BIH Young Science

M.D. Till Althoff

Division of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 450 613446 / 525315
till.althoff@charite.de

Fields of Research

Vascular biology and diseases
GPCRs and G-Protein signaling
Epigenetics and Metabolics

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Focusing on G-protein signalling, metabolics and epigenetics, my research aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms of vascular remodelling and disease and to deduce and validate potential pharmacological targets. Current projects investigate the transcriptional regulation of smooth muscle cell plasticity in human vascular disease and the atherogenic mechanotransduction of flow-induced shear stress. Besides applying disease models for atherosclerosis, aneurysmal disease, restenosis and endovascular injury, I am conducting a patient study in collaboration with the biobank of the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), to prospectively acquire human vascular samples for the respective molecular analyses.

University Education

2004 - 2005

Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA – Studies of Medicine / Internship

2001 - 2005

Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) – Studies of Medicine

1999 - 2001

University of Heidelberg – Studies of Medicine

Professional Experience

2012 - now

Charité – University Medicine Berlin Division of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine, Charité Campus Mitte

2010 - 2012

Postdoc – Max-Planck-Institute for Heart & Lung Research, Dept. of Pharmacology (Prof. Stefan Offermanns)

2009

Postdoc – Pharmacological Institute, University of Heidelberg (Prof. Stefan Offermanns)

2006 - 2009

Charité – University Medicine Berlin Division of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine, Charité Campus Mitte

Selected Publications

Althoff TF, Albarrán JuárezJ, Troidl K, Tang C, Wang S, Wirth A, Takefuji M, Wettschureck N, Offermanns S. Procontractile G-protein-mediated signaling pathways antagonistically regulate smooth muscle differentiation in vascular remodeling. J Exp Med. 2012 Nov 19;209(12):2277-90.

Takefuji M, Wirth A, Lukasova M, T akefuji S, Boettger T, Braun T, Althoff T, Offermanns S, Wettschureck N. A G13-Mediated Signaling Pathway Is Required for Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Remodeling and Heart Failure. Circulation. 2012 Oct 16;126(16):1972-82.

Tunaru S, Althoff TF, Nüsing RM, Diener M, Offermanns S. Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5;109(23):9179-84.

Althoff TF, Fischer M, Langer E, Ziemer S, Baumann G. Sustained enhancement of residual platelet reactivity after coronary stenting in patients with myocardial infarction compared to elective patients. Thromb Res. 2010 May;125(5):e190-6

Althoff TF, Knebel F, Panda A, McArdle J, Gliech V, Franke I, Witt C, Baumann G, Borges AC. Long-term follow-up of fenestrated Amplatzer atrial septal occluder in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Chest. 2008 Jan;133(1):283-5

Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Baldus

Hämatologie, Onkologie, Tumorimmunologie am CBF

Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin

+49 30 8445 2337/4468
claudia.baldus@charite.de

Fields of Research

Molecular markers in acute leukemia with prognostic & pathobiologic relevance
Leukemia-stroma interaction
Target identifciation in acute leukemia

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Clinical trails in hematological malignancies
• Molecular characterization and subgroup identification in large cohorts of acute leukemia
• Analyses of bone marrow stroma compartment
• Genome wide expression
• Methylation and mutational studies
• Implementation of molecular findings in clinical trails with novel targeted therapies

University Education

1994 - 1999

Clinical Studies, Medical School, Freie Universität Berlin

1992 - 1994

Preclinical Studies Medical School Homburg/Saar

Professional Experience

2011 - now

Mildred Scheel Professorship (W3), Hematology and Oncology, Charite, Berlin

2005 - 2011

Max-Eder Fellowship (Deutsche Krebshilfe), Charite, Berlin

2001 - 2003

PostDoc, Human Cancer Genetics, OSU, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Leitung TRC GMALL Study Group

2012

Förderpreis Onkologie Fritz Acker Stiftung

2010

Gutermuth Preis

2007

Nachwuchswissenschaftlerpreis der DGHO

Selected Publications

Neumann M, Greif PA, Baldus CD. Mutational landscape of adult ETP-ALL. Oncotarget. 2013 Jul;4:954-

Neumann M, Heesch S, Schlee C, Schwartz S, Gökbuget N, Hoelzer D, Konstandin NP, Ksienzyk B, Vosberg S, Graf A, Krebs S, Blum H, Raff T, Brüggemann M, Hofmann WK, Hecht J, Bohlander SK, Greif PA, Baldus CD. Whole-exome sequencing in adult ETP-ALL reveals a high rate of DNMT3A mutations. Blood. 2013 Jun 6;121(23):4749-52.

Bock J, Mochmann LH, Schlee C, Farhadi-Sartangi N, Göllner S, Müller-Tidow C, Baldus CD. ERG transcriptional networks in primary acute leukemia cells implicate a role for ERG in deregulated kinase signaling. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e52872.

Mochmann LH, Bock J, Ortiz-Tánchez J, Schlee C, Bohne A, Neumann K, Hofmann WK, Thiel E, Baldus CD. Genome-wide screen reveals WNT11, a non-canonical WNT gene, as a direct target of ETS transcription factor ERG. Oncogene. 2011 Apr 28;30(17):2044-56.

Baldus CD, Liyanarachchi S, Mrózek K, Auer H, Tanner SM, Guimond M, Ruppert AS, Mohamed N, Davuluri RV, Caligiuri MA, Bloomfield CD, de la Chapelle A. Acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotypes and abnormal chromosome 21: Amplification discloses verexpression of APP, ETS2, and ERG genes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Mar 16;101(11):3915-20.

Dr. rer. nat. Benedikt Beckmann

IRI for the Life Sciences

Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin

+49 30 2093 47910
benedikt.beckmann@iri-lifesciences.de

Fields of Research

RNA Biology
Infection Biology
Systems Biology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Scope: RNA-protein interactions in in host and pathogen during infection
Techniques: mRNA interactome capture, UV crosslinking of (m)RNPs
Translational Perspective: Understanding novel aspects of bacterial infection

University Education

2002 - 2006

Biology (Diplom), Johannes-Gutenberg Universität Mainz

Professional Experience

2014 - 2015

Group Leader, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

2011 - 2014

Postdoctoral Fellow, EMBL Heidelberg

2006 - 2010

PhD, Philipps Universität Marburg

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Phoenix Award for Outstanding Basic Research in Pharmaceutical Technology

2010

Award for Best PhD Thesis in Life Sciences and Medicine

Selected Publications

Beckmann BM, Hoch PG, Marz M, Willkomm DK, Salas M and Hartmann RK. A pRNA-induced structural arrangement triggers 6S-1 RNA release from RNA polymerase in Bacillus subtilis. EMBO J (2012); 31(7):1727-38

Beckmann BM, Grünweller A, Weber MHW and Hartmann RK. Northern blot detection of endogenous small RNAs (∼14 nucleotides) in bacterial total RNA extracts. Nucleic Acids Res. (2010); 38(14):e147

Castello A, Fischer B, Eichelbaum K, Horos R, Beckmann BM, Strein C, Davey NE, Humphreys DT, Preiss T, Steinmetz LM, Krijgsveld J and Hentze MW. Insights into RNA Biology from an Atlas of Mammalian mRNA-Binding Proteins. Cell (2012); 149(6):1393-406i

Prof. Dr. med. Antje Beling (geb. Voigt)

Charité - Institute for Biochemistry / Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 450 528 187
antje.beling@charite.de

Fields of Research

Myocarditis / Inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Post-translational Modification with ISG15
Proteostasis / Ubiquitin-Proteasome System
Cardiotropic enteroviruses

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

My mission is to decipher cell-intrinsic immune mechanisms that on the one hand limit pathogen spread during viral infection and on the other hand ensure immune homeostasis for the benefit of the host. We seek to use of evolutionary evolved endogenous effector pathways to fight susceptibility to infection. We address the biological control of infection through harnessing mediators of innate immunity and test them for their potential to reverse host susceptibility to intractable infection.

We are particulary interested in understanding the spatio-temporal regulation of immune responses that are needed for successful pathogen clearance during infection. A dysbalance within the precise timing e.g. of an antiviral immune responses can provoke deleterious disease progression. An excellent example for such a failure to regulate inflammatory processes during viral infection is myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle with fulminant dysfunction of the heart muscle at acute stages and a potential development of long-term inflammation leading to chronic heart failure. We investigate two host key systems – the ISG15 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system – that are both needed to preserve immune homeostasis during viral infection, thereby (i) efficiently counteracting viral pathology and (ii) attenuating detrimental immune responses.

ISG15/ISGylation: Interferons α and β (IFN-α/β) are crucial effectors of the innate immune system. Engagement of the IFNA-receptor induces the expression of the IFN Stimulated Gene of 15 kDa (ISG15). We demonstrated that ISG15-dependent remodelling of the intracellular proteome plays a key role in constraining pathogen spread during enterovirus infection. Our group aims to dissect the role of ISG15 to regulate inflammatory processes during the course of viral infection. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiviral properties of the ISG15 system particularly during enterovirus infection. Thereby, proof-of-concept experiments are being conducted that study the therapeutic potential of the ISG15 system during viral infection. Such research represents an essential step towards the identification of novel drug targets in the future.

Ubiquitination/proteasome: During acute viral infection, IFN-α/β and pro-inflammatory cytokines induce the transcription of hundreds of genes, which on the other hand challenges proteolytic systems to ensure protein homeostasis. Our group investigates the function of the major intracellular proteolysis system, which is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to regulate the immune response for the benefit of the host during viral infection. Beyond the generation of MHC class I restricted antigenic peptides, we are studying UPS function in the control of (i) viral replication, (ii) cytokine production, (iii) immune cell differentiation and survival, and (iv) preservation of cell vitality. We aim for a better understanding of the function of cytokine-inducible components of the UPS in different cell types, tissues and hosts to provide molecular aspects for novel treatment strategies of viral infection particulary for susceptible individuals.

Webpage: http://biochemie.charite.de/forschung/kardiale_infektionsbiologie_und_immunologie/

University Education

2012

Habilitation „The Impact of the Immunoproteasome in the Pathogenesis of murine CoxsackievirusB3-myocarditis“, Charité University Medical Centre in Berlin (Germany), Medical Section for Cardiology, Prof. Dr. Gert Baumann

2004

Dissertation: “Processing of the pp89 MCMV MHC Class I Epitope by the Proteasome” (summa cum laude), Institute of Biochemistry, Charité Berlin; Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Peter-M. Kloetzel

1996 - 2003

Human medicine: Humboldt University in Berlin (Germany), University of Bern and Zürich (Switzerland), University Hospital Birmingham (United Kingdom), University of Pittsburgh’s Medical School (U.S.A.)

Professional Experience

2015

Appointment W2-professorship in “Cardiac immunobiology and proteostasis” at the Institute for Biochemistry at the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2014

Board Certification in Cardiology

2012 - now

Research Group Leader: “Cardiac Immunmodulation”, Charité Berlin (Germany) – Charité Centre for Basic Sciences Berlin, Institute for Biochemistry, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Britta Eickholt Other affiliations: Interdisciplinary Center for Infection Biology and Immunity (ZIBI) and faculty member of the International Max Planck Research School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IMPRS-IDI) - ZIBI Graduate School | German Centre for Cardiovascular Research | Berlin Institute of Health Young Science | Research Centre for Immune Sciences Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2009 - 2012

Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular Cardiology, Charité Berlin

2009

Board Certification in Internal Medicine

2004 - 2012

Charité University Medical Centre in Berlin, Medical Section for Cardiology

2003 - 2004

Research Fellow in Molecular Cardiology, Charité Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

Klaus-Georg-und-Sigrid-Hengstberger Research Award

2014

Peter Hans Hofschneider Endowed Professorship for Molecular Medicine – Foundation for Experimental Biomedicine Zürich (Switzerland)

2013

Ingrid-zu-Solms Wissenschaftspreis Medizin, Frankfurt/Main

2009

Rudolf-Thauer-Poster Prize Awarded by the German Society of Cardiology

2008

Rahel-Hirsch-Scholarship - Charité Berlin

Selected Publications

Paeschke A*, Possehl A,*, Klingel K, Voss M, Voss K, Kesphol M, Sauter M, Overkleeft HS, Althof N, Garlanda C, Voigt A. The availability of the cardio-protective pattern recognition molecule Pentraxin3 is controlled by the immunoproteasome. European Journal of Immunology 2015, in press. DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545892 (IF 4.6)

Rahnefeld A, Klingel K, Schuermann A, Diny NL, Althof N, Lindner A, Bleienheuft P, Savvatis K, Respondek D, Opitz E, Ketscher L, Sauter M, Seifert U, Tschöpe C, Poller W, Knobeloch KP, Voigt A. Ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 in host defense against heart failure in a mouse model of virus-induced cardiomyopathy. Circulation 2014; 130:1589-1600. (IF 15.3)

Ebstein F*, Voigt A*, Lange N, Warnatsch A, Schröter F, Prozorovski T, Kuckelkorn U, Aktas O, Seifert U, Kloetzel PM, Krüger E. Immunoproteasomes Are Important for Proteostasis in Immune Responses. Cell 2013; 152:935-937. *equal contribution (IF 35.0)

Opitz E, Koch A, Klingel K, Schmidt F, Prokop S, Rahnefeld A, Sauter M, Heppner F, Völker U, Kandolf R, Kuckelkorn U, Stangl K, Krüger E, Kloetzel PM, Voigt A. Impairment of immunoproteasome function by beta5i/LMP7 subunit deficiency results in severe enterovirus myocarditis. PLoS Pathogens 2011; 7(9):e1002233. (IF 9.6)

Rahnefeld A, Ebstein F, Albrecht N, Opitz E, Kuckelkorn U, Stangl K, Rehm A, Kloetzel PM, Voigt A. Antigen Presentation Capacity of Dendritic Cells is Impaired in Ongoing Enterovirus-Myocarditis. European Journal of Immunology 2011; 41:2774-2781. (IF 4.9)

Voigt A, Trimpert C, Bartel K, Egerer K, Feist E, Gericke C, Kandolf R, Klingel K, Kuckelkorn U, Stangl K, Felix SB, Baumann G, Kloetzel PM, Staudt A. Lack of Evidence for a Pathogenic Role of Proteasome-Directed Autoimmunity in Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Basic Research in Cardiology 2010; 105:557-567. (IF 6.2)

Seifert U, Bialy LP, Ebstein F, Bech-Otschir D, Voigt A, Schröter F, Prozorovski T, Lange L, Steffen J, Rieger M, Kuckelkorn U, Aktas O, Kloetzel PM, Krüger E. Immunoproteasomes preserve protein homeostasis upon interferon-induced oxidative stress. Cell 2010; 142:613-624. (IF 35.3)

Voigt A, Bartel K, Egerer K, Trimpert C, Feist E, Gericke C, Kandolf R, Klingel K, Kuckelkorn U, Stangl K, Felix SB, Baumann G, Kloetzel PM, Staudt A. Humoral anti-proteasomal autoimmunity in dilated cardiomyopathy. Basic Research in Cardiology 2010; 105:9-18. (IF 6.2)

Jäkel S, Kuckelkorn U, Szalay G, Plötz M, Textoris-Taube K, Opitz E, Klingel K, Stevanovic S, Kandolf R, Kotsch K, Stangl K, Kloetzel PM, Voigt A. Differential interferon responses enhance viral epitope generation by myocardial immunoproteasomes in murine enterovirus myocarditis. American Journal of Pathology 2009; 175:510-518. (IF 6.0)

Szalay G*, Meiners S*, Voigt A*, Lauber J, Spieth C, Speer N, Sauter M, Kuckelkorn U, Zell A, Klingel K, Stangl K, Kandolf R. Ongoing coxsackievirus myocarditis is associated with increased formation and activity of myocardial immunoproteasomes. American Journal of Pathology 2006; 168:1542-1552. * equal participation (IF 6.0)

Prof. Dr. Nils Blüthgen

Institute of Pathology

Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 2093 8924
nils.bluethgen@charite.de

Fields of Research

Systems Biology
Computational Oncology
Quantitative Biology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Scope: Function of molecular networks, network-based resistance mechanisms for targeted therapies Special Techniques: Mathematical Modelling, Computational Biology
Translational Perspective: Use models to predict most effective therapies and to overcome resistance

University Education

2002 - 2005

PhD in Theoretical Biophysics, Humboldt University Berlin

1996 - 2002

Physics (Diplom), Universität Heidelberg und Technische Universität Berlin

Professional Experience

2014 - now

Associate Professsor for Computational Modelling in Medicine, Charite Berlin

2011 - 2013

Junior Professor for Medical Systems Biology, Charite Berlin

2008 - 2010

Junior Group Leader, Institute of Pathology, Charite

2007 - 2008

Research Fellow, Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, University of Manchester

2005 - 2006

Postdoc, Molecular Neuroscience / Bernstein Cener, AG Dietmar Kuhl, FU Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Elected member of EpiGeneSys (EU Network of Excellence)

2011

EMBO short term fellowship for research stay at Insitute Cure, Paris

2008

MTZ-award for medical systems biology

2008

Honorary lecturer, translational medicine, University of Manchester

Selected Publications

Klinger, B., Sieber, A., Fritsche-Guenther, R., Witzel, F., Berry, L., Schumacher, D., Yan, Y., Durek, P., Merchant, M., Schäfer, R., Sers, C. and Blüthgen, N. Network quantification of EGFR signaling unveils potential for targeted combination therapy. Mol Syst Biol; 9:673, 2013.

Bentele, K., Saffert, P., Rauscher, R., Ignatova, Z. and Bluthgen, N. Efficient translation initiation dictates codon usage at gene start. Molecular Systems Biology, 9: 675, 2013.

Stelniec, I, Legewie, S, Tchernitsa, O, Witzel, F, Klinger, B, Sers, C, Herzel, H, Blüthgen, N* and Schäfer, R.* Reverse engineering a hierarchical regulatory network downstream of oncogenic KRAS. Molecular Systems Biology, 8: 601, 2012.

Nora, EP, Lajoie, BR*, Schulz, EG*, Giorgetti, L*, Okamoto, I, Servant, N, Piolot, T, Berkum, NL v., Meisig, J, Sedat, J, Gribnau, J, Barillot, E, Blüthgen, N , Dekker, J* and Heard, E*. Spatial partitioning of the regulatory landscape of the X-inactivation centre. Nature, 485: 381-385, 2012.

Fritsche-Guenther, R., Witzel, F., Sieber, A., Herr, R., Schmidt, N., Braun, S., Brummer, T., Sers, C. and Blüthgen, N. Strong negative feedback from Erk to Raf confers robustness to MAPK signalling. Molecular Systems Biology, 7: 489, 2011.

Dr. rer. nat. Chotima Böttcher

Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 17154
chotima.boettcher@charite.de

Fields of Research

Cell Therapy
Myeloid cells
Neurodegenerative disorders

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

My research focuses on
1) the differential roles of myeloid cells and microglia in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Huntington’s disease (HD), stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTLD/ALS);

2) the development of hematopoietic cells as tools to treat neurological disorders. Our proof-of-concept experiments in mice suggested that adoptive transfer of hematopoietic precursors (HPs) in non-conditioned SOD1G93A transgenic mice, a model of ALS, at the symptomatic phase resulted in delay of disease progression, extension of lifespan, improvement of motor activity, and attenuation of inflammatory pathology. Therefore, HPs are a promising cell population for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. We intend to translate our findings to the human condition using CD34+ enriched samples. The therapeutic potential of the identified human HPs will be evaluated in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS and HD by xenotransplantation.

