Meet 2bind

Gernot is the founder of 2bind and highly accomplished researcher in the field of epigenetics. He holds a professorship in Biochemistry at the University of Regensburg. His research focuses on the cell nucleus, particularly the regulatory role of genome organisation, its influence on gene networks, and the maintenance and inheritance of activity states without alteration of the DNA sequence. This inheritance type— epigenetics — is a central process in organismal development and formation of distinct cell types.

Gernot’s lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, and bioinformatics to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic processes. His team was among the first to demonstrate that DNA packaging proteins actively move along DNA. This discovery shed light on the mechanisms behind this remodelling process and showed that the specific positioning of these packaging units on DNA directly affects gene expression.

Currently, his research explores the influence of RNA and non-canonical DNA structures on DNA packaging and epigenetic control. He is also actively involved in screening for new drugs that could potentially target epigenetic mechanisms to treat aging and malaria.

Ralf Wagner is Univ.-Prof. for Medical Microbiology (Virology) at the University of Regensburg. Ralf is passionate about developing vaccines from bench to clinic – initially with a strong focus on HIV, meanwhile comprising a broader spectrum of viruses – some, which are highly pathogenic (Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, CCHF), harbor pandemic potential (Influenza- and Coronaviruses) and are linked to malignancies (HPV) or severe clinical manifestations (CMV). Several of his vaccine candidates made it from the bench to the clinic (phase 2b). He pioneered recombinant virus-like particles for vaccine delivery and established the use of RNA- and codon-optimized „synthetic genes“ as golden standard in vaccine design.

He chaired, co-chaired and served as board member of several national and international vaccine clusters (e.g. EU, Gatesfoundation, NIH, BMBF) and acts as reviewer for various funding organisations (DFG, BMBF, EU, Foundations). Ralf has authored and co-authored more than 250 research articles, book chapters and patent applications.

He is acting as start-up ambassador for the local University, consulting life-science venture funds and co-founder of several biotech companies. Fascinated by the broad applicability of synthesic genes, he established Regensburg-based Geneart AG, a previously public biotech company. During his leadership as CEO and CSO (2000-2012), Geneart grew to more than 230 employees and 2 subsidiaries in Canada and the US. He was awarded with the Germany’s Founders Award (Top 3), the “Step Award”, and the “European Biotech Award”. After the acquisition by Life Technologies Inc., he successfully managed the integration process and served as Vice President of Synthetic Biology within the US Corporation (2010-2012).