Collaborative Projects as Partner - LIGNEERING
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Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie
Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Collaborative Projects as Partner
LIGNEERING
Metabolic and Process Engineering for Synthesis of Monolignols
This project aims to produce phenolics using a biotechnological approach. Such compounds are found e.g. in
plants, where they are important precursors to biopolymers or contribute to taste, color, flavor and nutraceutical
properties of crops. Due to their often limited availability from plants source, this project is focused on the
production of plant phenolics by microbial fermentation. Therefore, glucose as a renewable feedstock will be used.
LIGNEERING is a consortium from two academic partners, the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the
Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry. The combined expertise of the partners facilitates the creation of microbial
producer strains for selected phenolics (e.g. monolignols), which includes the development of suitable biocatalysts,
their integration into the microbial hosts and the technical implementation of large-scale fermentations. Thus, a
“green”, biosynthetic and high-yield production platform will be established, which will help to substitute similar
products made from fossil carbon and to significantly reduce CO2 in the future.
Funding: European Regional Development Fund, ERDF (Project No. W13011216)
Funding Period: 06/2021 – 12/2022
Coordinator: Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Dep. Downstream Processing
Contact Person: Prof. Markus Pietzsch
Partner: Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie (IPB)
Contact at IPB: Prof. Ludger Wessjohann
GLACIER
German-Latin American Centre of Infection & Epidemiology Research & Training
The GLACIER multidisciplinary consortium aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of communicable
diseases and the development of new vaccines and therapies. It also aims to improve crisis preparedness,
response and post-crisis care. GLACIER is operated under the joint leadership of the the Institute of Virology at
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Institute of Medical Immunology at Martin Luther University Halle-
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Wittenberg (MLU) in association with the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB). Central partner institutions in
Central America are the region's leading universities, the University of Havana (UH) and the Independent National
University of Mexico (UNAM), each of which will host central research and training laboratories. The international
and transdisciplinary dimension of pandemic preparedness and response will also be strengthened by 35 partners
in a total of 8 Central American countries and five additional expert groups from Germany. GLACIER aims to work
towards strengthening capacities in the Latin American region by (i) serving as a think tank supporting a
multidisciplinary network of institutions in 8 Central American countries, (ii) helping to build local research
capacity, (iii) increasing the number of well-trained experts/scientists and trainers, and (iv) engaging regional and
international policy makers, enabling information dissemination and faster regional crisis response.
Key Actions:
Development of a One Health Summer School
Establishment of real laboratories in Mexico and Cuba
Doctoral and research residencies and bilateral doctoral programs
Establishment of a database tool for surveillance and bioactives
Development of a seminar series on interdisciplinary approaches to the treatment and control of infectious
diseases
Development of teaching modules on anti-infective treatment strategies and bio-social analysis of infectious
disea
Funding: DAAD
Funding period: since 2021
Partner:
Universidad de La Habana
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Institut für Virologie der Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Leibniz Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie (IPB)
Institut für Geschichte der Medizin der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
Friedich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit
Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
Institut für Molekulare Virologie der Universität Ulm
German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)
Contact at the IPB: Prof. Ludger Wessjohann
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Research Training Group (RTG) 2670
Beyond Amphiphilicity (BEAM) - Self-Organization of Soft Matter via Multiple Noncovalent Interactions
The scientific vision of the RTG BEyond AMphiphilicity (BEAM) is to extend the concept of amphiphilicity to achieve
structuring soft matter through non-covalent interactions and a quantitative description that reconciles the static
thermodynamics and a dynamic molecular view on soft matter. For the first time, a set of measurable physico-
chemical quantities shall be defined and used to address the molecular interactions and the structural and
dynamic phenomena which lead to thermodynamic features associated with the terms philicity and phobicity. We
will go beyond elementary thermodynamic aspects such as miscibilities and partition coefficients: the combination
into multiple interaction patterns combining amphiphilicity with physical (attractive, repulsive) or effective
interactions within a single molecule together with the creation of order in the presence of dynamics (translations,
rotations and conformational motions) shall be developed further.
Funding: DFG (Project No. 436494874)
Funding period: since 2021
Coordinator: Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
Contact: Prof. Dariush Hinderberger (Coordinator: Dr. Imme Sakwa-Waltz)
Partner: Leibniz-Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB)
Contact at the IPB: Jun.-Prof. Martin Weissenborn
Website: https://beam.uni-halle.de/
HyperSpEED
Hypericum multi Species Exploration of Extracts Diversity as contribution to improving the quality of life
in old age
The cognitive decline in old age is both a medical and social problem of increasing importance in aging societies.
This project shall contribute to the development of plant-based products for the improvement and ideally also
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
treatment of age associated diseases and finally support the autonomy of older people.
