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Assoc.-Prof. Ulrich Koller, PhD

Group Leader WG Koller

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Research statement

I am interested in the development of ex vivo and in vivo RNA- and DNA-targeting therapies for EB. We are currently using gene editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN) to repair EB-associated mutations in patient-derived cells. Another focus is on the development of RNA trans-splicing approaches that allow the repair of mutations at pre-mRNA level

Personal interests

I am passionate about soccer and currently coaching a children soccer team in my hometown

Curriculum Vitae Ulrich Koller

Professional Career

Since 2014
Group leader at the EB House Austria

2009-2014
Postdoc at the EB House Austria

 

Education

2019
Habilitation in Experimental Dermatology at the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg

2009
PhD, Paris Lodron University Salzburg
"High throughput screening for functional pre-trans-splicing molecules for gene therapy of EB-patients"
Research group: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johann W. Bauer

2005
MSc in Genetics and Biotechnology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg
"Creation of hypoallergens by setting specific mutations in the amino acid sequence of the shuffled allergens H2 and H3"
Research group: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Fátima Ferreira-Briza

2003
BSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg

 

Awards and Fellowships

2020 Scientific award in silver from the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg
2019 Scientific award in silver from the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg
2018 Scientific award in platin from the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg
2017 Scientific award in gold from the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg
2016 Sanofi-Aventis Prize
2014 Sanofi-Aventis Prize
2014 Scientific award in bronze from the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg
2013 Non-melanoma skin cancer prize (Meda Pharma)
2012 Scientific award in bronze from the Paracelsus Medical University,Salzburg
2011 Austrian Dermatology Prize (Unilever Prize)
2011 Scientific award in bronze from the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg

 

Additional qualifications/training

2008 Consert labcourse, symposium and practical course: Lentiviral vectors; concepts, practice, hope and reality, Evry, France
2008 FACS training, Werfen Austria, Beckman Coulter FC500

