Felix Weiss appointed Leibniz Junior Group Leader at the DRFZ
New Leibniz Junior Research Group investigates allele-specific gene regulation in inflammation
Dr. Felix Weiss from the DRFZ has been successful in the latest round of the Leibniz Competition. Starting 1 January 2026, he will establish and lead his own Leibniz Junior Research Group for five years. His group will investigate how cellular mechanisms control the expression of inflammatory genes, in particular through “allele-specific gene regulation.”
Allele-specific gene regulation
Most of our cells contain two copies (alleles) of each gene, one from the mother and one from the father. The Weiss group is investigating whether each copy is used equally during inflammatory phases and how variable allele usage, in conjunction with genetic diversity, alters the dynamics of the immune cell population and the development of diseases.
Leibniz Competition
The Leibniz Competition provides four fixed-term funding programmes for outstanding researchers in Leibniz institutes: Leibniz Junior Research Groups, Leibniz Programme for Women Professors, Leibniz Collaborative Excellence, and Leibniz Transfer.
