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
Research project on leukaemia in children A new, twofold approach
Scientists at the University of Duisburg-Essen are researching new therapies for aggressive forms of childhood leukaemia. For the first time, their approach tries to distinguish between two subtypes using so-called nanobody PROTACs. These attack diseased tissue while sparing healthy cells. The José Carreras Leukaemia Foundation is supporting the project, led by Prof. Dr. Shirley Knauer and Dr. Mike Blueggel from the Faculty of Biology, with 143,740 euros for two years.
The research focuses on molecules that break down certain proteins in cancer cells: nanobody PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras). They couple a binding molecule for the target protein with a signal that causes the cell to destroy this particular protein. This allows a disease-relevant protein to be removed in a targeted manner without damaging healthy structures.
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.
Latest Publication Molecular Tweezers Block the Functional Pore of a Protein Machine
We present symmetric multivalent tweezers as the first class of supramolecular elements designed to cover and functionally block a protein pore. As a model, we chose the enzyme p97, a hexameric AAA-ATPase that unfolds or segregates substrate proteins by threading them through a pore and channel at the center of the symmetric p97 hexamer fueled by ATP hydrolysis. In a rational design approach, we developed a new class of p97 inhibitors, guided by molecular modeling.
Funding