University Education

2001 - 2005

Graduate studies (Dr. rer. nat.) in Pharmacy at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany (summa cum laude, PhD-Scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD)

1997 - 2000

Master of Science in Pharmacy at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

1992 - 1997

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

Professional Experience

2006 - now

Senior postdoctoral fellow, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2006

Postdoctoral fellow at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

2005 - 2006

Postdoctoral fellow at Biocenter, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany

2000 - 2001

Lecturer at Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ubonrathani University, Thailand

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2005

Dorothea-Erxleben-Preis for the year’s best Ph.D. thesis of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany and Luther-Urkunde for the most excellent Ph.D. thesis

Selected Publications

Boettcher C , Fernández - Klett F, Gladow N, Rolfes S, Priller J (2013): Targeting Myeloid Cells to the Brain Using Non-Myeloablative Conditioning. Plos One, 8:e80260.

Boettcher C , Ulbricht E, Helmlinger D, Mack AF, Reichenbach A, Wiedemann P, Wagner HJ, Seeliger MW, Bringmann A, Priller J (2008): Long-term engraftment of systemically transplanted, gene-modified bone marrow-derived cells in the adult mouse retina. Br J Ophthalmol , 92:272-275.

Lee SW, Haditsch U, Cord BJ, Guzman R, Kim SJ, Boettcher C , Priller J, Ormerod BK, Palmer TD (2013): Absence of CCL2 is sufficient to restore hippocampal neurogenesis following cranial irradiation. Brain Behav Immun. 30:33-44.

Mildner A, Schlevogt B, Kierdorf K, Böttcher C , Erny D, Kummer MP, Quinn M, Brück W, Bechmann I, Heneka MT, Priller J, Prinz M (2011): Distinct and Non-Redundant Roles of Microglia and Myeloid Subsets in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci. 31(31):11159-71.

Klohs J, Baeva N, Steinbrink J, Bourayou R, Boettcher C , Royl G, Megow D, Dirnagl U, Priller J, Wunder A (2009): In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging of matrix metalloproteinase activity after cerebral ischemia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 29(7):1284-92.

PD Dr. med. Irene Brunk

Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy

Philippstr. 12, 10115 Berlin

+49 30 4505 28250
irene.brunk@charite.de

Fields of Research

G-protein signalling
Monoamine storage/uptake
Axonal growth

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

My group focus es on the diverse functions Go-proteins serve in neurons and neuroendocrine cells, including the regulation of the (vesicular) uptake of neuro transmitter s by heterotrimeric G-proteins as well as their influence on axonal growth. We apply state-of-the-art cell biological, molecular biological, and microscopic techniques, including the direct determination of neurotransmitter uptake by isolated secretory vesicles.

Translational perspective: Behavioural experiments indicate a correlation between Go-protein function, monoaminergic signalling and psychostimulant induced behaviour (e.g. locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference). In general a better understanding of the regulation of neurotransmitter uptake and storage will provide us better insights into transmitter-system-related diseases and can help us identify novel therapeutic approaches and pharmacological targets. Identification of the determinants of axonal growth is critically important for the understanding of neuronal development, neurodegeneration and regeneration after neuronal injury , aspects which will be addressed in our future experiments.

University Education

2011

Habilitation, Anatomy and Cell Biology

2008 - 2010

Postgraduate studies in Medical Education, Heidelberg

2001

Degree in Human Medicine (M.D. / Dr. med.)

1993 - 2001

Studies in Medicine, Charité

Professional Experience

2002 - now

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Wissenschaftliche Assistentin) Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité

2002 - 2003

Resident, Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2008

Scholarship for studies in Medical Education

2002

Scholarship for research-AIP, Charité

Selected Publications

Baron, J., Blex, C., Rohrbeck, A., Rachakonda, S.K., Birnbaumer L., Ahnert-Hilger, G., Brunk, I. The α-subunit of the trimeric GTPase Go2 regulates axonal growth. J. Neurochem. 2013 Mar; 124 (6): 782-794.

Brunk , I., Sanchis-Segura, C., Blex, C., Perreau-Lenz, S., Bilbao, A., Spanagel, R., Ahnert-Hilger, G. Amphetamine regulates NR2B expression in Go2α knockout mice and thereby sustains behavioral sensitization. J Neurochem. 2010 Oct; 115(1): 234-46.

Brunk I., Blex C., Speidel D., Brose N., Ahnert - Hilger G. Ca2+-dependent activator proteins of secretion promote vesicular monoamine uptake. J Biol Chem. 2009 Jan; 284(2): 1050-6.

Brunk I., Blex C., Sanchis-Segura C., Sternberg J., Perreau-Lenz S., Bilbao A., Hörtnagl H., Baron J., Juranek J., Laube G., Birnbaumer L., Spanagel L., Ahnert-Hilger G. Deletion of Go2alpha abolishes cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization by disturbing the striatal dopamine system. FASEB J. 2008 Oct; 22(10): 3736-46.

Brunk I., Blex C., Rachakonda S., Höltje M., Winter S., Pahner I., Walther D.J., Ahnert-Hilger G. The first luminal domain of vesicular monoamine transporters mediates G-protein-dependent regulation of transmitter uptake. J Biol Chem. 2006 Nov; 281(44): 33373-85.

Ph.D. Marina Chekulaeva

BIMSB

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 1850
marina.chekulaeva@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

miRNAs and mechanisms of their function
mRNA localization and localized translation
Translational regulation and mRNA decay

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• RNA biology, with a special focus on non-coding RNAs
• mechanisms of miRNA function
• translational control and mechanisms
• messenger RNA transport and localized translation
• cell polarity

Key findings:
I have discovered that miRNA silencing is mediated by novel conserved linear motifs (W-motifs) dispersed throughout GW182, the effector protein of miRNA repression complex. These motifs recruit deadenylation complexes to cause deadeanylation, decay and translational repression of target mRNAs. My discovery reconciles literature data, which could not be explained by previous models and provides a new foundation from which to explore miRNA function (Chekulaeva et al., NSMB 2011).

I have uncovered a novel mechanism of translational repression that involves mRNA oligomerization into unusually large RNP complexes, silencing particles, that cannot be accessed by ribosomes. This mechanism is particularly suited to coupling translational control with mRNA transport, a common and ill-understood theme in developmental biology and neurobiology (Chekulaeva et al, Cell 2006).

University Education

2001 - 2005

Ph.D. (degree: Dr. rer. nat.), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)/University of Heidelberg

1993 - 1998

Diploma in Biology, State University of Moldova

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Junior Group leader, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine

2006 - 2012

Postdoctoral Fellow, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel

Selected Publications

Chekulaeva, M., Mathys, H., Zippric h, J., Attig, J., Colic, M., Parker, R., and Filipowicz, W. (2011). miRNA repression involves GW182-mediated recruitment of CCR4-NOT through conserved W-containing motifs. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology 8(11): 1218-26.

Chekulaeva, M., Parker, R., and Filipowicz, W. (2010). The GW/WG repeats of Drosophila GW182 function as effector motifs for miRNA-mediated repression. Nucleic Acids Research 38(19): 6673-83.

Chekulaeva, M. and Filipowicz, W. (2009). Mechanisms of miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation in animal cells. Current Opinion in Cell Biology 21(3): 452-60.

Chekulaeva, M., Filipowicz, W., and Parker, R. (2009). Multiple independent domains of dGW182 function in miRNA-mediated repression in Drosophila. RNA 15: 794-803.

Chekulaeva, M., Hentze, M.W., and Ephrussi, A. (2006). Bruno acts as a dual repressor of oskar translation, promoting mRNA oligomerization and formation of silencing particles. Cell 124: 521-533.

Dr. Amaia Cipitria Sagardia

Julius Wolff Institute, Charité

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 4505 52094
amaia.cipitria@charite.de

Fields of Research

Biomaterials
Tissue Engineering
In-Vivo Animal Models

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Understanding of the influence of physical properties of biomaterial scaffolds on cell behavior and tissue regeneration. Use of small (rat) and large (sheep) animal models to regenerate critical-sized bone defects resulting from trauma, inflammation or tumor resection. Characterization of the regenerated tissue using a multi-scale and multimodal analysis: Histology, microcomputed tomography, quantitative polarized light microscopy, second-harmonic generation imaging, small angle X-ray scattering, nanoindentation.

University Education

2004 - 2008

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, UK

1998 - 2004

M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Navarra, Spain

Professional Experience

2009

Postdoctoral research scientist at Queensland University of Technology, Australia

2009 - 2010

Postdoctoral research scientist at the Julius Wolff Institute, Charité, Berlin

2001 - now

Principal investigator at the Julius Wolff Institute, Charité, Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Spanish accreditation A.N.E.C.A. for the title of Associate Professor

2011

Best poster price at the Osteologie Congress, Germany

2011

Best poster price at the Gordon Research Conference, US

2007

Best oral presentation at the ITSC Conference, China

2005

First National Prize in Mechanical Eng. awarded by the Ministry of Education and Science

2005

Fellow of the Cambridge European Society

2005

Best poster price at the Euromat Conference, Czech Republic

Selected Publications

A. Cipitria*/J.C. Reichert* et al, “Polycaprolactone scaffold and reduced rhBMP-7 dose for the regeneration of critical-sized defects in sheep tibiae”. Biomaterials, 2013, 34(38):9960-9968. IF 7.604.

J.C. Reichert*/A. Cipitria* et al, “A tissue engineering solution for segmental defect regeneration in load-bearing long bones”, Science Translational Medicine, 2012, 4 (141):141ra93. IF 10.481.

A. Cipitria et al, "Porous scaffold architecture guides tissue formation", Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2012, 27(6): 1275-1288. IF 6.227.

A. Cipitria et al, "Design, fabrication and characterization of PCL electrospun scaffolds—a review", Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2011, 21(2 6): 9419-9453. IF 5.968.

A. Cipitria et al, “A sintering model for plasma-sprayed zirconia TBCs. Part I: Free-standing coatings”, Acta Materialia, 2009, 57(4): 980-992. I F 3.760.

PD Dr. med. Marcus Czabanka

Department of Neurosurgery Charité

Augustenburger Platz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4506 60433
marcus.czabanka@charite.de

Fields of Research

Angiogenesis
Spinal metastasis
Moyamoya disease

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Animal glioma models
• Intraivital microscopy
• Animal metastasis models
• Bioluminescence
• Small animal imaging

University Education

2013

Habilitation

1999 - 2005

Medical School, University of Heidelberg

Professional Experience

2012

Board Certification Neurosurgery

2007 - 2014

Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsmedizin Charité Berlin, Prof. Peter Vajkoczy

2006 - 2007

Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Prof. Peter Schmiedek

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Clinical scientist Program “Friedrich-Luft”, Universitätsmedizin Charité Berlin

Research award (German academy of Neurosurgery)

Selected Publications

Combined temozolomide and sunitinib treatment leads to better tumour control but increased vascular resistance in O6-methylguanine methyltransferase-methylated gliomas. Czabanka M, Bruenner J, Parmaksiz G, Broggini T, Topalovic M, Bayerl SH , Auf G, Kremenetskaia I, Nieminen M, Jabouille A, Mueller S, Harms U, Harms C, Koch A, Heppner FL, Vajkoczy P. Eur J Cancer. 2013 Mar 14. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2013.02.019

Microvascular biodistribution of L19-SIP in angiogenesis targeting strategies. Czabanka M, Parmaksiz G, Bayerl SH, Nieminen M, Trachsel E, Menssen HD, Erber R, Neri D, Vajkoczy P. Eur J Cancer. 2011 May; 47(8):1276-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2011.02.001.

Collagen XV is necessary for modeling of the extracellular matrix and its deficiency predisposes to cardiomyopathy. Rasi K*, Piuhola J*, Czabanka M*, Sormunen R, Ilves M, Leskinen H, Rysä J, Kerkelä R, Janmey P, Heljasvaara R, Peuhkurinen K, Vuolteenaho O, Ruskoaho H, Vajkoczy P, Pihlajaniemi T, Eklund L. Circ Res. 2010 Nov 12; 107(10):1241-52. Epub 2010 Sep 16, * Equal contribution.

Effects of sunitinib on tumor hemodynamics and delivery of chemotherapy. Czabanka M, Vinci M, Heppner F, Ullrich A, Vajkoczy P. Int J Cancer. 2009 Mar 15; 124(6): 1293-300. doi: 10.1002/ijc.24019

Del-1, an endogenous leukocyte-endothelial adhesion inhibitor, limits inflammatory cell recruitment. Choi EY, Chavakis E, Czabanka MA, Langer HF, Fraemohs L, Economopoulou M, Kundu RK, Orlandi A, Zheng YY, Prieto DA, Ballantyne CM, Constant SL, Aird WC, Papayannopoulou T, Gahmberg CG, Udey MC, Vajkoczy P, Quertermous T, Dimmeler S, Weber C, Chavakis T. Science. 2008 Nov 14; 322(5904):1101-4.

Prof. Dr. med. Marc Dewey

Radiology - Universitätsmedizin Charité

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 27353
marc.dewey@charite.de

Fields of Research

Radiology
Imaging
Heart

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Noninvasive cardiovascular imaging
• Cardiac MRI and CT
• Radiation dose
• Experimental radiology
• Meta-analyses
• Cost-effectiveness
• Patient preference in diagnostic imaging

Publications, Books, Invited Lectures:

60 original paper as first or last author, 10 review paper as first or last author, Editor of the books „Coronary CT Angiography“ (2009) and „Cardiac CT“ (2011, Springer, 2nd edition: 2014), more than 60 invited lectures (e.g. RSNA and ECR)

University Education

1996 - 2002

Medical Studies at Charité and Johns Hopkins University

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Vice Chairman, Department of Radiology, Charité

2012

Appointment for a Heisenberg-Professorship in Radiology at Charité

2011 - now

Chief Attending, Department of Radiology, Charité

2008 - 2010

Attending, Department of Radiology, Charité

2002 - 2008

Resident, Department of Radiology, Charité

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen-Ring 2012, Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft

2008

Multislice Computed Tomography for Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease. Award: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen-Preis 2009 of the Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft

2004

Magnetic Resonance Imaging with the Blood-Pool Contrast Agent P792 for Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease – Animal Experiments. Dissertation. summa cum laudeAward: Behnken-Berger-Preis 2005

Selected Publications

Dewey M , Teige F, Schnapauff D, Laule M, Borges AC, Wernecke KD, Schink T, Baumann G, Rutsch W, Rogalla P, Taupitz M, Hamm B. Noninvasive detection of coronary artery stenoses with multislice computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ann Intern Med 2006; 145: 407-415, W123-126

Miller JM, Rochitte CE, Dewey M, Arbab-Zadeh A, Niinuma H, Gottlieb I, Paul N, Clouse M, Shapiro E, Hoe J, Lardo A, Bush D, de Roos A, Cox C, Brinker J, Lima JA. Diagnostic performance of coronary angiography by 64-row CT. New Engl J Med 2008; 359:2324-36

Schuetz GM, Zacharopoulou NM, Schlattmann P, Dewey M. Meta-analysis: noninvasive coronary angiography using computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging. Ann Intern Med 2010; 152(3):167-77, W39-42

Rief M, Zimmermann E, Stenzel F, Martus P, Stangl K , Greupner J, Knebel F, Kranz A, Schlattman P, Laule M, Dewey M. Computed tomography angiography and myocardial computed tomography perfusion in patients with coronary stents: prospective intraindividual comparison with conventional coronary angiography. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 62(16):1476–85

Dewey M , Zimmermann E, Deissenrieder F, Laule M, Dübel HP, Schlattmann P, Knebel F, Rutsch W, Hamm B. Noninvasive coronary angiography by 320-row computed tomography with lower radiation exposure and maintained diagnostic accuracy: comparison of results with cardiac catheterization in a head-to-head pilot investigation. Circulation. 2009; 120(10):867-75

PD Dr. med. Jens Fielitz

Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) and Dept. of Cardiology, Charité UniversitätsmedizinBerlin, Virchow-Klinikum

Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 4505 40424
jens.fielitz@charite.de

Fields of Research

Inflammation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy
Ubiquitin proteasome mediated protein degradation
Cardiac remodeling

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Maintenance of muscular structure and function requires a precise control of protein synthesis and degradation; abnormalities in these processes can give rise to myopathies. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for the degradation of structural and contractile proteins of cardiomyocytes such as myosin heavy chain (MHC). The UPS functions as a cascade of enzymes mediating ubiquitination of proteins which are then degraded by the 26S proteasome. E3 ubiquitin ligases are the key enzymes for UPS dependent protein degradation assuring substrate specificity. Activity of this process is mainly regulated by the E3 ligases. Most importantly, we found that absence of the RING-finger E3 ligases Muscle RING-finger (MuRF) 1 and 3 leads to cardiac hypertrophy and renders the heart susceptible to stress leading to heart failure and cardiac rupture following myocardial infarction. Furthermore, we identified MHC proteins as novel targets to be ubiquitinated by MuRFs as disease mechanism. Inhibition of MuRF mediated protein degradation could therefore preserve cardiac function and prevent its transition into heart failure. However, the mechanism of this process during hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes is unclear preventing development of target specific therapy. Therefore, the major goal of the group is to investigate regulation of MuRF expression and activity during hypertrophy in more detail. We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism of target protein recognition of MuRF proteins during cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, we aim to identify novel transcription factors increasing MuRF1 expression to further characterize pathways of MuRF1 regulation. Elucidation of the function and regulation of MuRF proteins in cardiac hypertrophy will provide the basis for the development of a target specific therapy to treat hypertrophy and its transition into heart failure.

Special Techniques: various animal models of inflammation-induced muscle failure (cecal ligation and puncture surgery (CLP)) and denervation-induced atrophy. Animal models of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (drug administration via osmotic mini-pumps; myocardial infarction, transverse aortic constriction). Histological and immunohistological investigation of heart and skeletal muscle. Generation of peptide specific antibodies. Recombinant proteins. In vitro ubiquitination assays. SILAC-IP/AP-MS. Live cell imaging. Microdialysis in mouse skeletal muscle.

Translational Perspective: Inhibition of UPS mediated protein degradation might preserve muscle mass and function. This will ease mobilization of critically patients once they emerge from sedation. In end stage heart failure patients this approach could stop disease progression, and immobilization due to general muscle failure. Discovery of novel signalling pathways and molecular pathways will broaden our knowledge about disease mechanisms and pave the road for drug development.

