May 9th, 10th at ALBA Synchrotron, Barcelona
Partner: Heidelberg University
Introduction:
The lab of Prof. Dr Ralf Bartenschlager is focused on the molecular and cellular biology underlying medically relevant viral pathogens including flaviviruses (such as Dengue virus and Zika virus), hepatitis C, B & D virus, and very recently SARS-Cov-2. Their studies revolve around virus-host cell interaction using novel imaging methods and high-resolution microscopy.
Update:
In project CoCID, they have contributed with advanced sample preparation in order to explore cryo-SXM applications using both grid-based and capillary-based modalities to link 3D structure and entry, replication and assembly of SARS-Cov2 virus. The rationale behind this project is to apply cryo-SXM to elucidate possible differences in the replication organelles(double-membrane vesicles) shape, distribution and relationship to other cellular structures among the two variants, Wuhan and Omicron. They further aim to leverage the power of SXMin following the progression of the dengue virus infection at a whole cell level. This virus induces well-defined ultrastructural changes such as elongation of the mitochondria and ER membrane invaginations that can be used to calibrateSXM approaches using the SXT100 lab-scale microscope