MARIC LAB
Decoding & Targeting Protein Interactions
Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging
VISION
From Molecular Mechanisms to Next-Generation Drugs
Proteins drive essential biological processes, yet their interactions remain a major challenge in life sciences and drug discovery. Our research deciphers protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions, with a focus on intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) and their roles in gene expression, autoimmunity, infection and cancer. By integrating library technologies and medicinal chemistry, we develop precision binders to visualize and modulate these interactions. Thereby we shed light on disease mechanisms and open new paths for therapeutic intervention.
RESEARCH
TECHNOLOGY
We integrate miniaturized, automated synthesis of peptidic molecules with direct biophysical and proteomic readouts to dissect protein interactions, design precision probes and inhibitors, and uncover novel therapeutic strategies
​
Selected publications:
FLUORESCENT PROBES
We develop affinity probes for high contrast visualization of target proteins without genetic interference. Our compact fluorescent probes unleash the full resolution potential of the latest high-end microscopy technologies to enable new insights into cellular function and disease.
Selected publications:
GABAAR NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are the main mediators of phasic and tonic inhibition in the human brain and an important neuropharmacological drug target. Currently used GABAAR drugs affect receptors across different brain regions and neuronal structures which causes severe side effects and drastically limits their effectiveness. We explore GABAAR-associated proteins as a means of modulating discrete dysfunctional neuronal pathways.
​
Selected publications:
Dos Reis et al. 2022, Nature Communications
Gene Expression and Infection
We develop peptidic molecules to modulate transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, disrupt viral assembly, and block essential bacterial mRNA translation, aiming for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Selected publications:
Danti et al., 2025 Advanced Science
Khayenko et al., 2025, eLife
Makbul et al., 2021, Microorganisms
Moreno-Yruela et al., 2021, Nature Communications
Gründl et al., 2020, PLoS Genetics
Prieto-Garcia et al., 2020, EMBO
AUTOANTIBODIES
A subset of autoimmune neuropathies arises from autoantibodies targeting key nerve structures, with disease severity correlating to antibody levels. Yet, many autoantigens remain unidentified, limiting diagnostic and therapeutic advances. We map pathology-specific epitopes and pursue their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, driving both precision diagnostics and the development of sustainable treatment strategies
​​​​​​​​​​​Selected publications:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​Talucci & Maric Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 2024
Talucci & Maric. Methods Mol. Biol. 2023
Kreissner, Faller, Talucci et al., BMC Bioinformatics
Eckes, Talucci et al., NNN, 2023
Talucci, Arlt et al. Front Immun. 2024
Arlt, …, Talucci et al. Neurology 2024
Bünger, Talucci et al, BBI Health 2023
Navarro, Talucci et al. European Heart Journal 2024
NEW IN PRESS I March I 2025
eSylites: Synthetic Probes for Visualization and Topographic Mapping of Single Excitatory Synapses
eSylites are small-molecule synthetic probes designed for precise targeting of excitatory synapses. Overcoming the size limitations of conventional probes, they enable high-contrast, super-resolution imaging of PSD-95 in neurons and brain slices at nanomolar concentrations. Their optimized design minimizes dye offset, enhancing localization precision. By revealing distinct nanodomains within dendritic spines, eSylites provide a powerful tool for mapping postsynaptic density organization with unprecedented resolution.
FUNDING