Previous studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of the well-known St. John’s wort
(Hypericum perforatum) against depression, dementia and cancer. The HyperSpEED
project will now explore the diversity of the genus Hypericum (with more than 460
species) and the associated variability of bioactive constituents in order to make this
chemodiversity accessible for the development of new natural products for medicinal
research and to lay a basis for the breeding and cultivation of the respective species.
Therefore, metabolite composition, gene expression and phenotypic data will be
combined in a holistic multi-disciplinary approach.
At least 30 different species of St. John's wort species are cultivated under controlled conditions and are genetically
investigated at the IPK Gatersleben. Within the department of Bioorganic Chemistry at the IPB, researchers will
study the metabolite composition of these plant samples and optimize the extraction processes. Selected
compounds will be isolated and their structures elucidated. The biological effects of selected extracts and
metabolites are then evaluated at the IPB and in cooperation with external partners. Hypotheses about the
biosynthesis of relevant constituents will be validated with the help of molecular biology approaches. These
investigations will provide a basis to identify species and chemotypes suitable for the development of new
Hypericum-based products for specific medicinal applications.
Funding: European Regional Development Fund, ERDF (Project No. ZS/2019/07/99747)
Part of the Research Association Autonomie im Alter - Modellregion Sachsen-Anhalt
Funding Period: 06/2020 - 12/2022
Coordinator: Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
Contact at the IPK: Dr. Paride Rizzo
Contact at the IPB: Dr. Katrin Franke and Prof. Dr. Ludger Wessjohann
PhytoHäm
New plant-derived active substances for the treatment of elderly people suffering from chronic blood
diseases
The risk to suffer from acute and chronic diseases of the blood system is significantly increased in elderly people.
Due to its symptoms – e.g. weakness, breathlessness and cognitive dysfunctions – anemia causes severe
restrictions of the mental and physical general condition on the one hand. On the other, age-related „ excess of
blood“ (polyglobulia) enhances the risk of severe chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) and symptoms like
4/9Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie
Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
thromboses, myocardial infarction or stroke. Therefore, anemia and CMPD in elderly people are main reasons for
high morbidity resulting in more frequent hospital stays or entering a nursing facility, and finally increased
mortality. Those disorders of the blood system are thus dramatically limiting the autonomy of elderly people,
whereby the demographic change will intensify this problem steadily.
It is the main goal of the PhytoHäm project to improve the chances of elderly people suffering from a chronic blood
disorder to continue their autonomous life. For that purpose, we are seeking for specifically active and well-
tolerated plant-based substances that could be used as novel dietary supplements (nutraceuticals) or – in case of
very strong biological activity – could be further developed as pharmaceutical drug. Many plant ingredients provide
anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects as well as many other properties with high value for human nutrition
and medical care. The PhytoHäm project was created to combine the complementary expertises and resources of
both cooperation partners, in order to investigate the effects and application potentials of selected plant
ingredients and plant extracts, respectively, with respect to the therapy of elderly people suffering from chronic
blood disorders.
Funding: European Regional Development Fund, ERDF
Part of the Research Association Autonomie im Alter - Modellregion Sachsen-Anhalt
Funding Period: 07/2019 - 12/2021
Coordinator: Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
Coordinator contact: Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Fischer, University Hospital Magdeburg
Partner: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, IPB, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry
Contact at IPB: Prof. Dr. Ludger Wessjohann and Dr. Robert Rennert
Research Training Group (RTG) 2498
Communication and Dynamics of Plant Cell Compartments
The scientific focus of the new Research Training Group (RTG) 2498 centers on the dynamic interplay of plant cell
compartments, such as plastids and nuclei, which are key factors defining the properties of plant cells. The unifying
research hypothesis is that the control of key physiological processes during plant development or environmental
adaptation involves the coordinated action of organelles. The RTG focuses on processes that functionally link
plastids, nuclei and selected other important cell compartments to address the fundamental question of how plant
organelles communicate and dynamically associate depending on changing cellular requirements. By focusing on
processes that functionally link two or more organelles, we take a necessary step towards understanding the
mutual dependency of subcellular compartments with key roles in plant cell physiology.
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
The research topic of interacting organelles is ideal to promote cooperative research between the groups, as the
interdependencies between the organelles are unraveled. The qualification program for the PhD-students of this
RTG maximizes their exposure to different experimental approaches, which are pursued by the cooperating
research groups. The broad range of alternative experimental approaches is complemented by additional Science
Training Courses and Complementary Activities, which will help the PhD-students to develop their scientific profiles
and shape their professional personalities. Efficient and successful research will be enabled through support and
supervision of the PhD-students by Thesis Committees and their involvement in regular progress and literature
seminars, both as participants and co-organizers.