University Education

1998

Graduation of Medical School with 3rd State Examination. „magna cum laude“

1997

General Surgery; University of Sydney; Canberra Clinical School, Canberra, Australia

1990 - 1998

Studies of Medicine, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Professional Experience

2012 - now

Participation in “24/7 on-call Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Duty”, Charité Campus Virchow

2011 - now

Invasive Cardiology, Charité Campus Virchow

2010 - 2012

Organization of and participation in “24/7 on-call Echocardiography” Duty, Charité Campus Virchow

2009

Department of cardiac Electrophysiology, Dept. of Cardiology, Charité Campus Virchow, Prof. W. Haverkamp (1 year)

2009 - 2013

Department of Echocardiography, Dept. of Cardiology, Charité Campus Virchow

2008

Department of cardiac Magnetic Resonance Tomography, Dept. of Cardiology, Franz-Volhard-Klinik, Charité Campus Buch, Prof. Schulz-Menger (1 year)

2007 - now

Clinician Scientist, Charité Campus Virchow

2007 - 2008

Department of Gastroenterology, Charité Campus Buch (6 month)

2003 - 2007

Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept. of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA, Prof. Eric N. Olson

2002 - 2003

Postdoctoral Fellow, Habilitation grant of the Charité Campus Virchow, Prof. V. Regitz-Zagrosek

2001 - 2002

Cardiology ward, German Heart Institute Berlin and in cooperation with CharitéCampus Virchow

2001 - 2002

Ward doctor at Intensive Care Unit, Dept. of Cardiology, Franz-Volhard-Klinik, CharitéCampus Buch

1998

Disputation: „summa cum laude“

1998 - 2000

Research-Internship at German Heart Institute Berlin and in cooperation with Charité Campus Virchow (Outpatients department, Cardiology ward, Emergency department)

1994

Start of experimental doctoral thesis: „Krankheitsspezifische Regulation der AT1 mRNA in humanen Endomyokardbiopsien – eine Untersuchung mittels quantitativer RT-PCR-ELISA Technik“ (German Heart Institute Berlin, Prof. V. Regitz-Zagrosek).

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2010

Marie-Curie International Reintegration Grant, European Union (4 years)

2010

Independent Group Leader at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC)at the Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch (5 years)

2009

Clinical cooperation project with Prof. T. Sommer, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch

2009

Principal investigator: at MyoGrad Graduate School of the DFG, together with Prof. V. Mouly and Prof. G. Butler-Browne, Paris (TP2: Function of the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of Muscle RING finger 1 and 3 in critical illness myopathy)

2008

Research Grant at Charité Virchow (1 year)

2008

Travel grant of the German Research Foundation (DFG FI 965/3-1) for a meeting of the American Heart Association “Pathological and Physiological Regulation of Cardiac Hypertrophy”; Abstract: “Myosin storage myopathy resulting from the loss of Muscle RING Finger 1 and 3”

2008

DFG Sachmittelantrag; DFG FI 965/2-1 (3 years)

2008

Persönliche Forschungsförderung, Charité (2 years)

2007

German Society of Muscular Disorders e.V. (2 years)

2006

Young Investigator Award – AHA meeting Keystone: „Translation of Basic Insights Into Clinical Practice”. Abstract: „MuRF3 Maintains the Integrity of the Heart Following Acute Myocardial Infarction“

2005

American Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA); Neuromuscular Diseaseresearch Grant; Principal Investigator – Eric N. Olson, Ph.D., UTSW Medical Center, Project Title: Control of Muscle Growth by a Novel Small Molecule

2004

Pfizer fellowship of the German Society of Cardiology (1 year)

2002

Interdisciplinary Habilitation grant at Charité Virchow (2 years)

2001

Research Grant at Charité Virchow (1 year)

1998

Research-Internship at German Heart Institute Berlin (1.5 years)

Selected Publications

Fielitz J , Kim MS, Shelton JM, Qi X, Hill JA, Richardson JA, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Requirement of protein kinase D1 for pathological cardiac remodeling. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008; 105:3059-3063

Fielitz J, Kim MS, Shelton JM, Latif S, Spencer JA, Glass DJ, Richardson JA, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Myosin accumulation and striated muscle myopathy result from the loss of muscle RING finger 1 and 3. J Clin Invest. 2007; 117:2486-2495

Fielitz J, van Rooij E, Spencer JA, Shelton JM, Latif S, van der Nagel R, Bezprozvannaya S, de Windt L, Richardson JA, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Loss of muscle-specific RING-finger 3 predisposes the heart to cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007; 104:4377-4382

Fielitz J , Philipp S, Herda LR, Schuch E, Pilz B, Schubert C , Gunzler V, Willenbrock R, Regitz-Zagrosek V. Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase prevents left ventricular remodelling in rats with thoracic aortic banding. Eur J Heart Fail. 2006

Wollersheim T, Woehlecke J, Krebs M, Hamati J, Lodk a D, Luther-Schroeder A, Langhans C, Haas K, Radtke T, Kleber C, Spies C, Labeit S, Schuelke M, Spuler S, Spranger J, Weber-Carstens S, Fielitz J. Dynamics of myosin degradation in intensive care unit-acquired weakness during severe critical illness. Intensive Care Med. 2014 Apr; 40(4):528-38.

PD Dr. med. Roland C. E. Francis

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine - Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK)

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 4505 51002
roland.francis@charite.de

Fields of Research

Ventilator-induced lung injury
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Acute hemorrhagic shock

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Animal models of acute lung injury and ventilator induced lung injury, mechanisms of action of reactive oxygen species and anti-inflammatory drugs to attenuate ventilator-induced lung injury

University Education

2011

Habilitation

2004

Medical thesis (Promotion)

1995 - 2002

Medical School, Freie Universität und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Professional Experience

2014 - now

Vice director, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité, CVK

2013 - 2014

Associate medical director, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité, CVK

2011

Supervising Consultant in Anesthesiology

2008

Board Certification in Anesthesiology & in Emergency Medicine

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Hanse-Preis für Intensivmedizin, Bremen

2007

Invited Member of the Council of Nobel Laureates 57th meeting in Lindau

2007

Member of the Mentoring Programme WAKWiN of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin.

Selected Publications

Francis RCE, Vaporidi K, Bloch KD, Ichinose F, Zapol WM. Protective and detrimental effects of sodium sulfide and hydrogen sulfide in murine ventilator-induced lung injury. Anesthesiology 2011 Nov;115(5):1012-21

Derwall M*, Francis RCE*, Kida K, Bougaki M, Crimi E, Adrie C, Zapol WM, Ichinose F. Administration of hydrogen sulfide via extracorporeal membrane lung ventilation in sheep with partial cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion: a proof of concept study on metabolic and vasomotor effects. Crit Care. 2011; 15(1):R51

Francis RCE, Höhne C, Klein A, Pickerodt PA, Reyle-Hahn MS, Boemke W. Xenon/remifentanil anesthesia protects against adverse effects of Losartan on hemodynamic challenges induced by anesthesia and acute blood loss. Shock. 2010; 34(6):628-35.

Pickerodt PA, Francis RC, Höhne C, Neubert F, Telalbasic S, Boemke W, Swenson ER. Pulmonary vasodilation by acetazolamide during hypoxia: impact of methyl-group substitutions and administration route in conscious, spontaneously breathing dogs. J Appl Physiol. 2014;116:715-723.

Vaporidi K, Francis RCE, Bloch KD, Zapol WM. Nitric oxide synthase 3 contributes to ventilator-induced lung injury. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2010 Aug;299(2):L150-9. Epub 2010 May 7.

Dr. rer. nat. Raphaela Fritsche

Berlin Institute of Health

Kapelle-Ufer 2, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3114
raphaela.fritsche@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Cancer
Signaling
Metabolomics and proteomics

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the primary cause of death from pediatric cancer deriving from neural crest precursor cells. Its clinical impact and biological heterogeneity leading to a highly aggressive malignancy drive the translational research effort. Despite intensive research, improvements in clinical outcome of NB have been achieved mostly for low- and intermediate-risk tumors. To gain new insights into NB pathogenesis we will analyze several high-risk NB cell lines and a cohort of NB tissue samples using MS-based proteomics and metabolomics techniques. As it is known that NB tumors show dependency on glycolysis, targeting major branching points may be a promising therapeutic strategy.

University Education

2003 - 2008

PhD in molecular and cell biology at Charité Berlin

1999 - 2003

Studies of Biology at Freie Universität Berlin (Diploma)

Professional Experience

2016 - now

Postdoctoral research scientist at Max-Delbrück-Center Berlin (BIH - metabolomics)

2013 - 2016

Postdoctoral research scientist at Max-Delbrück-Center Berlin (BIMSB - proteomics and metabolomics platform)

2008 - 2013

Postdoctoral research scientist at Humboldt University Berlin (Institute for Theoretical Biology) and Charité Berlin (Institute of Pathology)

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Lydia-Rabinowitsch award

2011

MKFZ award

Selected Publications

Fritsche-Guenther R, Witzel F, Kempa S, Brummer T, Sers C, Blüthgen N. Effects of RAF inhibitors on PI3K/AKT signalling depend on mutational status of the RAS/RAF signalling axis. Oncotarget. 2016 Feb 16;7(7):7960-9.

Klinger B, Sieber A, Fritsche-Guenther R, Witzel F, Berry L, Schumacher D, Yan Y, Durek P, Merchant M, Schäfer R, Sers C, Blüthgen N. Network quantification of EGFR signaling unveils potential for targeted combination therapy. Mol Syst Biol. 2013;9:673.

Fritsche-Guenther R, Witzel F, Sieber A, Herr R, Schmidt N, Braun S, Brummer T, Sers C, Blüthgen N. Strong negative feedback from Erk to Raf confers robustness to MAPK signalling. Mol Syst Biol. 2011 May 24;7:489.

Fritsche-Guenther R, Noske A, Ungethüm U, Kuban RJ, Schlag PM, Tunn PU, Karle J, Krenn V, Dietel M, Sers C. De novo expression of EphA2 in osteosarcoma modulates activation of the mitogenic signalling pathway. Histopathology. 2010 Dec;57(6):836-50.

Nazarenko I, Kristiansen G, Fonfara S, Guenther R, Gieseler C, Kemmner W, Schafer R, Petersen I, Sers C. H-REV107-1 stimulates growth in non-small cell lung carcinomas via the activation of mitogenic signaling. Am J Pathol. 2006 Oct;169(4):1427-39.

Ph.D. Katarzyna Gurzawska

Center for Dental and Craniofacial Sciences, Dept. of Periodontology

Assmannshauser Str. 4-6, 14197 Berlin

+49 30 4505 62535
katarzyna.gurzawska@charite.de

Fields of Research

Nanocoating
Implantology
Bone

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Stimulation of the bone growth by organic nanocoating of titanium implants and bone substitute materials, carries for bone growth factors, stem cells and drugs

University Education

2010 - 2011

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) engineer

2008 - 2013

University of Copenhagen (PhD and post-doc)

2006 - 2011

Medical University of Łódź (dentist)

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Post-doc Marie-Curie Fellowship at Charité Universitätsmedizin: In vivo studies (rat, rabbit animal model)

2008 - 2011

In vitro studies (cell and bacteria culture)

2008 - 2011

Dental surgery

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2013

Arthur R. Frechette Prosthodontic Research Award, Seattle 2013, IADR meeting

Selected Publications

Gurzawska K., Svava R., Jørgensen N.R., Gotfredsen K.: Nanocoating of titanium implant surfaces with organic molecules. Polysaccharides including glycosaminoglycans, Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology 2012, 8 (6), 1012 - 1024(13)

Gurzawska K., Svava R., Syberg S., Yihua Y., Haugshøj K. B., Damager I., Ulvskov P., Christensen L. H., Gotfredsen K., Jørgensen N. R.: Effect of nanocoating with rhamnogalacturonan-I on surface properties and osteoblasts response, Journal of Biomedical Materials part A 100(3), 2012

Svava R., Gurzawska K.., Yihua Y., Haugshøj K. B., Dirscherl K., Syberg S., Dirscherl K., Levery SB., Jørgensen N. R., Gotfredsen K., Damager I ., Jørgensen B., Ulvskov P.: The structurally effect of surface coated rhamnogalacturonan I on response of the osteoblast-like cell line SaOS-2. Journal of Biomedical Materials part A, 2013 Jul 12

Gurzawska K., Dirscherl K., Yihua Y., Byg I., Jørgensen B., Svava R., Nielsen MW., Jørgensen NR., Gotfredsen K.: Characterization of Pectin Nanocoatings at Polystyrene and Titanium Surfaces. Journal of Surface Engineered Materials and Advanced Technology, 2013, 3, 20-28

Dr. rer. nat. Caroline Helmstetter

Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Charité Mitte (CCM) - DRFZ

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 28460 711
helmstetter@drfz.de

Fields of Research

T cell differentiation
Cytokine expression
Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Quantitative cytokine memory of T helper cells
• Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation
• Cytokine secretion assay and cell sorting

University Education

2005 - 2007

Biomedicine Studies and diploma thesis at the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm as awardee of the ERASMUS program

2001 - 2007

Human Biology Studies at the Philipps-University of Marburg, 2007 Diploma (“with distinction”)

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Postdoc in the group of Experimental Immunology (Prof. Max Löhning) at the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité, Berlin

2007 - 2013

PhD thesis as fellow of the Int. Max Planck Research School for Infection Biology andImmunology, 2013 Dr. rer. nat. (“very good, with distinction”)

Selected Publications

Helmstetter, C., M. Floßdorf, M. Peine, A. Kupz, J. Zhu, A.N. Hegazy, M.A. Duque-Correa, Q. Zhang, Y. Vainshtein, A. Radbruch, S.H. Kaufmann, W.E. Paul, T. Höfer & M. Löhning. 2015. Individual T helper cells have a quantitative cytokine memory. Immunity 42, 108-122.

Peine, M., C. Helmstetter*, S. Rausch*, A. Fröhlich, A.N. Hegazy, A. Kühl, C.G. Grevelding, T. Höfer, S. Hartmann & M. Löhning. 2013. Stable T-bet+GATA-3+ Th1/Th2 hybrid cells arise in vivo, can develop directly from naive precursors, and limit immunopathologic inflammation. PLoS Biology 11, e1001633. *Shared second authors

Hegazy, A.N., C. Helmstetter*, M. Peine*, I. Panse, A. Fröhlich, A. Bergthaler, L. Flatz, D.D. Pinschewer, A. Radbruch & M. Löhning. 2010. Interferons direct Th2 cell reprogramming to generate a stable GATA-3+T-bet+ cell subset with combined Th2 and Th1 cell functions. Immunity 32, 116-128. *Shared second authors

Mariani L, Schulz EG, Lexberg MH, Helmstetter C, Radbruch A, Löhning M, Höfer T. Short-term memory in gene induction reveals the regulatory principle behind stochastic IL-4 expression. Mol Syst Biol 2010. vol. 6, p. 359.

Matskova LV, Helmstetter C, Ingham RJ, Gish G, Lindholm CK, Ernberg I, Pawson T and Winberg G. The Shb signalling scaffold binds to and regulates constitutive signals from the Epstein-Barr virus LMP2A membrane protein. Oncogene 2007. 26:4908-17.

Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Florian Herse

Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC)

Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 4505 40434
florian.herse@charite.de

Fields of Research

Immunology of Pregnancy
Preeclampsia
Renin-Angiotensin System

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Patient cohorts
• Translational research

University Education

2007

Ph.D. at the Technische Universität Berlin

2004

Dipl. Ing. of Biotechnology at the Technische Universität Berlin

2001 - 2004

Student research assistant, funded by „Studentischen Forschungsförderung“ Universitätsmedizin Charité Berlin

Professional Experience

2010 - now

Lab Manager/Scientist in the group of PD Dr. Müller and PD Dr. Dechend, Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Max-Delbrück Centrum für molekulare Medizin (MDC-Berlin)

2008 - 2010

Scientist (PostDoc) in the group of PD Dr. Dechend, Universitätsmedizin Charité Campus Buch

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2014

Rösslin-Preis für Geburtsmedizin der DGGG; 60. Kongress der DGGG, München

2010

Posterpreis; 34. Wissenschaftlichen Kongresses der Deutschen Hochdruckliga, Berlin

2010

ISH International Forum Poster Prize; 23rd Scientific Meeting of the international Society of Hypertension, Vancouver

2006

Taylor & Francis Award; 15th World Congress of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy, Lisbon

Selected Publications

Herse F, Lamarca B, Hubel CA, Kaartokallio T, Lokki AI, Ekholm E, Laivuori H, Gauster M, Huppertz B, Sugulle M, Ryan MJ, Novotny S, Brewer J, Park JK, Kacik M, Hoyer J, Verlohren S, Wallukat G, Rothe M, Luft FC, Muller DN, Schunck WH, Staff AC, Dechend R. CYP2J2 Expression and Circulating Epoxyeicosatrienoic Metabolites in Preeclampsia. Circulation. 2012 Dec 18; 126(25):2990-9. PMID: 23155181

Searle J, Mockel M, Gwosc S, Datwyler SA, Qadri F, Albert GI, Holert F, Isbruch A, Klug L, Muller DN, Dechend R, Muller R, Vollert JO, Slagman A, Mueller C, Herse F. Heparin strongly induces soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 release in vivo and in vitro--brief report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2011 Dec; 31(12):2972-4. Epub 2011 Oct 6. PMID: 21979436

Herse F, Fain JN, Janke J, Engeli S, Kuhn C, Frey N, Weich HA, Bergmann A, Kappert K, Karumanchi SA, Luft FC, Muller DN, Staff AC, Dechend R. Adipose Tissue-Derived Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 Is an Obesity-Relevant Endogenous Paracrine Adipokine. Hypertension. 2011 Jul; 58(1):37-42. Epub 2011 May 9. PMID: 21555675

Brosnihan KB, Hering L, Dechend R, Chappell MC, Herse F. Increased angiotensin II in the mesometrial triangle of a transgenic rat model of preeclampsia. Hypertension. 2010 Feb; 55(2):562-6. Epub 2009 Dec 28. PMID: 20038747

Herse F, Dechend R, Harsem NK, Wallukat G, Janke J, Qadri F, Hering L, Muller DN, Luft FC, Staff AC. Dysregulation of the circulating and tissue-based renin-angiotensin system in preeclampsia. Hypertension. 2007 Mar; 49(3):604-11. PMID: 17261642

Dr. Michael Hinz

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3751
m.hinz@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

NF-κB signal transduction
DNA damage
Hodgkin’s disease

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Biochemistry
• Genome-wide target gene determination
• Screening approaches (siRNA and small molecules)
• Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics (SILAC, SRM)

University Education

1992 - 1995

Doctoral degree, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany, magna cum laude

1985 - 1992

Diploma (Biology), Leibniz University Hannover and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany

Professional Experience

2012 - now

Scientific Officer for the MDC Cancer Research Program

2005 - now

Senior Postdoc with C. Scheidereit, Max-Delbrück-Center, Berlin

2002 - 2005

Scientist, Silence Therapeutics

1999 - 2001

Postdoc fellow with C. Scheidereit, Max-Delbrück-Center, Berlin

1995 - 1998

Postdoc fellow with M. Strauss, Humboldt University Berlin

Selected Publications

Hinz, M., Krappmann, D., Eichten, A., Heder, A., Scheidereit, C., and Strauss, M. NF-kappaB function in growth control: regulation of cyclin D1 expression and G0/G1-to-S-phase transition. Molecular Cellular Biology. 1999. 19, 2690-2698

Hinz, M., Löser, P., Mathas, S., Krappmann, D., Dörken, B. and Scheidereit C. Constitutive NF-kappaB maintains high expression of a characteristic gene network, including CD40, CD86, and a set of antiapoptotic genes in Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg cells. Blood. 2001. 97 (9), 2798-2807

Hinz, M., Lemke, P., Anagnostopoulos, I., Hacker, C. , Krappmann, D., Dörken, B. Zenke, M., Stein, H., and Scheidereit, C. Nuclear factor kappaB-dependent gene expression profiling of Hodgkin's disease tumor cells, pathogenetic significance, and link to constitutive signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a activity. J. Exp. Med. 2002. 196, 605-617

Stilmann, M.*, Hinz, M.*, Arslan, S. C., Zimmer, A., Schreiber, V., and Scheidereit, C. A nuclear poly(ADP-ribose)-dependent signalosome confers DNA damage-induced IkappaB kinase activation. Molecular Cell 2009, 36 (3), 365-378. *These authors contributed equally to this work.

