Projects
Fields of research at Ahrends' working group
The research group investigates the fundamental role of lipids in biological systems through a diverse portfolio of interdisciplinary projects. Their work includes studies on adipogenesis, where they explore the molecular mechanisms of fat cell formation and its relevance to obesity, as well as platelet lipidomics, focusing on how lipid composition influences platelet function and disease. In addition, the group develops computational tools within lipidomics to improve data analysis and accessibility, and applies these approaches in neurolipidomics to better understand links between metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. By combining advanced experimental techniques with multiomics strategies, the group aims to uncover complex molecular interactions and translate these findings into new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.
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Adipogenesis
The rising prevalence of obesity globally presents a critical social challenge, threatening to reverse the progress made in life expectancy in developed nations.
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Platelet Lipidomics
Platelet integrity and function critically depend on lipid composition. However, the lipid inventory in platelets was hitherto not quantified (Peng et al., Blood, 2018). Today our lab examines the lipidome of murine and human platelets using lipid-category tailored protocols on quantitative lipidomics platforms.
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de.NBI Lipidomics
Lipidomics encompasses analytical approaches that aim to identify and quantify the complete set of lipids, defined as lipidome in a given cell, tissue or organism as well as their interactions with other molecules.
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Multiomics
Phenotypes at cellular and organism level are a result of a multitude of different molecular species. Thereby, interconnected networks are at the heart of both signaling pathways and complex traits that mediate adaptive plasticity and determine phenotypes.
Available theses
We regularly offer a variety of Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis topics in our group depending on lab capacities. Students interested in current opportunities are welcome to contact us for further information and to learn more about our lab. Together, we can discuss possible topics and find a project tailored to your specific interests. Current topics of Master’s thesis are listed below, Bachelor’s thesis topics are usually determined at short notice and generally relate to our research topics mentioned on the website. If you are generally interested in the areas we focus on and enjoy experimental work, you should definitely get in touch with us. We provide an interdisciplinary research environment, offering the chance to learn a variety of methods in the field of lipidomics.