Funding: DFG (Project No. 400681449)
Funding period: since 2019
Coordinator: Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
Contact: Prof. Ingo Heilmann (Coordinator: Dr. Julia Grimmer)
Partner: Leibniz-Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB)
Contact at the IPB: Prof. Dr. Bettina Hause, Prof. Dr. Steffen Abel, Dr. Debora Gasperini, Dr. Wolfgang
Hoehenwarter
Website: https://rtg2498.uni-halle.de/
NEWCOTIANA
Breeding Tobacco for Health
The NEWCOTIANA project is a research and innovation initiative that combines several new plant breeding
techniques (NPBTs) to produce medical and cosmetic products in tobacco plants. Taking advantage of cutting-edge
molecular breeding methodologies, researchers will develop new varieties of tobacco and its wild relative Nicotiana
benthamiana to produce added-value compounds such as antibodies, vaccines and drugs in a sustainable manner.
By applying new NPBTs such as the CRISPR technique to the breeding of tobacco and other related species, the
traditional cultivation of tobacco will be revalued, thus providing it with new uses compatible with health.
NEWCOTIANA is an excellent testing ground for NPBTs and their applications for sustainable agriculture in the EU.
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
The project will produce reliable data on the utility, robustness, efficiency and safety aspects of a group of four
selected NPBTs when applied to the breeding of both conventional and unconventional crop traits. As a result,
NEWCOTIANA aims to provide industry, policy-makers and consumers with the experimental evidence and the
social communication channels that will facilitate the decision making process for the adoption of NPBTs.
Funding: Horizon 2020 by the European Union (Project ID 760331)
Funding period: 01/2018 - 06/2022
Coordinator: Joint Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Plants (IBMP-CSIC) Valencia, Spain
Contact: Diego Orzaez
Partners: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) and others
(Consortium including 19 partners)
Contact at the IPB: Dr. Sylvestre Marillonnet
Website: newcotiana.org
CHIC project
Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes
The CHIC project aims to develop chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) varieties that can be used to produce dietary fibre
with enhanced prebiotic effects to promote gut health. At the same time, given its biosynthetic capacity, high
yields and low agronomic requirements, chicory has significant potential as production host in molecular farming.
CHIC aims to harness this potential to cultivate chicory for the extraction of other types of health-related
compounds (terpenes) as potential lead molecules for drug development. To achieve this, new chicory varieties
must be developed. However, conventional chicory breeding is currently exceptionally time-consuming and thus,
chicory is a highly relevant case where new plant breeding technologies can make a real difference. Furthermore,
CHIC explores the interactions between technological potential and societal acceptance of modern plant breeding.
The consortium will evaluate the technological performance of these new plant breeding technologies, as well as
the safety, environmental, regulatory, socio-economic and broader societal issues associated with them.
Funding: Horizon 2020 by the European Union (Project ID 760891)
Funding period: 01/2018 - 06/2022
Coordinator: Wageningen University & Research, Niederlande
Contact: CHIC Project Coordinator Dirk Bosch
Partners: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) and others
(Consortium including 17 partners from 11 European nations)
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Contact at the IPB: Prof. Alain Tissier
Website: www.chicproject.eu
Tri-Sustain
Partnership for sustainable solutions Sub-Saharan Africa & Germany
This interdisciplinary project aims to identify ecologically endangered and therapeutically valuable plants from Sub-
Saharan countries and to ensure their sustainable use. Tri-Sustain implements a three‐pronged integrated
approach towards the goals of bioeconomic value‐chains, ecological and therapeutic sustainability. The
accompanying Graduate School further ensures personnel and partnership sustainability.
Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research, German Academic Exchange Service
Coordinator: Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
Project leader: Prof. Peter Imming (Institute of Pharmacy)
Partners: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) and Universities from Tanzania, Botswana and Ethiopia
Contact at the IPB: Dr. Norbert Arnold
Website: trisustain.uni-halle.de
de.NBI
German Network for Bioinformatics Infrastructure
The 'German Network for Bioinformatics Infrastructure – de.NBI' is a national infrastructure supported by the
Federal Ministry of Education and Research providing comprehensive, high-quality bioinformatics services to users
in life sciences research and biomedicine. The partners organize training events, courses and summer schools on
tools, standards and compute services provided by de.NBI to assist researchers to more effectively analyse their
data. The IPB is a de.NBI partner and member of the Center for Integrative Bioinformatics (CIBI). It maintains and
integrates metabolite annotation software into the de.NBI infrastructures and provides service around standards-
compliant data management and reuse of data from metabolomics experiments.
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Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts
Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Project ID 031L0107)
Period: 11/2016 - 12/2021
Coordinator CIBI: Prof. Dr. Oliver Kohlbacher, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen
Partners CIBI:
Freie Universität Berlin (FUB),
Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen (EKUT),
Universität Konstanz (UKON),
Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry Halle (IPB),
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden (CBG)
Contact at the IPB: Dr. Steffen Neumann
Website: www.denbi.de
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