Hinz, M.*, Stilmann, M.* , Çöl Arslan, S., Khanna, K.K., Dittmar, G., and Scheidereit, C. A cytoplasmic ATM-TRAF6-cIAP1 module links nuclear DNA damage signaling to ubiquitin-mediated NF-κB activation. Molecular Cell 2010, 40 (1), 63-74. *These authors contributed equally to this work.

Dr. med. (M.Sc.) Andreas Ch. Hocke

Med. Klinik m.S. Infektiologie / Pneumologie

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 53477
andreas.hocke@charite.de

Fields of Research

Innate immunity of the lung
Cellular interplay in the alveolus
Mitochondrial role for immune activation

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Our scope is to strengthen the understanding of subcellular mechanisms of the pathogen-host interaction in the human lung to find novel strategies for the modulation of innate immune functions for a better outcome in pneumonia. From a translational point of view, many innate immune functions are quite different between men and mice and many human pathogens are not naturally adapted to animals necessitating a stronger focus in the establishment of human disease models. For that purpose w e continuously address the further development of a human lung tissue infection model. A special focus of the model is to visualize infectious process directly in the human alveolus using high-end imaging methods such as spectral intravital imaging combined with FRET etc.

University Education

2005 - 2008

Medical Informatics, TFH Berlin

1996 - 2000

Human Medicine, JLU-Gießen

Professional Experience

2010 - now

Member of the SFB-TR84 and Group Leader “Lung infection and molecular imaging”

2008 - 2010

Deputy Speaker of Hippenstiel Group, “Molecular infection and pneumology”

2000 - 2008

PostDoc, Med. Klinik m.S. Infektiologie/Pneumologie

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2011

Erster Berliner Forschungspreis für Tierversuchsalternativen

Selected Publications

Hocke AC, Becher A, Knepper J, Peter A, Holland G, Tönnies M, Bauer TT, Schneider P, Neudecker J, Muth D, Wendtner CM, Rückert JC, Drosten C, Gruber AD, Laue M, Suttorp N, Hippenstiel S, Wolff T. Emerging human middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus causes widespread infection and alveolar damage in human lungs. Am. J. Resp. Crit. Care Med. 188:882-6

Knepper J, Schierhorn KL, Becher A, Budt M, Tönnies M, Bauer TT, Schneider P, Neudecker J, Rückert JC, Gruber AD, Suttorp N, Schweiger B, Hippenstiel S, Hocke AC, Wolff T: (2013) The novel human influenza A(H7N9) virus is naturally adapted to efficient growth in human lung tissue. MBio. 8:e00601-13

Weinheimer VK, Becher A, Tonnies M, Holland G, Knepper J, Bauer TT, Schneider P, Neudecker J, Ruckert JC, Szymanski K, Temmesfeld-Wollbrueck B, Gruber AD, Bannert N, Suttorp N, Hippenstiel S., Wolff T, and Hocke A C: (2012) Influenza A viruses target type II pneumocytes in the human lung. J Infect Dis 206, 1685-94

Szymanski KV, Toennies M, Becher A, Fatykhova D, N'Guessan PD, Gutbier B, Klauschen F, Neuschaefer-Rube F, Schneider P, Rueckert J, Neudecker J, Bauer TT, Dalhoff K, Dromann D, Gruber AD, Kershaw O, Temmesfeld-Wollbrueck B, Suttorp N, Hippenstiel S, and Hocke AC: (2012) Streptococcus pneumoniae-induced regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in human lung tissue. Eur Respir J 40: 1458-67

Slevogt H, Zabel S., Opitz B, Hocke A, Eitel J, N'Guessan PD, Lucka L, Riesbeck K, Zimmermann W, Zweigner J, Temmesfeld-Wollbrueck B, Suttorp N, and Singer BB (2008): CEACAM1 inhibits Toll-like receptor 2-triggered antibacterial responses of human pulmonary epithelial cells. Nat Immunol 9: 1270-1278

Dr. rer. nat. Carolin Höfig

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK)

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 450 524 162
carolin.hoefig@charite.de

Fields of Research

Thyroid hormone metabolism
Trace elements
Autoimmunity

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Hormonal regulation of food and appetite regulation, thyroid hormone research with focus on cardiovascular function and thermoregulation, trace elements and aging

University Education

2003 - 2008

Studies of nutritional science at the Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena

Professional Experience

2015 - now

Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2012 - 2015

Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

2008 - 2012

Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2014

Young Active Research in Endocrinology (YARE) Board member, and now speaker of the organization

2014

Von Basedow Preis from the German Research Council

Selected Publications

Hoefig CS, Harder L, Oelkrug R, Meusel M, Vennström B, Brabant G, Mittag J. Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Consequences of a Transient Thyrotoxicosis and Recovery in Male Mice. Endocrinology. 2016 May 4:en20161095. PMID: 27145010

Fischer AW, Hoefig CS, Abreu-Vieira G, de Jong JM, Petrovic N, Mittag J, Cannon B, Nedergaard J. Leptin Raises Defended Body Temperature without Activating Thermogenesis. Cell Rep. 2016 Feb 23;14(7):1621-31. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.01.041. Epub 2016 Feb 11. PMID: 26876182

Hoefig CS, Wuensch T, Rijntjes E, Lehmphul I, Daniel H, Schweizer U, Mittag J, Köhrle J. Biosynthesis of 3-iodothyronamine from L-thyroxine in murine intestinal tissue. Endocrinology. 2015 Sep 8:en20141499.

Hoefig CS, Köhrle J, Brabant G, Dixit K, Yap B, Strasburger CJ, Wu Z.: Evidence for extrathyroidal formation of 3-iodothyronamine in humans as provided by a novel monoclonal antibody-based chemiluminescent serum immunoassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jun;96(6):1864-72.

Piehl S*, Hoefig CS*, Scanlan TS, Köhrle J. Thyronamines--past, present, and future. Endocr Rev. 2011 Feb;32(1):64-80. Review.

PD Dr. rer. nat. Markus Höltje

Institute for Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 28356
markus.hoeltje@charite.de

Fields of Research

Small G proteins
Neuronal Regeneration
Autoimmune encephalitis

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Neuroregenerative / -protective action of Clostridium botulinum C3 Peptides for the treatment of spinal cord injuries (behavioural mouse models, histochemistry, light- / electron microscopy, activation status of molecular switches such as Rho-proteins, effects on neurotransmitter handling by radiolabelled transmitter assays)

Investigation of molecular events contributing to the newly detected autoimmune diseases such as anti NMDA-receptor encephalitis, close cooperation with the Neurology department of the Charité (use of patients serum and CSF for investigation of effects on synaptic proteins in cell lines, primary neuronal culture and tissue culture). A true bench to bedside project.

University Education

2009

Habilitation, Charité-University Medicine Berlin

2000

Graduation (PhD), Humboldt-University Berlin

1996

Diploma in Biology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen

Professional Experience

2005 - now

Group leader C3 Proteins and Neuronal Regeneration - Supervision of more than 10 PhD and MD students - Conduction of the annual course “Functional and practical neuroanatomy for neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and psychiatrists” for eight years

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

Patent: "Small C3bot peptides as drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and neuroregenerative therapies including those involving stem cells” European Patent pending EP 09156967.3

2010

The publication Boato et al., 2010 (see list of publications) was awarded 1st price for the best publication by the Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies

2010

Co-laureate „Best pre-clinical teaching course 2010“ for the seminar on macroscopic anatomy

2007

Posterprice of the 24th Annual Workshop of the Anatomical Society, Würzburg

Selected Publications

Prüss H.*, Höltje M.*, Maier N., Gomez A., Buchert R., Harms L., Ahnert - Hilger G., Schmitz D., Terborg C., Köller H., Kopp U., Klingbeil C., Borowski K., Kohler S., Schwab JM., Stoecker W., Dalmau J., Wandinger KP. IgA NMDA receptor antibodies are markers of synaptic immunity in slow cognitive impairment. Neurology, 2012 78:1743-53 *equally contributing

Prüss H., Finke C, Höltje M, Hofmann J, Ahnert-Hilger G, Harms L, Ploner CJ, Schwab JM, Dalmau J, Wandinger KP N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies in herpes simplex encephalitis Annals of Neurology, 2012 , 72: 902-11

Boato, F., Hendrix, S., Huelsenbeck, S.C., Hofmann, F., Große, G., Djalali, S., Klimaschewski, L., Auer, M., Just, I., Ahnert-Hilger, G., and Höltje, M. C3 peptide enhances recovery from spinal cord injury by improved regenerative growth of descending fiber tracts. Journal of Cell Science, 2010, 123; 1652-62

Höltje, M., Djalali, S., Hofmann, F., Münster-Wandowski, A., Hendrix, S., Boato, F., Dreger, C.S., Große, G., Henneberger, C., Grantyn, R.,Just, I., Ahnert-Hilger, G. A 29-amino acid fragment of Clostridium botulinum C3 protein enhances neuronal outgrowth, connectivity, and reinnervation. The FASEB Journal 2009 , 23; 1115-26

Walther, D.J., Peter, J.-U., Winter, S., Höltje, M ., Paulmann, N., Grohmann, M., Vowinckel, J., Alamo-Bethencourt, V., Wilhelm, C.S., Ahnert-Hilger, G., Bader, M. Serotonylation of small GTPases is a signal transduction pathway that triggers platelet alpha-granule release. Cell 2003, 1 15; 851-62

PD Dr. rer. nat. Uta E. Höpken

Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3330
uhoepken@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Tumor-stroma crosstalk in B cell lymphoma
Mucosal immunology
Adoptive T cell therapy

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Preclinical mouse models of gastrointestinal inflammation and inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis
• Multiphoton intravital microscopy to visualize lymphoma cell trafficking and tumor-stroma interactions
• Targeting the secretory pathway in cytotoxic T cells in cancer immunotherapy

University Education

2008 - now

Priv. Doz., Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Germany

1990 - 1993

Ph.D., Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany

1986 - 1989

Major/Diplom in Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany

1984 - 1986

Bachelor/Vordiplom in Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany

Professional Experience

2006 - now

Research Group Leader, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin

2001 - 2005

Senior Scientist, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin

1998 - 2001

Helmholtz-Scholarship, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin

1996 - 1997

Postdoctoral-Associate, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

1994 - 1996

Postdoctoral scholarship (DFG), Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

1998

Helmholtz-Scholarship of the HGF

1994

Postdoctoral scholarship by the DFG

Selected Publications

Heinig K, Gätjen M, Grau, M, Stache, V, Anagnostopoulos I, Gerlach, K, Niesner R, Cseresnyes Z, Hauser A, Lenz P, Hehlgans T, Brink R, Westermann J, Dörken B, Lipp M, Lenz G, Rehm A, Höpken UE (2014): Access to follicular dendritic cells is a pivotal step in murine chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cell activation and proliferation. Cancer Discovery 4: 1449-1465.

Rehm A*, Gätjen M, Gerlach K, Scholz F, Mensen A, Gloger M, Heinig K, Lamprecht B, Mathas S, Begay V, Leutz A, Lipp M, Dörken B, Höpken UE (2014): Dendritic cell-mediated survival signals in Eμ-Myc B cell lymphoma depend on the transcription factor C/EBPβ. Nature Communication 5: 5057-5070.

Wichner K, Fischer A, Winter S, Tetzlaff S, Heimesaat MM, Bereswill S, Rehm A, Lipp M, Höpken UE (2013): Transition from an autoimmune-prone state to fatal autoimmune disease in CCR7 and RORγt double-deficient mice is dependent on gut microbiota. Journal of Autoimmunity 47:58-72.

Herda S, Raczkowski F, Mittrücker H-W, Willimsky G, Gerlach K, Kühl, AA, Breiderhoff T, Willnow TE, Dörken B, Höpken UE, Rehm A (2012): The sorting receptor Sortilin exhibits a dual function in exocytic trafficking of inteferon-γ and granzyme A in T cells. Immunity 37: 854-866.

Rehm A, Mensen A, Schradi K, Gerlach K, Winter S, Büchner G, Dörken B, Lipp M, Höpken UE (2011): Cooperative function of CCR7 and lymphotoxin in the formation of a lymphoma-permissive niche within murine secondary lymphoid organs. Blood 118:1020-1033.

PD Dr. med. Bimba Franziska Hoyer

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Charité Mitte (CCM)

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 13019
bimba.hoyer@charite.de

Fields of Research

Autoimmunity
Plasma cells
Humoral memory

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

autoimmunity, rheumatology, plasma cell reserach, plasma cell memory in autoimmunity and targeting of autoreactive B cells

University Education

2002 - 2004

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2000 - 2001

Université de Rennes/France

1997 - 2002

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität zu Bonn

Professional Experience

2007

Visiting Scientist at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbouren, Australia

2005 - 2015

Specialisation in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

2002 - 2016

Researcher at the German Rheumatism Research Center

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

Rudolf-Schoen-Prize (German Society of Rheumatology)

2006

MSD-Grant for Arthritis-Research

2004

Avrion-Mitchison Prize in Rheumatology

Selected Publications

Bortezomib Plus Continuous B Cell Depletion Results in Sustained Plasma Cell Depletion and Amelioration of Lupus Nephritis in NZB/W F1 Mice. Khodadadi L, Cheng Q, Alexander T, Sercan-Alp Ö, Klotsche J, Radbruch A, Hiepe F, Hoyer BF, Taddeo A. PLoS One. 2015

Long-lived plasma cells are early and constantly generated in New Zealand Black/New Zealand White F1 mice and their therapeutic depletion requires a combined targeting of autoreactive plasma cells and their precursors. Taddeo A, Khodadadi L, Voigt C, Mumtaz IM, Cheng Q, Moser K, Alexander T, Manz RA, Radbruch A, Hiepe F, Hoyer BF. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015

Autoantibodies from long-lived 'memory' plasma cells of NZB/W mice drive immune complex nephritis. Cheng Q, Mumtaz IM, Khodadadi L, Radbruch A, Hoyer BF, Hiepe F. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013

Takayasu arteritis is characterised by disturbances of B cell homeostasis and responds to B cell depletion therapy with rituximab. Hoyer BF, Mumtaz IM, Loddenkemper K, Bruns A, Sengler C, Hermann KG, Maza S, Keitzer R, Burmester GR, Buttgereit F, Radbruch A, Hiepe F. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012

Short-lived plasmablasts and long-lived plasma cells contribute to chronic humoral autoimmunity in NZB/W mice. Hoyer BF, Moser K, Hauser AE, Peddinghaus A, Voigt C, Eilat D, Radbruch A, Hiepe F, Manz RA. J Exp Med. 2004

Dr. Nafisa Jadavji

Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, CCM

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 172 2168683
nafisa.jadavji@charite.de

Fields of Research

Neuroscience
Folate Metabolism
Neurodegeneration

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Rodent breeding and behavioural testing
• In vivo surgical procedures
• In vitro primary neuronal cell culture procedures
• Cellular, biochemical, molecular and histological laboratory techniques
• Leader of 3 Animal Ethics/Protocol Applications (Versuchsleiter, Tierversuchsantrag, Landesamtes für Gesundheit und Soziales), Berlin GERMANY 2013-2016
• The Care and Use of Animals in Research, Teaching and Testing Training (CANADA)
• Institutional Animal User Training Part 2A (Mouse and Rat Training Lab); (CANADA)
• Radiation Protection Training Certification (CANADA)
• St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid Certification (CANADA)

University Education

2008 - 2012

Doctorate of Philosophy, Human Genetics and Neuroscience

2006 - 2008

Master of Science, Behavioual and Molecular Neuroscience

2002 - 2006

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience (CO-OP education)

Professional Experience

2008

Research Associate, Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience, University ofLethbridge

2008

Research Assistant, Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute, McGillUniversity

2006 - 2007

Research Assistant, Department of Women’s Studies, University of Lethbridge

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

McGill University Department of Human Genetics Excellence Award ($2000 CAN)

2011

Honourable Mention, Canadian Institutes of Health Research National Poster Competition

2009

3rd Place Poster Competition at Congress IBRO/LARC of Neuroscience for Latin America, Caribbean and Iberian Peninsula

2005

17th Canadian Spring Conference on Behaviour and Brain, Undergraduate Talk Award

Selected Publications

Jadavji NM, Deng L, Wang XL, Maly sheva O, Caudill MA, Bedell BJ, Rozen R (2014) Mouse model for deficiency of methionine synthase reductase exhibits short-term memory impairment and disturbances in brain choline metabolism. Biochemical Journal. 461(2): 205-212

Jadavji NM, Deng L, Leclerc D, Malysheva O, Caudill MA, Bedell BJ, Rozen R (2012) Severe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency in mice results in behavioral anomalies with morphological and biochemical changes in hippocampus. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism. 106(2): 149-159

Jadavji NM, Metz GA (2009) Both pre- and post-lesion experiential therapy is beneficial in 6-hydroxydopamine dopamine-depleted female rats. Neuroscience. 158(2): 373-86

Jadavji NM, Kolb B and Metz GA (2006) Enriched environment improves motor function in intact and unilateral dopamine-depleted rats. Neuroscience. 140(4): 1127-1138

Metz GA, Jadavji NM and Smith LK (2005) Modulation of motor function by stress: a novel concept of the effects of stress and corticosterone on behavior. European Journal of Neuroscience. 22(5): 1190-1200

Dr. rer. nat. Jan Philipp Junker

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 30 9406 1860
janphilipp.junker@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

single cell biology
systems biology
quantitative developmental biology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

We study the interplay between variation and stability during embryonic development using the zebrafish as a model system. To address our questions we develop strategies for spatially-resolved transcriptomics and single-cell lineage tracing. These approaches are powerful tools for studying the design principles of pattern formation in healthy and diseased tissue.

University Education

2006 - 2009

PhD in Biophysics at Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany

2000 - 2005

Studies of Physics at Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany

Professional Experience

2013 - 2015

Senior Postdoc at Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands

2010 - 2012

Postdoc at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

Minerva ARCHES award

Selected Publications

A Predictive Model of Bifunctional Transcription Factor Signaling

Genome-wide RNA Tomography in the Zebrafish Embryo

Every Cell Is Special: Genome-wide Studies Add a New Dimension to Single-Cell Biology

Single-molecule force spectroscopy distinguishes target binding modes of calmodulin

Ligand-Dependent Equilibrium Fluctuations of Single Calmodulin Molecules

PD Dr. med. Dipl.-Phys. Frederick Klauschen

Insititute of Pathology, Campus Charité Mitte

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 36053
frederick.klauschen@charite.de

Fields of Research

Systems Medicine
Biomedical Computing
Molecular Pathology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Bioinformatics techniques: biomedical image analysis, simulation modeling and molecular pathology/oncology data analysis.

