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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

Research

TECHNOLOGY

We integrate miniaturized combinatorial library synthesis with direct cellular, biophysical, and proteomic readouts to decode biomolecular interactions, create probes and inhibitors, and uncover new therapeutic opportunities.

Selected publications:

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FLUORESCENT PROBES

We develop fluorescent probes for high-end microscopy to fully exploit the resolution of next-generation imaging technologies and uncover new aspects of cellular function and disease.

 

Selected publications:

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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

Khayenko et al 2025 eLife

Rauber et al 2024 Nature Immunology

Yeste‐Vázquez et al 2024 Angewandte Chemie

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Antisense

We decipher the design principles governing antisense blockade of translation initiation and use these insights to develop antisense antibiotics

 

Selected publications:

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AUTOANTIBODIES

We map disease-specific epitopes in autoimmune neuropathies to uncover biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision diagnostics and improved treatments.

Selected publications:

Talucci et al 2026 eLife

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

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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

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JOBS

The Maric lab is looking for motivated scientists at all levels. Apply today!

PhD STUDENT (M/W/D)

Start: 1/2023 or upon agreement

We are searching for a doctoral researcher as part of our Emmy Noether funded Chemical Biology research. This position will be based at the Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging in Würzburg, Germany.

Contact
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