Thomas Schlichthaerle

De novo design of selective kinase modulators

This study designs genetically encoded miniproteins to modulate FAK kinase activity, showing they can inhibit or activate FAK in vitro and in cells, and adapt them to target other kinases.

Using DNA origami to study nanoscale organization of plasma membranes

This study uses DNA origami probes to investigate nanodomain organization and dynamics in plasma membranes by tracking their movement and interactions with nanodomains.

Geometric Tuning of Cytokine Receptor Association Modulates Synthetic Agonist Signaling

This paper designs synthetic cytokine agonists with controlled receptor geometry to modulate signaling outcomes and functional effects.

Direct cell reprogramming by a designed agonist inducing HER2-FGFR proximity

This paper designs a synthetic ligand, H2F, that induces HER2-FGFR proximity to reprogram fibroblasts into myogenic cells and promote myogenic regeneration.

Designed NGF mimetics with reduced nociceptive signatures in neurons

The paper designs TrkA agonists that activate neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth without triggering pain-related gene expression.

De novo design of miniprotein agonists and antagonists targeting G protein-coupled receptors

This paper presents computational methods for designing GPCR-binding miniproteins and validates them through high-throughput screening, producing agonists and antagonists for multiple GPCRs.

Engineered Receptors for Soluble Cell-to-Cell Communication

This paper introduces SNIPR, a synthetic receptor that responds to soluble ligands, enabling targeted CAR T-cell therapy and synthetic cell signaling.

Design of High Affinity Binders to Convex Protein Target Sites

This paper designs high-affinity proteins that bind to convex protein sites using geometrically matching concave scaffolds, achieving low nanomolar to picomolar affinities.

Designed Endocytosis-Triggering Proteins mediate Targeted Degradation and amplify signaling

The paper designs EndoTags to trigger endocytosis and degradation of target proteins, enabling tissue-specific targeting and therapeutic applications.