Experimental techniques: time-course cell signaling perturbation analysis using phosphoproteomics; targeted panel sequencing (IonTorrent); conventional histopathology technique

University Education

1998 - 2005

Physics, University of Hamburg (Diplom-Physiker)

1995 - 2001

Medicine, University of Lübeck (Arzt)

Professional Experience

2009 - now

Physician/Pathologist and Group Leader, Systems Pathology Group, Institute ofPathology, Charité

2004 - 2009

Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Systems Biology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Novartis Oncology-Pathology Award Winner

Selected Publications

Brandes M, Klauschen F, Kuchen S, Germain RN. A Systems Analysis Identifies a Feedforward Inflammatory Circuit Leading to Lethal Influenza Infection. CELL 2013 Jul 3;154(1): 197-212

Ghigo C, Mondor I, Jorquera A, Nowak J, Wienert S, Zahner SP, Clausen BE, Luche H, Malissen B, Klauschen F*, Bajénoff M. Multicolor fate mapping of Langerhans cell homeostasis. J Exp Med. 2013 Aug 26;210(9): 1657-64. *Co-corresponding-author

Angermann BR, Klauschen F*, Garcia AD, Prustel T, Zhang F, Germain RN, Meier-Schellersheim M. Computational modeling of cellular signaling processes embedded into dynamic spatial contexts. Nature Methods 2012;9:283-9. *Co-first-author

Klauschen F, Ishii M, Qi H, Bajenoff M, Egen JG, Germain RN, Meier-Schellersheim M. Quantifying cellular interaction dynamics in 3D fluorescence microscopy data. Nature protocols 2009;4:1305-11.

Ishii M, Egen JG, Klauschen F, Meier-Schellersheim M, Saeki Y, Vacher J, Proia RL, Germain RN. Sphingosine-1-phosphate mobilizes osteoclast precursors and regulates bone homeostasis. Nature 2009; 458:524-8.

Dr. rer. nat. Friederike Klempin

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 30 9406 2518
Friederike.Klempin@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Adult neural stem cells
Signaling factors serotonin, BDNF, Sox2
Angiotensin system

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

My interest is in neural stem cell biology and the study of mechanisms by which brain function and physical activity induce neuronal plasticity and repair in the adult mammalian brain. Stem cells hold a great deal of promise for the cure of disorders resulting from neuronal loss through injury, aging, or disease. I have expertise in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and intrinsic signaling molecules (serotonin, BDNF, Sox2 and Pax6) regulating cell birth, fate choice, and survival in neurogenic, and non-neurogenic brain regions.

My methods combine genetic tools/gene therapy, electrophysiology/optogenetics, and imaging to identify specific pathways of these factors in the adult brain. The long-term goal is to include the role of peripheral signal molecules to facilitate the design of alternative approaches for the treatment of depression or age-related cognitive decline.

University Education

2004 - 2007

Humboldt University of Berlin, Charité/MDC-Berlin, Germany – Neuroscience (Ph.D.)

1997 - 2003

Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany – Biology, Neurobiology, Bichemistry (M.Sc.)

Professional Experience

2013 - now

MDC-Berlin, Germany / UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil (senior post-doc/visiting prof)

2011 - 2013

University of Washington, ISCRM, Seattle, WA, USA (post-doc)

2008 - 2010

Rosalind Franklin University – Chicago Medical School, IL, USA (post-doc)

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2013

Manuscript „Klempin et al., 2013 J Neurosci“ has been highlighted at the MDC-Berlin with comments in German media, in ‘Fans of cognitive Neuroscience’, in the Stanford Journal, and in a Journal Club Feature of The Journal of Neuroscience

2010

Session organizer, chair and speaker at Winter Conference On Brain Research, Breckenridge, CO, USA

2006

First prize at the ROUTE28 workshop, Munich, Germany

Selected Publications

Kronenberg G, Mosienko V, Gertz K, Alenina N, Hellweg R, Klempin F (Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein concentrations in mice lacking brain serotonin. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 10.1007/s00406-015-0611-3.2015)

Alenina N, Klempin F (The role of serotonin in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Behav Brain Res. Aug 11. 2014)

Klempin F, Beis D, Mosienko V, Kempermann G, Bader M, Alenina N (Serotonin is required for exercise-induced adult hippocampal neurogenesis. J Neurosci 33:8270-8275.2013)

Klempin F, Marr RA, Peterson DA (Modification of pax6 and olig2 expression in adult hippocampal neurogenesis selectively induces stem cell fate and alters both neuronal and glial populations. Stem Cells 30:500-509.2012)

Klempin F, Babu H, De Pietri Tonelli D, Alarcon E, Fabel K, Kempermann G (Oppositional effects of serotonin receptors 5-HT1a, 2, and 2c in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 3.2010)

Dr. rer. nat. Susanne Krug

Institute of Clinical Physiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin

Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin

+49 30 8445 2546
susanne.m.krug@charite.de

Fields of Research

Tight Junction
Epithelial barrier
Tricellulin

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Molecular characterization of the tight junction associated MARVEL proteins tricellulin and
marvelD3
• Characterization of the tricellular tight junction as a permeation pathway
• Molecular characterization of the distinct properties claudin-17, a paracellular anion channel
• Tight junction proteins in inflammatory bowel diseases
• Freeze fracture electron microscopy of molecularly altered tight junctions
• Two-path impedance spectroscopy for discrimination of paracellular and transcellular resistances

University Education

2005 - 2006

Diploma thesis: "Transfektion von MDCK-Zellen mit Claudin-12-cDNA und Analyse der differenzierungs-abhängigen Expression von Tight Junction-Proteinen", Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin ("Mit Auszeichnug")

2001 - 2005

Study of biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin

2000 - 2001

Study of chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Coordinating Research Officer of the Institute of Clinical Physiology

2011

Visiting researcher at the lab of Prof. Jerrold R. Turner, Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, IL, USA

2010 - now

Research Associate, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin,Charité Berlin

2009

Dr. rer. nat. (PhD), "Tricellulin and its function in the tricellular tight junction of epithelial cells" Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin ("Summa cum laude")

2006 - 2009

Postgraduate, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Berlin; 11.06-12.09: German Research Foundation, Research Unit (DFG Forschergruppe) FOR 721/1, TP1

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2010

Poster award of the European Intestinal Transport Group (EITG), Salerno, Italy

Selected Publications

Krug SM, Amasheh M, Dittmann I, Christoffel I, Fromm M, Amasheh S (2013) Sodium caprate as an enhancer of macromolecule permeation across tricellular tight junctions of intestinal cells. Biomaterials 34(1): 275-282

Krug SM, Günzel D, Conrad MP, Rosenthal R, Fromm A, Amasheh S, Schulzke JD, Fromm M (2012) Claudin-17 forms tight junction channels with distinct anion selectivity. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 69: 2765-2778

Krug SM, Amasheh S, Richter JF, Milatz S, Günzel D, Westphal JK, Huber O, Schulzke JD, Fromm M (2009) Tricellulin forms a barrier to macromolecules in tricellular tight junctions without affecting ion permeability. Mol. Biol. Cell 20: 3713–3724

Krug SM, Fromm M, Günzel D (2009) Two-path impedance spectroscopy for measuring paracellular and transcellular epithelial resistance. Biophys. J. 97(8): 2202–2211

Hackel D, Krug SM, Sauer RS, Mousa SA, Böcker A, Pflücke D, Wrede EJ, Kistner K, Hoffmann T, Niedermirtl B, Sommer C, Bloch L, Huber O, Blasig IE, Amasheh S, Reeh PW, Fromm M, Brack A, Rittner HL (2012) Transient opening of the perineurial barrier for analgesic drug delivery. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 109(29): E2018-E2027

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Elke Krüger

Institute of Biochemistry CCM, Charité CrossOver

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 28317
elke.krueger@charite.de

Fields of Research

Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
Molecular Immunology
Proteostasis in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

The main research field of my group lies in the preclinical area of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine. Our projects are focused on the regulation of controlled protein breakdown by the ubiquitin-proteasome-system (UPS) in health and disease at the crossroads of proteotoxic stress and immune responses. The importance of a strictly adjusted UPS becomes evident by abnormal regulation, which results in the loss of proteostasis control in chronic inflammation, cancer, or neurodegeneration. In the adaptive immune response we investigate the role of UPS components in MHC class I antigen presentation of virus and tumor antigens. During innate immune responses we study the impact of UPS adaptation to cytokine signaling and oxidative stress. This innate immune function of the UPS is systemically relevant, because mutations in proteasome subunits lead to proteasome associated autoinflammatory diseases with early onset in childhood. We perform basic research with translational aspects. By the better understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms we try to identify new drug targets for treatment and also examine validated compounds in our disease models.

University Education

1993 - 1996

Doctoral thesis, EMAU Germany (grant by the DFG Graduiertenkolleg „Structural and funktional characterization of pro- and eukaryontic genes“); Degree Dr. rer. nat.(summa cum laude)

1987 - 1992

Biology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald (EMAU), Germany, Degree: Diplom-Biologin Molecular Microbiology and Biochemistry

Professional Experience

2009 - now

Associate (W2) Professor of Biochemistry at the Institute of Biochemistry Charité and Head of the Group Regulation of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System

2008

Habilitation

1999 - 2008

Project group leader „Proteasome assembly“, Institute of Biochemistry Charité Berlin

1996 - 1999

Postdoctoral fellow, EMAU, Bacterial stress responses

Selected Publications

Krüger E, Zühlke D, Witt E, Ludwig H, and Hecker M. Clp-mediated proteolysis in Gram-positive bacteria is autoregulated by the stability of a repressor. EMBO J. 20(4), 852-863, 2001

Heink S, Ludwig D, Kloetzel PM, and Krüger E. IFN-γ-induced immune adaptation of the proteasome system is an accelerated and transient response. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 102 (26), 9241-9246, 2005

Steffen J, Seeger M, Koch A, and Krüger E. Proteasomal degradation is transcriptionally controlled by TCF11 via an ERAD-dependent feedback loop. Mol Cell 40(1), 147-158, 2010

Seifert U, Bialy LP, Ebstein F, Bech-Otschir D [...], and Krüger E. Immunoproteasomes preserve protein homeostasis upon interferon-induced oxidative stress. Cell 142 , 613-624, 2010

Krüger E, Kloetzel PM. Immunoproteasomes at the interface of innate and adaptive immune responses: two faces of one enzyme. Curr Opin Immunol. 24 (1), 77-83, 2012

PhD Anja A. Kühl

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF)

Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin

+49-30-450-514-345
anja.kuehl@charite.de

Fields of Research

Histopathology
Immunohistochemistry, -fluorescence
Experimental Models

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Histopathology of experimental models of inflammation and cancer
• Macrophages and T cells in intestinal inflammation/ IBD
• Macrophages and T cells in Graft versus Host-Disease

University Education

2001 - 2006

Medical Sciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin

1993 - 1997

Degreed Engineer (Biotechnology), University of Applied Science, Berlin

Professional Experience

2015 - now

Scientific Head of iPATH.Berlin-Immunpathology for Experimental Models, Charité-CBF

2011 - now

PI at Medical Department (Gastroenterology/Infectious diseases/Rheumatology), Charité-CBF

2008 - 2011

PI at Institute of Pathology, Charité-CBF

2006 - 2008

PostDoc at Medical Department (Gastroenterology/Infectious diseases/Rheumatology), Charité-CBF

Selected Publications

Neumann K, Erben U, Kruse N, Wechsung K, Schumann M, Klugewitz K, Scheffold A, Kühl AA. Chemokine transfer by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells contributes to the recruitment of effector CD4+ T cells into the murine liver. PLoS One; 10(6):e0123867, 2015.

Erben U, Pawlowski NN, Doerfel K, Loddenkemper C, Hoffmann JC, Siegmund B, Kühl AA. Targeting human CD2 by the monoclonal antibody CB.219 reduces intestinal inflammation in a humanized transfer colitis model. Clin Immunol; 157(1): 16-25, 2015.

Erben U, Loddenkemper C, Doerfel K, Spieckermann S, Haller D, Heimesaat MM, Zeitz M, Siegmund B, Kühl AA. A guide to histomorphological evaluation of intestinal inflammation in mouse models. Int J Clin Exp Pathol; 7(8):4557-4576, 2014.

Mayer CT, Kühl AA, Loddenkemper C, Sparwasser T. Lack of Foxp3+ macrophages in both untreated and B16 melanoma-bearing mice. Blood; 119(5):1314-5, 2012.

6. Kühl AA, Kakirman H, Janotta M, Dreher S, Cremer P, Pawlowski NN, Loddenkemper C, Heimesaat MM, Grollich K, Zeitz M, Farkas S, Hoffmann JC. Aggravation of different Types of experimental Colitis by Depletion or Adhesion Blockade of Neutrophils. Gastroenterology, 133(6): 1882-1892, 2007.

Dr. rer. nat. Markus Landthaler

BIMSB / MDC

Robert-Roessle Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3026
markus.landthaler@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Posttranscriptional regulation
Protein-RNA interactions
RNA Biology

Details

University Education

2003

Dr. rer. nat., Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany

1997

Diplom-Biologe, Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Germany

Professional Experience

2003 - 2009

PostDoc, Rockefeller University, New York, USA; Supervisor: Thomas Tuschl

2002 - 2003

PostDoc, NYSDOH, Albany, NY, USA; Supervisor: Marlene Belfort

Selected Publications

Munschauer M.; Schueler M.; Dieterich C.; Landthaler M . (2013) High-resolution profiling of protein occupancy on polyadenylated RNA transcripts. Methods pii: S1046-2023(13)

Graf R, Munschauer M, Mastrobuoni G, Mayr F, Heinemann U, Kempa S, Rajewsky N#, and Landthaler M#. (2013) Identification of LIN28B-bound mRNAs reveals features of target recognition and regulation. RNA Biology 10, 45–44.

Baltz AG, Munschauer M, Schwanhausser B, Vasile A, Murakawa Y, Schueler M, Youngs N, Penfold-Brown D, Drew K, Milek M, Wyler E, Bonneau R, Selbach M, Dieterich C, and Landthaler, M (2012) The mRNA-bound proteome and its global occupancy profile on protein-coding transcripts. Mol Cell. 46, 674-90.

Anders G, Mackowiak S, Jens M, Maaskola J, Kuntzagk A, Rajewsky N#, Landthaler M#, Dieterich C#. (2012) doRiNA: a database of RNA interactions in post-transcriptional regulation. Nucl. Acids Res. D180-186.

Hafner M#, Landthaler M#, Burger L, Khorshid M, Hausser J, Berninger J, Rothballer A, Ascano M, Jr., Jungkamp AC, Munschauer M, Ulrich A, Dewell S, Zavolan M, and Tuschl T. Transcriptome-wide identification of RNA-binding protein and microRNA target sites by PAR-CLIP. Cell 141: 129-141.

Prof. Dr. Seija Lehnardt

Department of Neurology and Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 28090
seija.lehnardt@charite.de

Fields of Research

Innate immunity
Neurodegeneration
Neuroinflammation

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Our group is active in the field of neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration focusing on the role of the immune system in CNS injury, cell-autonomous neurodegeneration, mechanisms of CNS infections, and interaction between innate immunity and CNS development. We use mouse models of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and bacterial meningitis and investigate the phenotype of mice deficient of pattern recognition receptors and associated molecules in this context. Analyzing blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with diverse neurodegenerative and autoimmune CNS diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, multiple sclerosis) we aim at identifying new therapeutic strategies (e.g. inhibition of inflammatory response) and potential biomarkers (e.g. extracellular miRNAs) for the respective disease.

University Education

2001 - 2003

Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Neurology, Harvard Institutes of Medicine and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston

1997 - 2000

PhD thesis, Center for Anatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

1995 - 2004

Studies in Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Professional Experience

2013

Neurology Board Exam

2008

Habilitation for Neurology

2007 - 2013

Residency in Neurology, Cecilie Vogt Clinic for Neurology and Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2004 - 2007

Residency in Neuropediatrics, Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2005

Rahel Hirsch Fellow

Fellow of the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes

Lecturer of the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes

Faculty member ZIBI Graduate School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology

Faculty member International Graduate Program Medical Neurosciences

Principal Investigator NeuroCure

Selected Publications

Lehmann SM, Rosenberger K, Krüger C, Habbel P, Derkow K, Kaul D, Rybak A, Brandt C, Schott E, Wulczyn FG, Lehnardt S. Extracellularly delivered single-stranded viral RNA causes neurodegeneration dependent on TLR7. J Immunol. 2012; 189, 1448-58.

Lehmann SM, Krüger C, Park B, Derkow K, Rosenberger K, Baumgart J, Trimbuch T, Eom G, Hinz M, Kaul D Habbel P, Kälin R, Franzoni E, Rybak A, Nguyen D, Veh R, N innemann O, Peters O, Nitsch R, Heppner FL Golenbock DT, Schott E, Ploegh HL, Wulczyn FG, Lehnardt S. An unconventional role for miRNA: let-7 activates Toll-like receptor 7 and causes neurodegeneration. Nat Neurosci. 2012; 15, 827-35.

Lehnardt S, Schott E, Trimbuch T, Laubisch D, Krueger C, Wulczyn G, Nitsch R, Weber JR. A vicious cycle involving release of heat shock protein 60 from injured cells and activation of toll-like receptor 4 mediates neurodegeneration in the CNS. J Neurosci. 2008; 28, 2320-31.

Lehnardt S, Massillon L, Follett P, Jensen FE, Ratan R, Rosenberg PA, Volpe JJ, Vartanian T. Activation of innate immunity in the CNS triggers neurodegeneration through a Toll-like receptor 4-dependent pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003; 100, 8514-9.

Lehnardt S, Lachance C, Patrizi S, Lefebvre S, Follett PL, Jensen FE, Rosenberg PA, Volpe JJ, Vartanian T. The toll-like receptor TLR4 is necessary for lipopolysaccharide-induced oligodendrocyte injury in the CNS. J Neurosci. 2002; 22, 2478-86.

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Max Löhning

Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Charité Mitte (CCM) - DRFZ

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 28460 760
max.loehning@charite.de

Fields of Research

Lymphocyte differentiation in inflammation
Immunological memory
Virus and parasite infections

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Quantitative multicolour single-cell analyses of lymphocyte differentiation (transcription factors etc.)
• Adoptive cell transfer and cell therapy models in inflammation and infections
• Animal models of acute and chronic inflammation and infections with viruses and parasites

University Education

1996 - 2000

PhD thesis at the Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne

1990 - 1996

Biology studies (diploma), University of Mainz

Professional Experience

2006 - now

Lichtenberg Professor at Charité, funded by Volkswagen Foundation

2003 - 2006

Postdoc fellow of Ernst Schering Foundation with R.M. Zinkernagel & H. Hengartner at the Inst. of Experimental Immunology, ETH and University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland

2000 - 2002

Postdoc fellow with A. Radbruch at the German Rheumatism Research Center, Berlin

1999 - 2000

Research fellow with W.E. Paul at the NIH, NIAID, Bethesda, MD, and with K.M. Murphy at the Washington University - School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2013

Member of Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences (BBAW)

2010

Georges-Köhler-Prize of the German Society for Immunology

2004

Robert-Koch-Postdoctoral-Prize of Robert Koch Foundation

2004

Member of “Die Junge Akademie” (The German Young Academy) at the BBAW and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

2000

Avrion-Mitchison-Prize for Rheumatology

2000

Otto-Westphal-PhD-Prize of the German Society for Immunology

Selected Publications

Helmstetter, C., M. Floßdorf, M. Peine, A. Kupz, J. Zhu, A.N. Hegazy, M.A. Duque-Correa, Q. Zhang, Y. Vainshtein, A. Radbruch, S.H. Kaufmann, W.E. Paul, T. Höfer & M. Löhning. 2015. Individual T helper cells have a quantitative cytokine memory. Immunity 42, 108-122.

