Dr. Martin Empting participates in RESIST research projects C3 and D1.
| My Research Interest in RESIST |
Our research focus in RESIST is the identification and optimization of small molecular compounds that interfere with novel and un(der)exploited drug targets against bacterial (C3) as well as viral infections (D3). The longterm aim is to thereby contribute to new treatment options for chronic lung infections as well as for herpesviral disease. In particular, we want to open the door for combination therapies that either utilize an antibiotic backbone treatment (C3) or drugs acting at different stages of the viral life cycle (D3). Recently, we have contributed to the discovery of a first generation of small molecule inhibitors acting on LANA and a pK15-dependent signal transduction cascade. Over the course of the next 6 years we want to continue with the optimization and development of these inhibitors and other inhibitors and apply the experience gained in recent years to other herpesviruses.
Dr. Empting about his scientific work
Dr. Martin Empting – Curriculum Vitae
Current Position
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training
Academic and Research Posts
Other Scientific Roles
Awards and Prizes
10 Selected Publications
Abere B, Mamo TM, Hartmann S, Samarina N, Hage E, Rückert J, Hotop SK, Büsche G, Schulz TF. The Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) non-structural membrane protein K15 is required for viral lytic replication and may represent a therapeutic target. PLoS Pathog. 2017; 3(9): e1006639.
Zhang G, Chan B, Samarina N, Abere B, Weidner-Glunde M, Buch A, Pich A, Brinkmann MB, Schulz TF. Cytoplasmic isoforms of Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus LANA recruit and antagonize the innate immune sensor cGAS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016; 113: E1034-43.
Gramolelli S, Weidner-Glunde M, Abere B, Viejo-Borbolla A, Bala K, Rückert J, Kremmer E, Schulz TF. Inhibiting the recruitment of PLC1 to Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus K15 protein reduces the invasiveness and angiogenesis of infected endothelial cells. PLoS Pathog. 2015; 11(8): e1005105.
Hellert J, Weidner-Glunde M, Krausze J, Lünsdorf H, Ritter C, Schulz TF*, Lührs T*. (2015) The 3D-structure of Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus LANA c-terminal domain bound to DNA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015; 112: 6694-9. *joint senior author
Hellert J, Weidner-Glunde M, Krausze J, Richter U, Adler H, Fedorov R, Pietrek M, Rückert J, Ritter C, Schulz TF*, Lührs T*. A structural basis for BRD2/4-mediated host chromatin interaction and oligomer assembly of Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus and murine gammaherpesvirus LANA proteins. PLoS Pathog. 2013; 9(10): e1003640. *joint senior authors
Santag S, Jäger W, Karsten C, Kati S, Pietrek M, Steinemann D, Sarek G, Ojala P, Schulz TF Recruitment of the tumour suppressor protein p73 by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus latent nuclear antigen contributes to the survival of primary effusion lymphoma cells. Oncogene. 2013; 32(32):3676-85.
Bala K, Bosco R, Gramolelli S, Haas DA, Kati S, Pietrek M, Hävemeier A, Yakushko Y, Singh VV, Dittrich- Breiholz O, Kracht M, Schulz TF Kaposi ́s Sarcoma Herpesvirus K15 protein contributes to virus-induced angiogenesis by recruiting PLC1 and activating NFAT1-dependent RCAN1 expression. PLoS Pathog. 2012; 8:e1002927.
Rainbow L, Platt GM, Simpson GR, Sarid R, Gao SJ, Stoiber H, Herringston CS, Moore PS, Schulz TF The 222-234 kd nuclear protein (LNA) of Kaposi’s sarcoma – associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV 8) is encoded by orf73 and a component of the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). J Virol. 1997; 71: 5915-21.
Simpson GR, Schulz TF*, WhitbyD, Cook PM, Boshoff C, Rainbow L, Howard M, Gao SJ, Bohenzky RA, Simmonds P, Lee C, de Ruiter A, Hatzakis A, Tedder RS, Weller IVD, Weiss RA, Moore PS Prevalence of Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus infection measured by antibodies to recombinant capsid protein and latent immunofluorescence antigen. Lancet. 1996; 348: 1133–38 *corresponding author
Whitby D, Howard MR, Tenant-Flowrs M, Brink NS, Copas A, Boshoff C, Hatzioannou T, Suggett FEA, Aldam DM, Denton AS, Miller RF, Weller IVD, Weiss RA, Tedder RS, Schulz TF. Detection of Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus in peripheral blood of HIV-infected individuals and progression to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Lancet. 1995; 346: 799-802.
