Clinical and Molecular Phenotyping (CMP)

Line 1: Biomarker Development

This cross-cutting line focuses on biomarker development, with special attention to non-coding RNAs. The group has extensive expertise across the complete biomarker workflow, including pre-analytical handling, laboratory pipelines and bioinformatics/biostatistics analysis and interpretation. The main goal is to identify robust biomarkers that can be applied in different clinical settings.

Key activities

Design and standardize pre-analytical workflows for blood and clinical samples
Develop and optimize non-coding RNA biomarker assays (circulating microRNAs and other small RNAs) using RT-qPCR and targeted omics
Implement quality control and contamination-control procedures for reproducible RNA workflows
Build harmonized bioinformatics/biostatistics pipelines for robust analysis
Select minimal, clinically feasible biomarker panels and define reporting thresholds for implementation
Support multicenter comparability through benchmarking activities (e.g., ring trials) and shared SOPs
Translate biomarker findings into practical tools for clinical evaluation across different disease areas

Line 2: Infection Biomarkers with a Focus on Pathogen-Derived Non-Coding RNAs

This line develops infection-related biomarker panels that incorporate pathogen-derived non-coding RNAs, an innovative and underexplored area with strong translational potential. Current priorities:

i) Viral-encoded microRNAs

Indicators of viral reactivation in critically ill patients
Biomarkers for post-infection monitoring and infection-related complications

ii) Small RNA signatures for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Integration of tRNA-derived fragments and other small RNAs
Early diagnostic support for this life-threatening fungal infection

iii) Integrated bacterial- and host-derived ncRNA panels

Informing antimicrobial resistance patterns
Supporting personalized antimicrobial treatment strategies

Line 3: Post-Infection Syndromes

This line uses molecular phenotyping to identify clinically meaningful endotypes and biomarker profiles in post-infection conditions, including post-critical illness and post-viral trajectories (e.g., Long COVID). The goal is to move from heterogeneous symptoms to measurable biological patterns that support follow-up and more personalized care.

Key objectives

Define endotypes using integrated molecular data (e.g., ncRNAs and selected targeted markers) together with detailed clinical phenotypes
Characterize molecular signatures linked to persistent symptoms, organ dysfunction and long-term complications
Associate endotypes with clinical outcomes and recovery trajectories, enabling risk stratification over time
Develop practical biomarker panels to support follow-up, patient stratification and, when appropriate, therapeutic decision-making