Baumann, C., W.V. Bonilla, A. Fröhlich, C. Helmstetter, M. Peine, A.N. Hegazy, D.D. Pinschewer & M. Löhning. 2015. T-bet- and STAT4-dependent IL-33 receptor expression directly promotes antiviral Th1 cell responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Mar 31;112(13):4056-61.

Peine, M., S. Rausch, C. Helmstetter, A. Fröhlich, A.N. Hegazy, A. Kühl, C.G. Grevelding, T. Höfer, S. Hartmann & M. Löhning. 2013. Stable T-bet+GATA-3+ Th1/Th2 hybrid cells arise in vivo, can develop directly from naive precursors, and limit immunopathologic inflammation. PLoS Biology 11, e1001633.

Bonilla, W.V., A. Fröhlich, K. Senn, S. Kallert, M. Fernandez, S. Johnson, M. Kreutzfeldt, A.N. Hegazy, C. Schrick, P.G. Fallon, R. Klemenz, S. Nakae, H. Adler, D. Merkler, M. Löhning* & D.D. Pinschewer*. 2012. The alarmin interleukin-33 drives protective antiviral CD8+ T cell responses. Science 335, 984-989 )*Shared last and corresponding authors.

Hegazy, A.N., M. Peine, C. Helmstetter, I. Panse, A. Fröhlich, A. Bergthaler, L. Flatz, D.D. Pinschewer, A. Radbruch & M. Löhning. 2010. Interferons direct Th2 cell reprogramming to generate a stable GATA-3+T-bet+ cell subset with combined Th2 and Th1 cell functions. Immunity 32, 116-128.

PD Dr. rer. nat. Markus Morkel

Charité, Laboratory for Molecular Tumor Pathology, Institute for Pathology

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 36107
markus.morkel@charite.de

Fields of Research

Cell Signal Transduction
Colon Cancer
Mouse Transgenics

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Broad experience in contemporary genomic techniques, primary organotypic culture of intestinal epithelium, working interdisciplinary with pathologists, mathematicians, bioinformaticians.

University Education

2014

Habilitation in Medical Molecular Biology (Charité Berlin)

1999

Dr. rer.nat (Humboldt University, Berlin)

1995

Diploma in Biology (University of Würzburg)

Professional Experience

2011 - now

Research Scientist at Charité, Laboratory for Molecular Tumor Pathology

2005 - 2011

Research Group Leader MPI-MG Berlin

1999 - 2005

Postdoc with Walter Birchmeier, MDC Berlin

Selected Publications

Riemer et al. Transgenic expression of oncogenic BRAF induces loss of stem cells in the mouse intestine, which is antagonized by β-catenin activity. Oncogene 2014 10.1038/onc.2014.247 (Last and Corresponding author)

Grimm et al. DNA-methylome analysis of mouse intestinal adenoma identifies a tumour-specific signature that is partly conserved in human colon cancer. PLoS Genetics 2013 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003250.s019 (Last and Corresponding author)

Farrall et al., Wnt and BMP signals control intestinal adenoma cell fates. Int J Cancer 2012 10.1002/ijc.27500 (Last and Corresponding author)

Fritzmann et al. A colorectal cancer expression profile that includes transforming growth factor beta inhibitor BAMBI predicts metastatic potential. Gastroenterology 2009 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.03.041 (Co-1st author)

Morkel et al. An E2F-like repressor of transcription. Nature 1997 10.1038/37507

Prof. Dr. Dominik Müller

ECRC

Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 4505 40286
dominik.mueller@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Hypertension-induced Target-Organ Damage
Salt
Immune system

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Memberships:
German Society of Nephrology
German Society of Hypertension
AHA Council for High Blood Pressure Research
Editorial Board: HYPERTENSION and J American Society of Hypertension
Steering committee: Gordon Research Conference (Angiotensin)
AHA HBPR committee Liaison, Coordinator, International Mentoring
AHA HBPR Fall Conference Committee Program on the Leadership Committee

University Education

1986 - 1991

Pharmacy, Free University Berlin, Germany

Professional Experience

2010 - 2012

Professor, Experimental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center, Erlangen, Germany

2010 - now

Group Leader, ECRC at Max-Delbrück-Center, Berlin, Germany

2004 - 2010

Group Leader, Delbrück Fellow at Max-Delbrück-Center, Berlin, Germany

2001 - 2004

Post-doc Research Assistant, Max-Delbrück-Center, Germany

1996 - 2000

Post-doc Research Assistant, Volhard Clinic, Berlin, Germany

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2009

Best basic science paper of 2008 – Hypertension

2007

Renin Academy Young Investigator Award

2006

ADUMED Forschungspreis

2002

Dieter-Klaus Förderpreis of the German Hypertension Society

2002

New Investigator Award for European Fellows, Council for High Blood PressureResearch, American Heart Association

2000

Young investigator award of the German Hypertension Society

Selected Publications

Kleinewietfeld M, Manzel A, Titze J, Kvakan H, Linker RA, Müller DN*, Hafler DA*. Sodium chloride drives autoimmune disease by the induction of pathogenic TH17 cells. Nature 2013; 496(7446): 518-22 (* shared authorship)

Kierdorf K, Erny D, Goldmann T, Sander V, Schulz C, Gomez Perdiguero E, Wieghofer P, Heinrich A, Riemke P, Hölscher C, Müller DN , Luckow B, Brocker T, Debowski K, Fritz G, Opdenakker G, Diefenbach A, Biber K, Heikenwalder M, Geissmann F, Rosenbauer F, Prinz M. Microglia emerge from erythromyeloid precursors via Pu.1- and Irf8-dependent pathways. Nature Neuroscience 2013;16(3): 273-80.

Wiig H, Schröder A, Neuhofer W, Jantsch J, Kopp C, Karlsen TV, Boschmann M, Goss J, Bry M, Rakova N, Dahlmann A, Brenner S, Tenstad O, Nurmi H, Mervaala E, Wagner H, Beck FX, Müller DN , Kerjaschki D, Luft FC, Harrison DG, Alitalo K, Titze J. Immune cells control skin lymphatic electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure. J Clin Invest. 2013;123(7): 2803-15.

Rakova N, Juttner K, Dahlmann A, Schröder A, Linz P, Kopp C, Rauh M, Goller U, Beck L, Agureev A, Vassilieva G, Lenkova L, Johannes B, Wabel P, Moissl U, Vienken J, Gerzer R, Eckardt K-U, Müller DN , Kirsch K, Morukov B, Luft FC, Titze J. Long-Term Space Flight Simulation Reveals Infradian Rhythmicity in Human Na+ Balance Cell Metab 2013; 17,125–131.

Kvakan H, Kleinewietfeld M, Qadri F, Park J-K, Fischer R, Schwarz I, Rahn H-P, Plehm R, Wellner M, Elitok S, Gratze P, Dechend R, Luft FC, Müller DN. Regulatory T cells ameliorate angiotensin II-induced cardiac damage. Circulation 2009; 119:2904-12.

Prof. Dr. med. Bastian Opitz

Innate immunity in the lung, Dept. of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Med.

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 4505 53501
bastian.opitz@charite.de

Fields of Research

Innate immunity
Pattern recognition receptor
Bacterial pneumonia

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Respiratory tract infections represent the third leading cause of death worldwide. Community-acquired pneumonias are caused by e.g. Streptococcus pneumoniae as well as atypical intracellular bacteria such as Legionella pneumophila, whereas gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria are often found in hospital-acquired pneumonias. An appropriate immune response that fights the invading microbes is vital for preserving organ function (on-going gas exchange). However, an overwhelming and/or a not locally restricted inflammation can also lead to tissue damage (acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome), both of which are associated with high lethality. The first and critical step in the initiation of an immune response is the recognition of the invading pathogen by extracellular and intracellular receptor molecules, called pattern recognition receptors. These receptors include the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the NOD-like receptors (NLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) and cytosolic DNA sensors. In addition, recognition of endogenous „damage-associated molecular patterns“ by those or other receptors might be involved in deleterious overinflammation but also in resolution and repair mechanisms in the lung. We are interested in the function of the different receptors of the innate immune system and the immune response in general and in the respiratory tract in particular. We focus on infections with bacterial pathogens causing pneumonia including S. pneumoniae, L. pneumophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and employ different in vivo and in vitro infection models. In the long run, our research aims to contribute to the development of new strategies for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia in general and of infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria in particular.

University Education

1998 - 2002

Doctoral Thesis, Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine Berlin (Prof. Ralf Schumann), “summa cum laude”

1995 - 2002

Study of Human Medicine, Charité Berlin and Galway University, (Ireland)

Professional Experience

2010 - now

W2 professorship “Pulmonary Innate Immunity”

2010 - now

Training in Medical Microbiology, Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité, Berlin

2008

Visiting scientist, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Microbial Pathogenesis,Prof. Craig Roy; funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung

2006 - now

Research group leader (Pulmonary Innate Immunity), Dept. of Internal Med/InfectiousDiseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité, Berlin

2004 - 2006

Postdoc, Dept. of Internal Med/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité,Berlin

2003 - 2004

"Arzt im Praktikum” training, Dept. of Internal Med/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2010

PI GRK 1673

2010

PI SFB-TR84

2009

Fritz-und-Ursula-Melchers prize from the German Society of Immunology

2008

Scholarship given by the Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung

2006

Project Award given by the German Society of Pneumology

Selected Publications

Slevogt H, Zabel S, Opitz B, Hocke A, Eitel J, N ́Guessan PD, Lucka L, Zimmermann W, Zweigner J, Temmesfeld-Wollbrueck B, Suttorp N, Singer BB. CEACAM1 inhibits Toll-like receptor 2-triggered antibacterial responses of human pulmonary epithelial cells. Nat Immunol. 2008; 9:1270-8.

Opitz B, van Laak V, Eitel J, Suttorp N. Innate Immune Recognition in Infectious and Noninfectious Diseases of the Lung. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010; 181:1294-309.

Witzenrath M, Pache F, Lorenz D, Koppe U, Schönrock S, Meixenberger K, Dorhoi A, Ma J, Holmes A, Trendelenburg G, Heimesaat MM, Bereswill S, van der Linden M, Tschopp J, Mitchell TJ, Suttorp N, Opitz B. The NLRP3 Inflammasome Is Differentially Activated by Pneumolysin Variants and Contributes to Host Defense in Pneumococcal Pneumonia. J Immunol. 2011; 187:434–440.

Lippmann J, Müller H, Naujoks J, Eitel J, Witzenrath M, Shin S, Hellwig K, Kirschning CJ, Taylor GA, Bauer S, Suttorp N, Roy CR, Opitz B. Dissection of a type I interferon pathway in controlling bacterial intracellular infection in mice. Cell Microbiol. 2011; 13:1668-82.

Koppe U, Högner K, Bauer S, Witzenrath M, Hammerschmidt S, Lohmeyer J, Suttorp N, Herold S, Opitz B. Streptococcus pneumoniae Stimulates a STING- and IFN Regulatory Factor 3-Dependent Type I IFN Production in Macrophages, which Regulates RANTES Production in Macrophages, Cocultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells, and Mouse Lungs. J Immunol. 2012; 188:811-17.

Dr. rer. nat. Daniela Panáková

Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 2730
daniela.panakova@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Cardiovascular development
Zebrafish genetics
Wnt/calcium signaling

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Our long-standing research interest lies in studying the interplay between development and physiology during embryonic development. Currently, we focus on the mechanisms that lead to the attenuation of L-type Ca(2+) channel function by non-canonical Wnt signals during the development of the vertebrate heart. Next, we are addressing how the cardiac chambers acquire their form, and how this process simultaneously affects the patterning of intercellular cardiomyocyte coupling and leads to the formation of functional cardiac syncytium.

Special techniques: live cell microscopy, high resolution voltage and calcium imaging

Translational Perspective: Zebrafish vertebrate model is very suitable for the analysis of human genetic disorders. We are primarily interested in cardiovascular diseases, but we can also provide resources for studies of pancreatic beta cells and kidney.

University Education

2001 - 2005

Ph.D., Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany

1996 - 2001

M.Sc., Comenius University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia

Professional Experience

2011 - now

Group Leader, MDC Berlin

2007 - 2011

Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, PostdoctoralFellow with Calum MacRae

2005 - 2007

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany,Postdoctoral Fellow with Suzanne Eaton

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2009

Research Excellence Award, Biomedical research Institute at BWH

Selected Publications

Panáková, D.*, Werdich, A.A.*, and MacRae, C.A. (2010). Wnt11 patterns a myocardial electrical gradient through regulation of the L-type Ca(2+) channel. Nature 466, 874-878.

Becker, J.R., ..., Panáková D., et al. (2014). Differential activation of natriuretic peptide receptors modulates cardiomyocyte proliferation during development. Development 141, 335-45.

Wang, J.H., Panáková, D., et al. (2011). The regenerative capacity of zebrafish reverses cardiac failure caused by genetic cardiomyocyte depletion. Development 138, 3421-3430.

Becker, J.R., ..., Panáková, D., et al. (2011). Human cardiomyopathy mutations induce myocyte hyperplasia and activate hypertrophic pathways during cardiogenesis in zebrafish. Disease Models & Mechanisms 4, 400-410.

Panáková, D.*, Sprong H.* et al. (2005). Lipoprotein particles are required for Hedgehog and Wingless signalling. Nature 435, 58-65. *contributed equally

PD Dr. med. Olaf Penack

BCRT, Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Service Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (CVK)

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 4505 65064
olaf.penack@charite.de

Fields of Research

Experimental stem cell transplantation
Tranplantation Immunology
Endothelial Biology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Aim of my research is to improve our knowledge on t he function of the endothelium during allogeneic stem cell transplantation. My specific interest is a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of endothelial damage, endothelial regeneration, neovascularization as well as the interaction between endothelial cells and immune cells.

My research could contribute to the development of anti-inlammatory and anti-tumor therapies aiming at the endothelium. Due to the close connection between preclinical research and the clinical transplantation program, the Charité offers excellent possibilities for translational development of novel therapies in the field of stem cell transplantation.

University Education

1993 - 2000

Medical School, Georg-August University, Göttingen

Professional Experience

2011 - 2014

Attending Physician, Hamatology, Oncology and Tumor immunology Charite CVK, Berlin

2002 - 2011

Physician, Hematology and Oncology, Charité CBF, Berlin

2000 - 2002

Medical Resident, Internal Medicine, St. Joseph Hospital, Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2011

Award for best basic research of the German Society of Blood and MarrowTransplantation

2010

Chugai Science Award’ for outstanding research in the field of stem cell transplantation

2009

‘Award for Basic Science’, American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

2007

Stipend, post-doc, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

2006

Stipend, research, German Research Organization (DFG)

Selected Publications

Penack O, Smith OM, Cunningham-Bussel A, Liu X, Rao U, Yim N, Na IK, Holland AM, Ghosh A, Lu SX, Jenq RR, Liu C, Murphy GF, Brandl K, van den Brink MR. NOD2 regulates hematopoietic cell function during graft-versus-host disease. J Exp Med. 2009 Sept; 206:2101-10.

Penack O, Henke E, Suh D, King CG, Smith OM, Na IK, Holland AM, Ghosh A, Lu SX, Jenq RR, Liu C, Murphy GF, Lu TT, May C, Scheinberg DA, Gao DC, Mittal V, Heller G, Benezra R, van den Brink MR. Inhibition of neovascularization to simultaneously ameliorate graft-vs-host disease and decrease tumor growth. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2010 Jun; 102:894-908.

Penack O, Holler E, van den Brink MR. Graft-versus-host disease: regulation by microbe-associated molecules and innate immune receptors. Blood. 2010 Mar; 115:1865-72.

Penack O, Socié G, van den Brink MR. The importance of neovascularization and its inhibition for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Blood. 2011 Apr; 117:4181-9.

Ghosh A, Dogan Y, Moroz M, Holland AM, Yim NL, Rao UK, Young LF, Tannenbaum D, Masih D, Velardi E, Tsai JJ, Jenq RR, Penack O, Hanash AM, Smith OM, Piersanti K, Lezcano C, Murphy GF, Liu C, Palomba ML, Sauer MG, Sadelain M, Ponomarev V, van den Brink MR. Adoptively transferred TRAIL+ T cells suppress GVHD and augment antitumor activity. J Clin Invest. 2013 Jun; 123:2654-62.

Dr. med. Philipp Pickerodt

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Charité–Universitätsmedizin

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 4506 51278
philipp.pickerodt@charite.de

Fields of Research

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV)
Carbonic anhydrase and nitrite Biology
Acute lung injury (ALI)

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Regulation of pulmonary artery blood flow and pressure in lung health and disease
• Measurement of nitric oxide, nitrite and nitrate in gas phase / liquid samples (ozone-based chemiluminescence)
• Application of nitrite therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and lung vascular injury

University Education

2005 - 2009

Doctoral Thesis: „Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction“, Dept. of Experimental Anaesthesia at the Dept. of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, CVK, Charité, Berlin; Grade: Magna cum laude

2000 - 2006

Medical School at the Freie University and Humboldt University, Berlin

1998 - 2000

Studium Generale at the University of Barcelona, Spain; DELE–Diploma

Professional Experience

2011 - 2014

Research Fellow, DFG Sachbeihilfe (PI795/2-1 to Philipp Pickerodt)

2008 - 2010

Th. Maren Research Fellow, Dept. of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Universityof Washington, Seattle; PI: Prof. Dr. Erik Swenson

2006 - 2014

Residency at Dept. of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité, Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2007

Data presented in doctoral thesis (published in the American Journal of Physiologyin 2007) was granted the Alfred-Ludwig-Berblinger Award 2007 for scientific excellence by the German Academy of Aviation and Travel Medicine

Selected Publications

Pickerodt PA, Francis RC, Höhne C, Neubert F, Telalbasic S, Boemke W, Swenson ER. Pulmonary vasodilation by acetazolamide during hypoxia: impact of methyl-group substitutions and administration route in conscious, spontaneously breathing dogs. J Appl Physiol. 2014 Apr 1; 116:715-23.

