Dual-Color Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) of tubular (yellow) and sheet (cyan) ER in fixed cells.

TAB Research Group KI - supER

AI-SupER (2024 FGR 0059) is an interdisciplinary research project between the University Hospital Jena and the FSU funded by the Thueringer Aufbaubank, that develops AI-powered super-resolution imaging strategies to investigate the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in models of neurodegenerative diseases. By combining advanced microscopy with artificial intelligence, we aim to uncover how nanoscale ER changes contribute to neuronal degeneration and explore new therapeutic approaches.
Dual-Color Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) of tubular (yellow) and sheet (cyan) ER in fixed cells.
Graphic: Christian Franke

Motivation

Neurodegenerative diseases represent one of the greatest global health challenges, with over a billion people affected worldwide. Early symptoms are often subtle and hard to detect, making early intervention difficult. Many hereditary neurodegenerative diseases (axonopathies) are directly linked to mutations in ER-shaping proteins. However, due to the nanoscale complexity and dynamic nature of the ER, these changes remain poorly understood. AI-SupER addresses this urgent need by developing novel tools to visualize and quantify ER structure in health and disease at nanometer resolution.

Team, Goals and Approach

Our collaborative Research-Group AI-supER funded by the Thüringer Aufbaubank (TABExternal link) has officially started its work in 2025. Together with the groups of Christian Hübner (Hübner LabExternal link) and Michael Habeck (AG HabeckExternal link) from the University Hospital Jena we will develop advanced super-resolution microscopy and AI-based analysis tools to investigate the change of nanostructure of the enoplasmatic reticulum in neuro-degenerative deseases. In the Franke Lab, Adrian is leading the development of novel Hardware- and Software tools for high-speed super-resolution imaging of the ER and other organelles.