancers and contributes to resistance against radiation and chemotherapy. To date, it has remained difficult to reach therapeutically. For the first time, the researchers aim to achieve differentiated tumor targeting based on the specific Survivin–E3 ligase profiles of cancer cells.
Seit April 2025 Board Member der GBM Young Investigators
Seit April 2025 ist Mike Blüggel steering board member der Young Investigators der Gesellschaft für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie e.V. aktiv. Die GBM YI sind ein Netzwerk von Senior-Postdocs und jungen GruppenleiterInnen, das den Austausch zu Karrierewegen, Forschungsstrategien und Kooperationsmöglichkeiten fördert. Als Teil des Steering Boards gestaltet Dr. Blüggel unter anderem Veranstaltungen, Vernetzungsformate und Mentoring-Angebote mit, die junge Forschende auf dem Weg zur wissenschaftlichen Unabhängigkeit unterstützen.
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung funds a novel approach to targeted protein degradation A New Path in Personalized Cancer Therapy through Nanobody PROTACs
[13.10.2025] Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung will fund a new research project starting in October 2025 that explores tumor-specific protein degradation strategies. The goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches for head and neck cancers, including laryngeal carcinoma.
The team led by Dr. Mike Blüggel at the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) is developing tailored nanobody-based PROTACs designed to selectively target the survival enzyme Survivin. Survivin plays a central role in the development of various cancers and contributes to resistance against radiation and chemotherapy. To date, it has remained difficult to reach therapeutically. For the first time, the researchers aim to achieve differentiated tumor targeting based on the specific Survivin–E3 ligase profiles of cancer cells.
Add-On Fellowship
Congratulations to Mike Blüggel on receving the Joachim-Herz Add-on Fellowship for "innovative tumor treatment project"!
His project "SuNdowner", explores light-controlled protein degradation using nanobody-PHOTACs in collaboration with UDE’s Faculty of Chemistry. The goal is to combine PHOTACs with nanobodies to enable targeted degradation of the apoptosis inhibitor Survivin in tumor tissue, thereby protecting healty tissue. The fellowship enables research stays, conference attendance, training, science communication activities, and participation in fellowship meetings.
Funding