Pickerodt PA, Emery MJ, Zarndt R, Martin W, Francis RC, Boemke W, Swenson ER. Sodium nitrite mitigates ventilator-induced lung injury in rats. Anesthesiology 117:592-601, 2012

Höhne C, Pickerodt PA, Francis RC, Boemke W, Swenson ER. Pulmonary vasodilation by acetazolamide during hypoxia is unrelated to carbonic anhydrase inhibition. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292:178-84, 2007

Francis RC, Philippi-Höhne C, Klein A, Pickerodt PA, Reyle-Hahn MS, Boemke W. Xenon/remifentanil anesthesia protects against adverse effects of losartan on hemodynamic challenges induced by anesthesia and acute blood loss. Shock 34:628-35, 2010

Pickerodt PA, Pickerodt VW, Boemke W, Swenson ER. Management of severe acute anemia: who needs blood? Anesth Analg 112:1251-2, 2011

Dr. rer. nat. Stephan Preibisch

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 172 3773050
stephan.preibisch@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Computational Biology
Image Processing
Microscopy

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

We combine light & electron microscopy, transcription imaging and deep sequencing with computer vision and software development. We develop tools and solutions in order to study and model transcriptional regulation in development using C. elegans and other major model organisms.
Many of our software solutions are widely used in many fields of science and technology as they are made available through the Fiji software platform that we developed over the years (http://fiji.sc)

University Education

2006 - 2010

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden, Germany

2000 - 2006

TU Dresden, Germany

Professional Experience

2012 - 2015

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA

2011 - 2012

HHMI Janelia, Ashburn, VA, USA

2010 - 2011

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden

2008

Stanford Research Institute, CA, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2011

Finalist of the 2011 Drosophila Image Award

2008

Böhringer-Ingelheim Travel Award

Selected Publications

Software for bead-based registration of selective plane illumination microscopy data

Globally Optimal Stitching of Tiled 3D Microscopic Image Acquisitions

ImgLib2 – Generic image processing in Java

Nuclear accessibility of β-actin mRNA measured by 3D single-molecule real time (3D-SMRT) microscopy

Efficient Bayesian-based Multi-View Deconvolution

Dr. med. Dr. rer. nat. Alessandro Prigione

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 (0)30 9406 2871
alessandro.prigione@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

human iPSCs
mitochondrial disorders

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated through reprogramming of somatic cells back into an embryonic-like pluripotent state, hold great promises for biomedical research. Until recently, however, the contributing role of mitochondria and energy metabolism in the induction of pluripotency remained an unexplored topic. My previous works demonstrated that a “mitochondrial reprogramming” may occur during cell fate transition. Numerous studies confirmed these data and the investigation of the link between metabolic transformation and cellular reprogramming is presently an active field of research.
I now wish to build employ the iPSC technology for advancing the understanding and treatment of debilitating brain disorders due to mitochondrial impairment. This will be applied to neurological diseases affecting the mitochondria either directly, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders, or indirectly, like Huntington’s disease (HD). The development of alternative modeling approaches is highly needed for conditions affecting the nervous system, whose understanding has been hindered by the inability to sample live neuronal cells and it is particularly important for mtDNA disorders, which lack viable modeling tools due to the hurdles associated with engineering mtDNA. Reprogramming-derived neurons can be eventually employed as disease-relevant cell type-specific cellular systems for the discovery of novel disease-modifying therapeutic strategies for these untreatable brain disorders. To reach this long-term goal, we combine unbiased systems-driven analysis of iPSC neural derivatives with the development of mitochondria-centered high-throughput screening strategies.

University Education

2004 - 2008

Ph.D. San Raffaele Scientific Institute

1996 - 2002

M.D. University of Milan

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Delbrück Fellow, MDC

2009 - 2012

Postdoc, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin

2005 - 2007

Visiting researcher, University of Davis, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

Guest Editor of the Special Issue "Mitochondria and metabolism remodeling in cellular reprogramming and differentiation” in Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology.

2014

Young Investigator eBio

2010

Oral presentation award, “1st World Congress on Targeting Mitochondria”

Selected Publications

Wang J, Xie G, Singh M, Ghanbarian AT, Raskó T, Szvetnik A, Cai H, Besser D, Prigione A, Fuchs N, Schumann G, Chen W, Lorincz MC, Ivics Z, Hurst LD, Izsvák Z. Primate-specific endogenous retrovirus driven transcription defines naïve-like stem cells. Nature, 2014, Oct 15

Prigione A*, Rohwer N, Hoffmann S, Mlody B, Drews K, Bukowiecki R, Blümlein K, Wanker EE, Ralser M, Cramer T, Adjaye J*. HIF1α modulates cell fate reprogramming through early glycolytic shift and up-regulation of PDK1-3 and PKM2. Stem Cells, 2014 Feb;32(2):364-76.

Prigione A*, Lichtner B, Kuhl H, Struys EA, Wamelink M, Lehrach H, Ralser M, Timmermann B, Adjaye J*. Human iPSCs Harbor Homoplasmic and Heteroplasmic Mitochondrial DNA Mutations While Maintaining hESC-Like Metabolic Reprogramming. Stem Cells. 2011 Sep;29(9):1338-48.

Prigione A, Fauler B, Lurz R, Lehrach H, Adjaye J. The Senescence-Related Mitochondrial /Oxidative Stress Pathway is Repressed in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells. 2010 Apr;28(4):721-33.

Prigione A, Cortopassi G. Mitochondrial DNA deletions and chloramphenicol treatment stimulate the autophagic transcript ATG12. Autophagy. 2007 Jul-Aug;3(4):377-80

Prof. Dr. med. Josef Priller

Department of Neuropsychiatry

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 17209
josef.priller@charite.de

Fields of Research

Regenerative medicine
Neurodegenerative diseases
Neuroimmunology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Adult stem cells, transplantation, gene therapy, intravital imaging
• Investigator-initiated clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases

University Education

1988 - 1996

Studies in Medicine (University of Bochum, Technical University of Munich, Universitéde Lausanne, Georgetown University and Harvard University)

Professional Experience

2011 - now

Vice Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité

2008 - now

Tenured Professor (W2) and Director, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Charité

2006 - now

Consultant, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité

2004 - 2007

Professor (C3) of Psychiatry and Head, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité

1998 - 2004

Resident in Neurology and in Psychiatry, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2011

Chair, Neurology Committee, International Society for Cellular Therapy

2010

Founding Member, Global Young Academy

2008

‘Distinguished Young Scientist’, IAP, World Economic Forum, Tianjin, China

2007

JSPS fellowship

2004

Elected member of the Junge Akademie, Berlin Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Leopoldina (-2009)

2003

Robert Feulgen Prize

2002

EMBO fellowship

2001

Novartis Prize for Therapeutic Research

Selected Publications

Priller J, Flügel A, Wehner T, Böntert M, Haas CA, Prinz M, Fernández-Klett F, Prass K, Bechmann I, de Boer BA, Frotscher M, Kreutzberg GW, Persons DA, Dirnagl U (2001) Targeting gene-modified hematopoietic cells to the central nervous system: use of green fluorescent protein uncovers microglial engraftment. Nat. Med. 7:1356-1361.

Priller J, Persons DA, Klett FF, Kempermann G, Kreutzberg GW, Dirnagl U (2001) Neogenesis of cerebellar Purkinje neurons from gene-marked bone marrow cells in vivo. J. Cell. Biol. 155:733-738.

Priller J, Prinz M, Heikenwälder M, Zeller N, Schwarz P, Heppner FL, Aguzzi A (2006) Early and rapid engraftment of bone marrow-derived microglia in scrapie. J. Neurosci. 26:11753-11762.

Mildner A, Schmidt H, Nitsche M, Merkler D, Hanisch U - K, Mack M, Heikenwälder M, Brück W, Priller J*, Prinz M* (2007) Microglia in the adult brain arise from Ly-6ChiCCR2+ monocytes only under defined host conditions. Nat. Neurosci. 10:1544-1553 (*equal contribution).

Fernández-Klett F, Potas JR, Hilpert D, Blazej K, Radke J, Huck J, Engel O, Stenzel W, Genové G, Priller J (2013) Early loss of pericytes and perivascular stromal cell-induced scar formation after stroke. J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab . 33:428-439.

PhD Angela Relógio

Institute for Theoretical Biology (ITB), Charité-CCM and Molecular Cancer Research Centre (MKFZ), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK)

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 2093 6044
angela.relogio@charite.de

Fields of Research

Circadian clock
Systems biology
Oncology

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Scope: In my group we investigate the coupling of the circadian system to tumour progression. All cells hold an internal clock able to generate daily rhythms in gene expression and to adapt molecular processes to specific day-times. Malfunctions of the circadian clock have been reported in the context of many diseases such as cancer, although the mechanisms involved are not yet clear. We aim to answer the following questions: How are the pathways, which connect the circadian clock to cancer, regulated? Is this regulation specific for different stages of tumour progression? Can a circadian signature for tumour progression be defined?
With our research, we expect to be able to provide valuable insights into the mechanism of circadian regulation of tumourigenesis per se and to contribute to a better understanding of the cancer-clock system.

Special Techniques: We use a systems biology approach involving wet-lab experiments including genome wide screening of gene expression of human and murine cells and tissues, circadian measurements (luminescence and fluorescence) in living cells at the RNA and protein levels, bioinformatics and computational models, to understand the dynamic interplay between cancer and the clock.

Translational Perspective: With mathematical models and wet-lab circadian studies we aim to a) find optimal time windows for drug administration in cancer therapy which allows to diminish the toxic effects to healthy cells and tissues while keeping treatment efficacy (Chronotherapy) and b) identify key clock-controlled genes which are directly involved on the regulation of malignant proliferation and could be further investigated as potential novel targets for therapy.

University Education

1999 - 2003

Joint PhD in Biomedical Sciences Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, and the International PhD Programme of the EMBL, Heidelberg

1993 - 1998

Diploma in Technological-Physics Engineering, Superior Technical Institute (IST), University of Lisbon

Professional Experience

2014 - now

Group leader (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin )

2012 - 2014

Rahel-Hirsch fellow (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin),

2007 - 2012

Project leader (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

2003 - 2006

Post Doctoral fellow (European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg)

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2013

Female Independency Award (FIA) from the Berlin School of Integrative Oncology (BSIO), Charité Medical University of Berlin, Germany.

2012

Rahel-Hirsch-excellence award, Charité Medical University of Berlin, Germany.

2003

Postdoctoral fellowship from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Germany.

Selected Publications

Lehmann R., Childs L., Thomas P., Abreu M., Fuhr L., Herzel H., Leser U., Relógio A*. (2015). Assembly of a comprehensive regulatory network for the mammalian circadian clock: a bioinformatics approach. Plos One.

Relógio A*., Medina-Pérez P., Thomas P., Gloc E., Bervoets S., Maier B., Schaefer R., Leser U., Herzel H., Kramer A., Sers C*. (2014). Ras – mediated deregulation of the circadian clock in cancer. PLoS Genetics.

Relógio A*., Westermark P., Wallach T., Schellenberg K., Kramer A., Herzel H. (2011). Tuning the Mammalian Circadian Clock: Robust Synergy of Two loops. PLoS Computational Biology.

Bozek K*, Relógio A*, Kielbasa SM, Heine M, Dame C, Kramer A, Herzel H. (2009). Regulation of clock-controlled genes in mammals. PLoS One.

Relógio A., Ben-Dov C., Baum M., Ruggiu M., Gemund C., Benes V., Darnell RB., Valcarcel J. (2005). Alternative splicing microarrays reveal functional expression of neuron-specific regulators in Hodgkin lymphoma cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Dr. rer. nat. Oliver Rocks

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3610
oliver.rocks@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Rho GTPases RhoGEFs/RhoGAPs
Signal transduction
Cytoskeleton

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

We work on Rho family GTPases, the master regulators of the cytoskeleton. Rho proteins control fundamental processes such as morphogenesis or wound healing and need to be precisely controlled in space and time. Their deregulation contributes to cancer metastasis and numerous other diseases. We investigate the control mechanisms that define the Rho signaling environment and thereby ensure specific cell shape changes and proper cellular responses. This signaling specificity is achieved by the 145 RhoGEF and RhoGAP regulatory proteins. We have assembled a unique cDNA expression library of all these regulators and a complementary lentivirus shRNA library for their downregulation. Using this toolbox, we have systematically screened their binding partners by mass spectrometry, their subcellular localization, their overexpression and knockdown phenotypes and their substrate specificities. We now use this resource to further characterize the function of (novel) RhoGEFs and GAPs in specific signaling contexts (e.g. cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion, guided cell migration, angiogenesis, cell polarity), in health and disease.

University Education

1994 - 2000

University of Bielefeld, Studies in Biochemistry

Professional Experience

2007 - 2010

Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto Postdoctoral Fellow with Tony Pawson

2005 - 2007

EMBL, Heidelberg, Postdoctoral Fellow with Philippe Bastiaens

2001 - 2005

Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Doctoral Fellow with Alfred Wittinghofer

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2005

Otto-Hahn Medal by the Max-Planck Society

Selected Publications

Rocks O, et al. (2010) The Palmitoylation Machinery Is a Spatially Organizing System for Peripheral Membrane Proteins. Cell 141(3):458-471

Rocks O, et al. (2005) An Acylation Cycle Regulates Localization and Activity of Palmitoylated Ras Isoforms. Science 307:1746-1752

Dekker FJ, Rocks O*,et al. (2010) Small-molecule inhibition of APT1 affects Ras localization and signaling. Nature Chem Biol 6(6):449-56 *equal contribution

Lorentzen A, Kinkhabwala A, Rocks O, Vartak N, Bastiaens PI. (2010) Regulation of Ras localization by acylation enables a mode of intracellular signal propagation. Science Signal 3(140)

Rocks O, Peyker A & Bastiaens PI. (2006) Spatio-temporal segregation of Ras signals: one ship, three anchors, many harbors. Curr Op Cell Biol 18(4):351-7

Dr. Leif Erik Sander

Dept. of Infectious Diseases & Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, CVK

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 450 653034 / 553034
leif-erik.sander@charite.de

Fields of Research

Immunology
Infectious Diseases
Vaccines

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

We dissect molecular checkpoints that allow the immune system to scale infectious threats. In particular, we study the process of signal detection and integration in the innate immune system and its impact on ensuing adaptive immune responses. In doing so, we hope to identify novel targets for adjuvant immunotherapies against infectious diseases and candidate adjuvants for protective vaccines. Secondly, we study mechanisms of immune regulation, particularly during and after infection.

University Education

1998 - 2005

Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany, Medical school

1997 - 1998

University of Oslo, Norway – Examen philosophicum

Professional Experience

2008 - 2011

Postdoc, Immunology Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY

2006 - 2008

Postdoc & clinical resident, Dept. of Medicine, RWTH University Hospital Aachen

2002 - 2005

Doctorate, Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hannover Medical School

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Theodor-Frerichs-Preis 2012 (DGIM)

2012

Emmy-Noether-Group 2012 (DFG)

Selected Publications

Blander JM & Sander LE: Beyond pattern recognition: five immune checkpoints for scaling the microbial threat. Nat Rev Immunol 2012;12(3):215-25.

Dr. rer. nat. Patrick Scheerer

Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (IMPB), AG Protein X-ray Crystallography

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 24178
patrick.scheerer@charite.de

Fields of Research

G-Protein-coupled receptors
Membraneproteins, Protein expression, purification, crystallisation andX-ray-crystallography
Photoreceptors and Metalloenzymes

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

(1) Signal transduction pathways - Signalling of G-Protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and other membrane proteins
• G-Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) – Membrane proteins
• Crystal structures of various GPCRs (rod and cone rhodopsin, melanopsin, histamine-H2 receptor, thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), adrenoreceptor) with agonists, inverse agonists or antagonists
• Receptor activation or inactivation and its implication as a molecular cause of a certain disease.
• Crystal structures alone and in complex with their receptor partners (GPCR pathway proteins - e.g., G-protein, arrestins and phosphodiesterases)
• Bacterial Cpx sensor regulator system

(2) Light-induced signalling and photoreceptors
• Rhodopsins (visible light-inducible membrane photoreceptors from rods and cones)
• Phytochromes (infrared light-inducible multi-domain photoreceptors in plants and bacteria)
• Photolyases (ultraviolet light-inducible enzymes)

(3) Signalling to and Repair of DNA
• Photolyases (DNA repair enzymes)
• Cpx sensor regulator (two - component regulatory systems)

(4) Metallo-proteins - Catalytic conversion of H2 in hydrogenases
• Membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase (MBH) - Conversion of H2 in the presence of O2
• Soluble [NiFe]-hydrogenase (SH) - H2-driven production of NADH
• Photolyases (novel class of DNA repair enzymes with FeS-clusters)

Current technique topics:
• Advanced protein crystallisation methods (e.g. bicelle and lipid cubic phase (LCP) methods)
• X-ray structure analysis and crystallography Dynamics and function of proteins, molecular modelling
• Methodological development of a combined crystallographic and spectroscopic approach on crystals
• GPCR expression and crystallisation platform
• Development of SEIRA spectroscopy on GPCR s (with Prof. P. Hildebrandt (TU - Berlin)
• Neutron diffraction experiments on [NiFe]-hydrogenases
• Protein and photoreceptor engineering

Translational Perspective:
• Understanding and controlling of G-Protein-coupled receptors: GPCR activation or inactivation and its implication as a molecular cause of a certain disease

University Education

2012

Doctorate (doctor rerum naturalium) with "summa cum laude" in biophysical and physical chemistry at the Technische Universität Berlin (Berlin, Germany)

2010 - 2011

Health Care Manager, Certificate, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin – ESF (Europäische Sozialfonds)

2008 - 2012

PhD thesis (2), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (with Prof. K. P. Hofmann (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin) and Prof. P. Hildebrandt (Technische Universität Berlin)

2005 - 2007

PhD thesis (1, discontinued), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Berlin, Germany), Institute of Biochemistry (with Prof. W. Höhne and Dr. N. Krauß (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

2004

Diploma thesis in biophysics, Humboldt-University Berlin (with Prof. W. Höhne)

1994 - 2004

Studies of biophysics at the Humboldt-University Berlin (Berlin, Germany)

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Principal Investigator - Collaborative Research Centre 1078 (SFB 1078) "Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function"

2012 - now

Principal Investigator - Core Team - Cluster of Excellence "Unifying Concepts in Catalysis" (UniCat)

2012 - now

Research Group Leader of AG Protein X-ray Crystallography, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2010

Radiation Protection Manager, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics

2010 - 2012

Research Associate - Responsible Scientist for crystallography and X-ray structure analysis - Full-position with Lectureship (Teaching performance 4 SWS per semester), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (Director: Prof. C. M. Spahn)

2008 - 2010

Research Associate – Responsible Scientist for crystallography and X-ray structure analysis - Full-position with Lectureship (Teaching performance 4 SWS per semester), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (Director: Prof. K. P. Hofmann (2008 – 2010))

2006 - 2008

Scientific Member (PhD student) - Collaborative Research Centre 498 (SFB 498-B2) (with Prof. T. Lamparter/ Dr. N. Krauß)

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Doctorate (doctor rerum naturalium) with "summa cum laude" in biophysical and physical chemistry

Selected Publications

Scheerer P*, Park JH*, Hildebrand PW, Kim YJ, Krauss N, Choe HW, Ho fmann KP, Ernst OP. Crystal structure of opsin in its G-protein-interacting conformation. Nature 2008 Sep; 455 (7212):497-502. (~565 citations - source „Scopus“) (*These first authors contributed equally to this work)

Park JH*, Scheerer P*, Hofmann KP, Choe HW, Ernst OP. Crystal structure of the ligand-free G-protein-coupled receptor opsin. Nature 2008 Jul; 454 (7201):183-187. (~529 citations) (*These first authors contributed equally to this work)

Choe HW, Kim YJ, Park JH, Morizumi T, Pai EF, Krauß N, Hofmann KP, Scheerer P, Ernst OP. Crystal structure of Metarhodopsin II. Nature 20 11, Mar 31; 471(7340):651-5. (~205 citations)

Fritsch J*, Scheerer P*§, Frielingsdorf S, Kroschinsky S, Friedrich B, Lenz O§ , Spahn CM§. The crystal structure of an oxygen-tolerant hydrogenase uncovers a novel iron-sulphur centre. Nature 2011, Oct 16; 479(7372):249-52. (~82 citations) (*These first authors contributed equally to this work) (§ Correspondence author)

Kim YJ, Hofmann KP, Ernst OP, Scheerer P§ , Choe HW§ , Sommer ME§. Crystal structure of pre-activated arrestin p44. Nature 2013, May 2; 497 (7447):142-6. (~16 citations) (§ Correspondence author)

Prof. Dr. med. Kai Schmidt-Ott

Department of Nephrology, Charité / Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 2512
kai.schmidt-ott@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Kidney development and disease
Clinical and molecular nephrology
Acute kidney injury, kidney transplantation

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

We study the molecular mechanisms of kidney development and kidney disease. We focus on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. We conduct clinical and experimental studies to analyze the developing and diseased urogenital system both in patients and in experimental model systems. We apply a wide spectrum of molecular and cell biology techniques, mouse genetics, as well as systems biology and bioinformatics. Our translational goal is to develop novel personalized and disease-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in nephrology, focusing on patients with acute kidney injury, kidney transplantation, and renal neoplasia.

