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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Start of the junior research group headed by Dr. Tanja Laske
The new junior research group Viral Systems Modeling headed by Dr. Tanja Laske started work at the Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) on February 1, 2025. The group is dedicated to computer-assisted research into viral infection processes with the aim of developing innovative approaches to prevention and therapy.
A deep mechanistic understanding of virus replication and virus spread is the basis for deciphering complex infection processes. Dr. Tanja Laske's group employs computational models to simulate complex biological processes in silico. By combining virus dynamics modeling, bioinformatics and data mining, the aim is to systematically analyze factors that influence virus replication and to find starting points for new therapeutic approaches.
“The Leibniz Institute of Virology offers my junior research group an ideal environment for our research. The excellent infrastructure, the interdisciplinary synergies and the outstanding expertise in the field of infection research create optimal conditions for advancing our scientific goals,” explains Dr. Tanja Laske.
A central research area of the group is the investigation of defective viral genomes (DVGs) and their influence on the course of infection. DVGs are mutated viral genomes that can impair the spread of the virus, trigger immune reactions and reduce the infectious viral load. The junior research group develops AI-supported computer models to predict the effects of these genomes on infections and to evaluate their potential as antiviral agents. The integrative analysis of sequencing data and other quantitative data from infection experiments will be used to identify promising DVG candidates for new antiviral therapeutic approaches.
“Dr. Tanja Laske's research approach will further strengthen the LIV's research profile. With the start of her junior research group, the LIV is sending an important signal for the further development of computer-assisted approaches in virology,” says Prof. Marcus Altfeld, Scientific Director at the LIV.
*About the person: Dr. Tanja Laske*
Dr. Tanja Laske has extensive experience in computational systems biology. After completing her doctorate at the Max Planck Institute and the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher and project manager at the University of Hamburg. Her research focuses on the combination of bioinformatics and systems biology methods for modeling viral processes and the AI-supported development of innovative antiviral strategies.
Dr. Tanja Laske
privat (T. Laske)
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Dr. Tanja Laske
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