The research group of Prof. Möckl, who holds the chair of ›Nanoimaging‹ at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, is investigating the glycocalyx. This is a complex layer of sugars, which surrounds all cells and acts as an interface with the environment. The focus of his group is on the communication between the cell and the glycocalyx, in particular how this influences cell function and vice versa. The glycocalyx plays a central role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, as it can influence the survival of tumor cells and transmit mechanical stimuli for tumor invasion. It also plays a regulatory role in the immune system. Cancer cells use glycocalyx components to circumvent immune reactions. The research group uses nano-optical methods such as super-resolution microscopy to study the structure and function of the glycocalyx in order to develop new approaches for cancer therapy, for example by the targeted modification of immune-inhibiting molecules such as sialic acid.

The ›Rising Star‹ Award is an honor from the American Chemical Society (ACS), which recognizes outstanding young scientists in various fields of the natural sciences. The winners are selected by the respective ACS journals, including ACS Bio & Med Chem Au, which honors Möckl with this award. Nominees should be in the first eight years of their independent careers and be conducting research at the forefront of their field. The award aims to encourage the next generation of scientists and highlight their innovative contributions to scientific research.

Find more here.