Original Articles

  1. Klermund J, Rhiel M, Kocher T, Chmielewski KO, Bischof J, Andrieux G, el Gaz M, Hainzl S, Boerries M, Cornu TI, Koller U, Cathomen T. On- and off-target effects of paired CRISPR-Cas nickase in primary human cells. Molecular Therapy 2024.
  2. Hainzl S, Trattner L, Liemberger B, Bischof J, Kocher T, Ablinger M, Nyström A, Obermayer A, Klausegger A, Gruber C, Wally V, Bauer JW, Piñón Hofbauer J, Koller U. Splicing Modulation via Antisense Oligonucleotides in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2024.
  3. Illmer J, Zauner R, Piñón Hofbauer J, Wimmer M, Gruner S, Ablinger M, Bischof J, Dorfer S, Hainzl S, Tober V, Bergson S, Sarig O, Samuelov L, Guttmann-Gruber C, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Sprecher E, Koller U, Laimer M, Bauer JW, Wally V. miR-200b-mediated reversion of a spectrum of epithelial to mesenchymal transition states in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa squamous cell carcinomas. The British journal of dermatology 2023.
  4. Zauner R, Wimmer M, Atzmueller S, Proell J, Niklas N, Ablinger M, Reisenberger M, Lettner T, Illmer J, Dorfer S, Koller U, Guttmann-Gruber C, Hofbauer JP, Bauer JW, Wally V. Biomarker Discovery in Rare Malignancies: Development of a miRNA Signature for RDEB-cSCC. 2023;15:3286.
  5. Welponer T, Weber DD, Trattner L, Tockner B, Aminzadeh-Gohari S, Leb-Reichl V, Kaufmann A, Zauner R, Wimmer M, Wally V, Felder TK, Strunk D, Koller U, Bauer JW, Kofler B, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñon Hofbauer J. Metformin shows anti-neoplastic properties by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in epidermolysis bullosa-associated aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV 2023
  6. Liemberger B, Bischof J, Ablinger M, Hainzl S, Murauer EM, Lackner N, Ebner P, Kocher T, Nyström A, Wally V, Mayr E, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñón Hofbauer J, Bauer JW,  Koller U. (2023). COL7A1 Editing via RNA Trans-Splicing in RDEB-Derived Skin Equivalents. Int J Mol Sci 24(5):4341.
  7. Zwicklhuber J, Kocher T, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Bischof J, Strunk D, Raninger AM, Gratz I, Wally V, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñón Hofbauer J, Bauer  JW, Koller U (2023). A Novel Fluorescence-Based Screen of Gene Editing Molecules for Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 24(6):5197.
  8. Petković I, Bischof J, Kocher T, March OP, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Strunk D, Raninger AM, Binder AM, Reichelt J, Guttman-Gruber C, Wally V, Piñón Hofbauer J, Bauer JW, Koller U. COL17A1 editing via homology-directed repair in junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Front Med 2022, 9:976604.
  9. Bischof J, March OP, Liemberger B, Haas SA, Hainzl S, Petković I, Leb-Reichl V, Illmer J, Korotchenko E, Klausegger A, Hoog A, Binder H-M, Garcia M, Duarte B, Strunk D, Larcher F, Reichelt J, Guttmann-Gruber C, Wally V, Hofbauer JP, Bauer JW, Cathomen T, Kocher T, Koller U. Paired nicking-mediated COL17A1 reframing for junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Molecular Therapy 2022.
  10. Mayr E, Ablinger M, Lettner T, Murauer EM, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñón Hofbauer J, Hainzl S, Kaiser M, Klausegger A, Bauer JW, Koller U, Wally V. 5’ RNA Trans-Splicing Repair of COL7A1 Mutant Transcripts in Epidermolysis bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2022, 23(3):1732.
  11. Zauner R, Wimmer M, Dorfer S, Ablinger M, Koller U, Piñón Hofbauer J, Guttmann-Gruber C, Bauer JW, Wally V. Transcriptome-Guided Drug Repurposing for Aggressive SCCs. International journal of molecular sciences 2022;23:1007
  12. Woess K, Sun Y, Morio H, Stierschneider A, Kaufmann A, Hainzl S, Trattner L, Kocher T, Tockner B, Leb-Reichl V, Steiner M, Brachtl G, South AP, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Furihata T, Wally V, Koller U, Piñón Hofbauer J, Guttmann-Gruber C. Evaluating a Targeted Cancer Therapy Approach Mediated by RNA trans-Splicing In Vitro and in a Xenograft Model for Epidermolysis Bullosa-Associated Skin Cancer. International journal of molecular sciences 2022;23.
  13. Kocher T, Bischof J, Haas SA, March OP, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Illmer J, Hoog A, Muigg K, Binder HM, Klausegger A, Strunk D, Bauer JW, Cathomen T, Koller U. A non-viral and selection-free COL7A1 HDR approach with improved safety profile for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids, 2021
  14. Bornert O, Hogervorst M, Nauroy P, Bischof J, Swildens J, Athanasiou I, Tufa SF, Keene DR, Kiritsi D, Hainzl S, Murauer EM, Marinkovich MP, Platenburg G, Hausser I, Wally V, Ritsema T, Koller U, Haisma EM, Nyström A. QR-313, an Antisense Oligonucleotide, Shows Therapeutic Efficacy for Treatment of Dominant and Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Preclinical Study. J Invest Dermatol
  15. Ablinger M, Lettner T, Friedl N, Potocki H, Palmetzhofer T, Koller U, Illmer J, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Klausegger A, Reisenberger M, Lambert J, Van Gele M, Desmet E, Van Maelsaeke E, Wimmer M, Zauner R, Bauer JW, Wally V. Personalized Development of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Exon Skipping Restores Type XVII Collagen Expression in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa. 2021;22:3326.
  16. Kwik M, Hainzl S, Oppelt J, Tichy B, Koller U, Bernardinelli E, Steiner M, Zara G, Nofziger C, Weis S, Paulmichl M, Dossena S, Patsch W, Soyal SM (2021) Selective Activation of CNS and Reference PPARGC1A Promoters Is Associated with Distinct Gene Programs Relevant for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22(7), 3296.
  17. Kocher T, March OP, Bischof J, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Klausegger A, Hoog A, Strunk D, Bauer JW, Koller U. Predictable CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated COL7A1 Reframing for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol. 2020, ISSN 0022-202X
