
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.
DECODING & TARGETING BIOMOLECULAR INTERACTION
We decode biomolecular interactions to guide selective inhibitor design, particularly for challenging protein–protein interfaces. Using structure- and computation-guided synthetic library display, we identify cyclic, modified peptidic, and peptidomimetic inhibitors.
Selected publications:
Uhl et al 2026 Cell
Raimondo et al 2026 Nature Immunology

AUTOANTIBODIES
We map disease-specific epitopes in autoimmune neuropathies to uncover biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision diagnostics and improved treatments.
Selected publications:
Navarro, Talucci et al 2024 European Heart Journal
Talucci et al 2024 Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
Kreissner et al 2024 BMC Bioinformatics
Talucci et al 2023 Methods in Molecular Biology
Wiessler, Talucci et al 2024 NNN
Talucci, Arlt et al 2024 Frontiers in immunology
Arlt et al 2024 Brain, Behaviour & Immunity
Bünger, Talucci et al 2023 BBI Health


NEW IN PRESS I January I 2026
Redox-Activated Probes Enable High-Contrast Live Imagingof Native Postsynaptic Scaffold
We developed compact fluorescent probes for high-contrast live imaging of endogenous synaptic scaffolds in neurons without genetic modification. The approach enables reliable intracellular delivery and offers a modular strategy to label intracellular proteins in living neurons.
NEWS I Jan I 2026
We are looking forward to an exciting new ChemBiol & MedChem year!
FUNDING


















