Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab)

We are a prion research group in Göttingen, focused on understanding prion disorders and other neurodegenerative diseases.

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

Susana Margrida, Matthias Schmitz, and Peter Hermann in Inga Zerr's Lab have successfully identified abnormal prion proteins in the tear fluid of patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other prion disorders.

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

This project focuses on exploration of biomarkers that predict prion disease onset or track its progression, critical for future therapeutic trails.
Individuals at risk (healthy mutation carriers) are seen in open protective clinical registries at our centers.

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

This project focuses on exploration of biomarkers that predict prion disease onset or track its progression, critical for future therapeutic trails.

PrionAtRisk poster displayed at PRION2024 Nanchang, China 💡

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

Since the start of systematic prion disease research, diagnostic advancements have significantly improved.
Seeded Amplification Assays (e.g. PrPSc, PrPSc Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion) have enhanced clinical accuracy, and blood-based biomarkers are nearing clinical use.

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

especially for detecting preclinical abnormalities through non-invasive methods.
This project focuses on exploration of biomarkers that predict prion disease onset or track its progression, critical for future therapeutic trails.

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

In recent years, new biomarkers have been indentified to assess preclinical disease activity, using easily accessible samples like olfactory mucosa, skin, tear fluids, and plasma.
While clinical diagnoses can be very precise, ongoing research into biomarkers remains essential.

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

This significant breakthrough provides a less invasive diagnostic method, potentially leading to earlier detection and better management of these complex conditions. They have published their research in The New England Journal of Medicine.
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2214647

[Prion Research Group (Zerr's lab) @zerr_inga]

Susana Margrida, Matthias Schmitz, and Peter Hermann in Inga Zerr's Lab have successfully identified abnormal prion proteins in the tear fluid of patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other prion disorders.