  18. Bornert O, Kocher T, Gretzmeier C, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Koller U, Nyström A. Generation of rabbit polyclonal human and murine collagen VII monospecific antibodies: A useful tool for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa therapy studies. Matrix Biology Plus 2019, 100017, ISSN 2590-0285
  19. Kocher T, Wagner RN, Klausegger A, Guttmann-Gruber C, Hainzl S, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Koller U. Improved Double-Nicking Strategies for COL7A1-Editing by Homologous Recombination. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2019;18:496-507
  20. March OP, Lettner T, Klausegger A, Ablinger M, Kocher T, Hainzl S, Peking P, Lackner N, Rajan N, Hofbauer JP, Guttmann-Gruber C, Bygum A, Koller U*, Reichelt J*.  Gene editing-mediated disruption of epidermolytic ichthyosis-associated KRT10 alleles restores filament stability in keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol. 2019 Aug;139(8):1699-1710.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.03.1146. Epub 2019 Apr 15. *joint senior authorship
  21. Peking P, Breitenbach JS, Ablinger M, Muss WH, Poetschke FJ, Kocher T, Koller U, Hainzl S, Kitzmueller S, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Lettner T, Wally V. An ex-vivo RNA trans-splicing strategy to correct human generalized severe epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Jan;180(1):141-148. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17075. Epub 2018 Oct 7.
  22. Sun Y, Piñón Hofbauer J, Harada M, Wöss K, Koller U, Morio H, Stierschneider A, Kitamura K, Hashimoto M, Chiba K, Akita H, Anzei N, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Guttmann-Gruber C, Furihata T. Cancer-type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 is a target for cancer suicide gene therapy using RNA trans-splicing technology. Cancer Lett. 2018 Jun 27;433:107-116.
  23. Liemberger B, Piñón Hofbauer J, Wally V, Arzt C, Hainzl S, Kocher T, Murauer EM, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Koller U. RNA Trans-Splicing Modulation via Antisense Molecule Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2018;19(3), 762; doi:10.3390/ijms19030762.
  24. Kocher T, Peking P, Klausegger A, Murauer EM, Piñón Hofbauer J, Wally V, Lettner T, Hainzl S, Ablinger M, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Koller U. Cut and Paste: efficient homology-directed repair of a dominant negative KRT14 mutation via CRISPR/Cas9 nickases. Mol Ther 2017;25(11):2585-2598.
  25. Peking P, Koller U, Duarte B, Murillas R, Wolf S, Maetzig T, Rothe M, Kocher T, García M, Brachtl G, Schambach A, Larcher F, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Murauer EM. An RNA-targeted therapy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Nucleic Acids Res. 2017;45(17):10259-10269.
  26. Hainzl S, Peking P, Kocher T, Murauer EM, Larcher F, Del Rio M, Duarte B, Steiner M, Klausegger A, Bauer JW, Reichelt J, Koller U. COL7A1 editing via CRISPR/Cas9 in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther 2017;25(11):2573-2584.
  27. Aushev M, Koller U, Mussolino C, Cathomen T, Reichelt J. Traceless Targeting and Isolation of Gene-Edited Immortalized Keratinocytes from Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex Patients. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. 2017;6:112-123.
  28. Hüttner C, Murauer EM, Hainzl S, Kocher T, Neumayer A, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Koller U. Designing Efficient Double RNA trans-Splicing Molecules for Targeted RNA Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2016;17(10). pii: E1609.
  29. Tockner B, Kocher T, Hainzl S, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Koller Ux, Murauer EMx. Construction and validation of a RNA trans-splicing molecule suitable to repair a large number of COL7A1 mutations. Gene Ther 2016;23(11):775-784. xjoint senior authorship
  30. Peking Px, Koller Ux, Hainzl S, Kitzmueller S, Kocher T, Mayr E, Nystrom A, Lener T, Reichelt J, Bauer JW, Murauer EM. A gene gun-mediated non-viral RNA trans-splicing strategy for Col7a1 repair. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2016;5:e287. xequally contributed
  31. Koller U, Hainzl S, Kocher T, Hüttner C, Klausegger A, Gruber C, Mayr E, Wally V, Murauer EM. Trans-splicing improvement by the combined application of antisense strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2015;16(1):1179-1191.
  32. Gruber Cx, Koller Ux, Murauer EM, Hainzl S, Hüttner C, Kocher T, South AP, Hintner H, Bauer JW. The design and optimization of RNA trans-splicing molecules for skin cancer therapy. MolOncol 2013;7(6):1056-1068. xequally contributed
  33. Murauer EM, Koller U, Hainzl S, Wally V, Bauer JW. A reporter-based screen to identify potent 3' trans-splicing molecules for endogenous RNA repair. Hum. Gene Ther. Methods 2013;24(1):19-27.
  34. Koller U, Wally V, Mitchell LG, Klausegger A, Murauer EM, Mayr E, Gruber C, Hainzl S, Hintner H, Bauer JW. A novel screening system improves genetic correction by internal exon replacement. Nucleic Acids Res 2011;39(16):e108.
  35. Gruber C, Gratz IK, Murauer EM, Mayr E, Koller U, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Meneguzzi G, Hintner H, Bauer JW. Spliceosome-mediated RNA trans-splicing facilitates targeted delivery of suicide genes to cancer cells. Mol. Cancer Ther. 2011;10(2):233-241.
  36. Wally V, Brunner B, Lettner T, Wagner M, Koller U, Trost A, Murauer EM, Hainzl S, Hintner H, Bauer JW. KRT14 mRNA reprogramming for dominant epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Hum Mol Genet 2010;19(23):4715-4725.
  37. Wally V, Klausegger A, Koller U, Lochmüller H, Krause S, Wiche G, Mitchell LG, Hintner H, Bauer JW. 5' trans-splicing repair oft he PLEC1 gene. J Invest Dermatol 2008;128(3):568-574.

Reviews

  1. Koller U, Bauer JW. Emerging DNA & RNA editing strategies for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2024.
  2. Piñón Hofbauer J, Guttmann-Gruber C, Wally V, Sharma A, Gratz IK, Koller U. Challenges and progress related to gene editing in rare skin diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024;208:115294.
  3. Bischof J, Hierl M, Koller U. Emerging Gene Therapeutics for Epidermolysis Bullosa under Development. International journal of molecular sciences 2024;25:2243.
  4. Kocher T, Petkovic I, Bischof J, Koller U. Current developments in gene therapy for epidermolysis bullosa. Expert opinion on biological therapy 2022:1-14.
  5. Koller U, Bauer JW. Gene Replacement Therapies for Genodermatoses: A Status Quo. Front. Genet. 12:658295. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2021.658295
  6. Kocher T, Koller U. Personalisierte Therapie: Gene-Editing-Strategien für Genodermatosen. Spectrum Dermatologie 2021;01/2021
  7. Koller U. Gentherapeutische Ansätze für die Epidermolysis bullosa. JATROS Dermatologie & Plastische Chirurgie 2020; 1: 20-1.
  8. Koller U. Ex-vivo-Stammzellgentherapie an der Haut: Reif für klinische Anwendungen? Hautarzt 2020. doi.org/10.1007/s00105-019-04529-7
  9. March OP, Kocher T, Koller U. Context-Dependent Strategies for Enhanced Genome Editing of Genodermatoses. Cells 2020, 9, 112.
  10. De Rosa L, Koller U, Bauer JW, De Luca M, Reichelt J. Advances on potential therapeutic options for epidermolysis bullosa. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018;4:283-293.
  11. Peking P, Koller U, Murauer EM. Functional therapies for cutaneous wound repair in epidermolysis bullosa. Adv Drug Del Rev 2017;pii:S0169-409X(17)30306-X.
  12. March OP, Reichelt J, Koller U. Gene editing for skin diseases: designer nucleases as tools for gene therapy of skin fragility disorders. Exp Physiol 2018;103(4):449-455.
  13. Bornert O, Peking P, Bremer J, Koller U, van den Akker PC, Aartsma-Rus A, Pasmooij AM, Murauer EM, Nyström A. RNA-based therapies for genodermatoses. Exp Dermatol 2017;26(1):3-10.
  14. Murauer EM, Koller U, Pellegrini G, De Luca M, Bauer JW. Advances in Gene/Cell Therapy in Epidermolysis Bullosa. Keio J Med 2015;64(2):21-5.
  15. Koller U, Wally V, Bauer JW, Murauer EM. Considerations for a successful RNA trans-splicing repair of genetic disorders. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2014; 3: e157.

Book Chapters

  1. Koller U. Gene therapy advances shine the spotlight on epidermolysis bullosa, bringing hope to patients. Molecular Therapy 2023.
  2. Koller U, Bauer JW. Molecular Research and Treatment of Skin Diseases. 2022;23:5435.
  3. Piñón Hofbauer J, Wally V, Guttmann-Gruber C, Gratz IK, Koller U. Therapy Development for Epidermolysis Bullosa [Online First].  Rare Diseases: Intechopen; 2021.
  4. Kocher T, Koller U. Advances in gene editing strategies for epidermolysis bullosa. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science: Academic Press; 2021.
  5. Bauer JW, Murauer EM, Wally V, Koller U. RNA trans-splicing for genodermatoses. Methods Mol Biol 2013;961:441-455.
  6. Mayr E, Koller U, Bauer JW. Gene Therapy for the COL7A1 Gene. Gene Therapy - Tools and Potential Applications 2013;ISBN:978-953-51-1014-9.
  7. Wally V, Koller U, Bauer JW. High-Throughput Screening for Highly Functional RNA-Trans-Splicing Molecules: Correction of Plectin in Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex. Human Genetic Diseases 2010;ISBN:978-953-307-936-3.

Other

  1. Kocher T, March OP, Bischof J, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Klausegger A, Hoog A, Strunk D, Bauer JW, Koller U. CRISPR-Cas9-basierte Korrekturstrategie – vorhersagbare Reparaturergebnisse. Spectrum Dermatologie 2020;04/2020:62-3.

2015 - present
Teaching at the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Special field: gene therapy

2012 - present
Supervision of 5 PhD students and 2 Master student
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