University Education

1999 - 2000

Medical School, Free University of Berlin

1998 - 1999

Visiting Scholar, Department of Physiology, University of Florida (Prof. M. I. Phillips)

1992 - 1998

Medical School, Free University of Berlin

Professional Experience

2014 - now

Project leader DFG research unit 1368: “Therapeutic implications and pathophysiological role of calprotectin in acute kidney injury" (with Prof. Dr. T. Westhoff)

2014 - now

Project leader DFG research unit 1368: “Molecular physiology and epigenetics of NF-κB/BMP interactions in the post-ischemic kidney (with PD Dr. D. N. Müller and Dr. R. Schmidt-Ullrich)

2014 - now

Professorship of Urogenital Research at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine

2012 - now

Attending physician, Department of Nephrology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte

2011 - 2013

Project leader DFG research unit 1368: " NF-κB and BMP signaling in acute kidney injury“ (with PD Dr. D. N. Müller und Dr. R. Schmidt-Ullrich)

2010 - 2012

Board certified physician in Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte

2009 - 2013

Project leader, DFG research unit 667 “Epithelial mechanisms of renal volume regulation“

2009 - 2014

Junior Professor of Molecular Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2008 - now

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

2007 - 2009

Clinical resident/nephrology fellow, Department of Nephrology and Hypertensiology (Prof. Dr. F. C. Luft), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Buch

2007 - 2013

Junior research group leader (Emmy Noether Program, Phase II) at the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin

2003 - 2007

Stipend of the German Research Foundation (Emmy Noether Program, Phase I, DFG), Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, PI: Prof. Dr. Jonathan Barasch, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York

2001 - 2003

Clinical resident/nephrology fellow, Department of Nephrology and Hypertensiology (Prof. Dr. F. C. Luft), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Buch

1998 - 1999

Visiting Scholar (Gottfried Daimler and Carl Benz Foundation), Department of Physiology, Prof. Dr. M. I. Phillips, University of Florida

1996 - 2002

Medical dissertation, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Prof. Dr. Martin Paul, Title: “Endothelin-dependent morphological transformation of hypoxic astrocytes“ (summa cum laude)

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2007

Emmy Noether stipend of the DFG (Phase II)

2003

Ernst Reuter Award of the Free University of Berlin (Best doctoral thesis of the year 2002)

2003

Emmy Noether stipend of the DFG (Phase I)

Selected Publications

Aue A*, Hinze C*, Walentin K, Ruffert J, Yurtdas ZY, Werth M, Chen W, Rabien A, Kilic E, Schulzke JD, Schumann M, Schmidt-Ott KM. A grainyhead-like 2/ovo-like 2 pathway regulates renal epithelial barrier function and lumen expansion. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2015, published ahead of print March 18, 2015.* Equal contribution.

Walentin K, Hinze C, Werth M, Haase N, Varma S, Morell R, Aue A, Pötschke E, Warburton D, Qiu A, Barasch J, Purfürst B, Dieterich C, Popova E, Bader M, Dechend R, Staff AC, Yurtdas ZY, Kilic E, Schmidt-Ott KM. A Grhl2-dependent gene network controls trophoblast branching morphogenesis. Development. 2015;142:1125-36.

Paragas N*, Kulkarni R*, Werth M*, Schmidt-Ott KM*, Forster C, Deng R, Zhang Q, Singer E, Klose AD, Shen TH, Francis KP, Ray S, Vijayakumar S, Seward S, Bovino ME, Xu K, Takabe Y, Amaral FE, Mohan S, Wax R, Corbin K, Sanna-Cherchi S, Mori K, Johnson L, Nickolas T, D'Agati V, Lin CS, Qiu A, Al-Awqati Q, Ratner AJ, Barasch J. α-Intercalated cells defend the urinary system from bacterial infection. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2014, 124:2963-76. *Equal contribution.

Nickolas TL*#, Schmidt-Ott KM*#, Canetta P, Forster C, Singer E, Sise M, Elger A, Maarouf O, Sola-Del Valle DA, O’Rourke M, Sherman E, Lee P, Geara A, Imus P, Guddati A, Polland A, Rahman W, Elitok S, Malik N, Giglio J, El-Sayegh S, Devarajan P, Hebbar S, Saggi SJ, Hahn B, Kettritz R, Luft FC, Barasch J. Diagnostic and Prognostic Stratification in the Emergency Department Using Urinary Biomarkers of Nephron Damage - A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2012, 59:235-44. *Equal contribution. #Corresponding authors.

Singer E, Elger A, Elitok S, Kettritz R, Nickolas TL, Barasch J, Luft FC, Schmidt-Ott KM. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin distinguishes pre-renal from intrinsic renal failure and predicts outcomes. Kidney International. 2011;80(4):405-14.

Paragas N, Qiu A, Zhang Q, Samstein B, Deng SX, Schmidt-Ott KM, Viltard M, Yu W, Forster CS, Gong G, Liu Y, Kulkarni R, Mori K, Kalandadze A, Ratner AJ, Devarajan P, Landry DW, D'Agati V, Lin CS, Barasch J. The Ngal reporter mouse detects the response of the kidney to injury in real time. Nature Medicine. 2011;17(2):216-22.

Werth, M.*, Walentin, K.*, Aue, A., Schonheit, J., Wuebken, A., Pode-Shakked, N., Vilianovitch, L., Erdmann, B., Dekel, B., Bader, M., Barasch, J., Rosenbauser, F., Luft, F.C., Schmidt-Ott, K.M. 2010. The transcription factor grainyhead-like 2 (Grhl2) regulates the molecular composition of the epithelial apical junctional complex. Development. 2010;137(22):3835-45. *Equal contribution.

Lu BC, Cebrian C, Chi X, Kuure S, Kuo R, Bates CM, Arber S, Hassell J, Macneil L, Hoshi M, Jain S, Asai N, Takahashi M, Schmidt-Ott KM, Barasch J, D'Agati V, Costantini F. Etv4 and Etv5 are required downstream of GDNF and Ret for kidney branching morphogenesis. Nature Genetics. 2009;41(12):1295-1302.

Schmidt-Ott KM, Masckauchan TN, Chen X, Hirsh BJ, Sarkar A, Yang J, Paragas N, Wallace VA, Dufort D, Pavlidis P, Jagla B, Kitajewski J, Barasch J. β-catenin/TCF/Lef controls a differentiation-associated transcriptional program in renal epithelial progenitors. Development. 2007;134(17):3177-90.

Schmidt-Ott KM, Yang J, Chen X, Wang H, Paragas N, Mori K, Li JY, Schiffer M, Bottinger E, Barasch J. Novel Regulators Of Kidney Development From The Tips Of The Ureteric Bud. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2005;16(7):1993-2002.

Dr. med. Thomas Schmitz

Neonatology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin

+49 30 4505 59548
thomas.schmitz@charite.de

Fields of Research

Brain development
Neuroprotection
Oligodendroglia

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Mouse model of postnatal brain injury caused by oxygen toxicity resembling neurological injury phenotype of preterm infants. Primary oligodendroglial cultures, in vivo immunohistochemistry for oligodendroglial markers and myelination, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, small animal MRI.

Collaboration with Professor H. Kettenmann, Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine.

University Education

1998 - 1999

Experimental medical thesis at the Institute of Pharmacology, Director Prof. Göthert, University of Bonn

1991 - 1998

Studies of Medicine, University of Bonn

Professional Experience

2009 - now

Professor C. Bührer, Neonatology, Charité

2007 - 2009

Neuroscience: Research Fellow, Dr. V. Gallo, Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, USA

1999 - 2006

Paediatrics: University Hospital Düsseldorf, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, German Heart Center Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Science Award 2012 of the “Gesellschaft für Neonatologie und Pädiatrische Intensivmedizin – GNPI“; 5,000 €

Selected Publications

Endesfelder S, Zaak I, Weichelt U, Bührer C, Schmitz T. Caffeine protects neuronal cells against injury caused by hyperoxia in the immature brain. Free Radic Biol Med. 2013 Oct 12; 67C:221-234.

Schmitz T, Endesfelder S, Reinert MC, Klinker F, Müller S, Bührer C, Liebetanz D. Adolescent hyperactivity and impaired coordination after neonatal hyperoxia. Exp Neurol. 2012 May; 235(1):374 - 9.

Schmitz T, Endesfelder S, Chew LJ, Zaak I, Bührer C. Minocycline protects oligodendroglial precursor cells against injury caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation. J Neurosci Res. 2012 May; 90(5):933-44.

Schmitz T , Ritter J, Mueller S, Felderhoff-Mueser U, Chew LJ, Gallo V. Cellular changes underlying hyperoxia-induced delay of white matter development. J Neurosci. 2011 Mar 16; 31(11):4327-44.

Schmitz T, Heep A, Groenendaal F, Hüseman D, Kie S, Bartmann P, Obladen M, Felderhoff-Müser U. Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-18, and Interferon-γ Expression in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Premature Infants with Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus — Markers of White Matter Damage? Pediatr Res. 2007 Jun; 61(6):722-6.

Dr. med. Michael Schumann

Department of Gastroenterology

Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin

+49 30 8445 2792
michael.schumann@charite.de

Fields of Research

Inflammatory bowel diseases and Celiac disease
Epithelial polarity
Mucosal barrier

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Relevance of epithelial polarity for epithelial barrier in intestinal inflammation and also for carcinogenesis.

Development of strategies to reconstitute epithelial polarity.

University Education

2000

Medical doctor degree, Julius-Maximillians-Universität zu Würzburg

1995 - 2000

Clinical studies, Julius-Maximillians-Universität zu Würzburg

1993 - 1995

Preclinical studies, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Professional Experience

2012 - now

Clinical Scientist

2003 - 2012

Dept. of Gastroenterology, Charité, Berlin

2000 - 2003

Visiting research fellow at National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2003

Forschungs-AiP

Award of the Deutsche Zöliakie Gesellschaft (DZG)

NIH Visiting Fellow Award

Selected Publications

Schumann M, Kamel S, Pahlitzsch ML, Lebenheim L, May C, Krauss M, Hummel M, Daum S, Fromm M, Schulzke JD. Defective tight junctions in refractory celiac disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012 Jul; 1258:43-51.

Schumann M*, Winter S*, Wichner K, May C, Kühl AA, Batra A, Siegmund B, Zeitz M, Schulzke JD, Lipp M, Höpken UE. CCR7 deficiency causes diarrhea associated with altered ion transport in colonocytes in the absence of overt colitis. Mucosal Immunol. 2012 Jul; 5(4):377-87.

Ménard S, Lebreton C, Schumann M, Matysiak-Budnik T, Dugave C, Bouhnik Y, Malamut G, Cellier C, Allez M, Crenn P, Schulzke JD, Cerf-Bensussan N, Heyman M. Paracellular versus Transcellular Intestinal Permeability to Gliadin Peptides in Active Celiac Disease. Am J Pathol. 2012 Feb; 180(2):608-15.

Schumann M, Günzel D, Buergel N, Richter JF, Troeger H, May C, Fromm A, Sorgenfrei D, Daum S, Bojarski C, Heyman M, Zeitz M, Fromm M, Schulzke JD. Cell polarity-determining proteins Par-3 and PP-1 are involved in epithelial tight junction defects in coeliac disease. Gut. 2012 Feb; 61(2):220-8.

Schumann M , Richter JF, Wedell I, Moos V, Zimmermann-Kordmann M, Schneider T, Daum S, Zeitz M, Fromm M, Schulzke JD. Mechanisms of epithelial translocation of the alpha(2)-gliadin-33mer in coeliac sprue. Gut. 2008 Jun; 57(6):747-54.

Prof. Dr. Matthias Selbach

Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3574
matthias.selbach@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Quantitative proteomics
Gene expression control
Cell signalling and protein-protein interaction

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Analysis of proteome dynamics in health and disease
• Functional characterization of disease-associated protein variants by quantitative interaction proteomics

University Education

2000 - 2003

PhD thesis at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology / Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany

1992 - 1998

Diploma in Biology, Münster University, Germany

Professional Experience

2007 - now

Group leader at the MDC

2004 - 2007

Postdoc in the lab of Matthias Mann at the Center for Experimental BioInformatics(CEBI), University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Denmark and at the Max PlanckInstitute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2010

Analytica research award (http://www.roche.de/analytica2010)

2010

EMBO Young Investigator Award (http://www.embo.org/programmes/yip.html)

2008

Research award of the German Society of Gene Therapy (with N. Rajewsky)

Selected Publications

Schwanhausser, B., Busse, D., Li, N., Dittmar, G., Schuchhardt, J., Wolf, J., Chen, W., and Selbach, M. (2011). Global quantification of mammalian gene expression control. Nature 473, 337-342.

Sury, M.D., Chen, J.X., and Selbach, M. (2010). The SILAC Fly Allows for Accurate Protein Quantification in Vivo. Mol Cell Proteomics 9, 2173-2183.

Schwanhausser, B., Gossen, M., Dittmar, G., and Selbach, M. (2009). Global analysis of cellular protein translation by pulsed SILAC. Proteomics 9, 205-209.

Selbach, M., Schwanhausser, B., Thierfelder, N., Fang, Z., Khanin, R., and Rajewsky, N. (2008). Widespread changes in protein synthesis induced by microRNAs. Nature 455, 58-63.

Selbach, M., and Mann, M. (2006). Protein interaction screening by quantitative immunoprecipitation combined with knockdown (QUICK). Nat Methods 3, 981-983.

Dr. med. Frank Siebenhaar

Dept. of Dermatology and Allergy

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4506 18295
frank.siebenhaar@charite.de

Fields of Research

Mast cells
Mast cell-mediated diseases
Inflammation

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Scientific Interest and Activities:

Characterization of physiological and pathological functions of mast cells and mast cell progenitors, investigation of the role of mast cells in innate and acquired immunity, in host defense responses against bacteria, parasites, fungus and viral infections, as key effector cells in allergic and other inflammatory reactions, as modulators of the development and growth of skin tumors as well as their interactions with sensory nerves and neuropeptides.

Clinical Interest and Activities:

Allergic and other mast cell-mediated diseases, clinical care of patients with mastocytosis, chronic urticaria, angioedema, chronic pruritus and autoinflammatory disorders, initiation and design of clinical trials, investigation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Head of the mastocytosis clinic and establishment of the Interdisciplinary Mastocytosis Center Charité, coordinator of international network activities on mast cell and mastocytosis research.

University Education

1996 - 2003

Medical School, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz, Germany

Professional Experience

2012 - now

Consultant and Senior Scientist, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (Prof. Dr. M.Maurer, Directors: Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h. c. T. Zuberbier)

2009 - 2012

Resident and Senior Scientist, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (Prof. Dr. M.Maurer, Directors: Prof. Dr. T. Zuberbier, Prof. Dr. W. Sterry)

2007 - 2009

Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge/Boston, MA, USA (Prof. Ulrich H. von Andrian)

2004 - 2007

Internship and Resident and Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Dermatology andAllergy, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

2003 - 2004

Internship at the Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Mainz,Germany (Director: Prof. Dr. J. Knop)

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Task Force on Mastocytosis

Hermal Publication Award, Berliner Dermatologische Gesellschaft (BDG)

Selected Publications

Reiter N, Reiter M, Altrichter S, Becker S, Kristensen T, Broesby-Olsen S, Church MK, Metz M, Maurer M, Siebenhaar F. Anaphylaxis caused by mosquito allergy in systemic mastocytosis. Lancet 2013, 382:1380.

Siebenhaar F, Förtsch A, Krause K, Weller K, Metz M, Magerl M, Martus P, Church MK, Maurer M. Rupatadine improves quality of life in mastocytosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Allergy 2013, 68:949-52.

Siebenhaar F, Degener F, Zuberbier T, Martus P, Maurer M. High-dose desloratadine decreases wheal volume and improves cold provocation thresholds compared with standard-dose treatment in patients with acquired cold urticaria: A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Allergy Clin Immunol 2009, 123:672-9.

Siebenhaar F, Magerl M, Peters EMJ, Hendrix S, Metz M, Maurer M. Mast cell–driven skin inflammation is impaired in the absence of sensory nerves . Allergy Clin Immunol 2008, 121:955-61.

Siebenhaar F, Syska W, Weller K, Magerl M, Knop J, Maurer M. Control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Skin Infections in Mice Is Mast Cell-Dependent. Am J Pathol 2007, 170:1910-16.

Prof. Dr. med. Britta Siegmund

Department of Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases - Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF)

Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin

+49 30 4505 14322
britta.siegmund@charite.de

Fields of Research

Inflammatory bowel diseases
Mucosal immunology
Inflammation

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Animal models intestinal inflammation
• Inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis
• Translational models to human disease
• IIT

University Education

2006

Habilitation

1998

MD

1992 - 1998

Medical School Ludwig Maximilians Universität Munich and Harvard Medical School, Boston

Professional Experience

2007

Board Certificate Internal Medicine

2002 - 2007

Residency Medicine

2000 - 2002

Postdoctoral Fellowship at the UCHSC, University of Colorado, Dencer (Lab Prof. C.A Dinarello)

1998 - 2000

Resident in Medicine, Med. Klinik Innenstadt of LMU Munich

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Heisenberg-Professorship from DFG Translationale Gastroenterologie – chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen

2006

“Rising Star in Gastroenterology” ASBMGE, the European Gastroenterology Association

2001

Young Investigator Arward of the Inter national Cytokine Society

1997

Grant of the Harvard-Munich Alliance for Medical Education

Selected Publications

Glauben R, Batra A, Stroh T, Erben U, Fedke I, Lehr HA, Leoni F, Mascagni P, Dinarello CA, Zeitz M & Siegmund B (2008) Histone deacetylases: novel targets for prevention of colitis - associated cancer in mice. Gut, 57, 613 - 22.

Kredel L.I., Batra A., Stroh T., Kühl A.A., Zeitz M., Erben U. & Siegmund B. (2013 ). Adipokines from local fat cells shape the macrophages compartment of the creeping fat in Crohn’s disease. Gut, 62:852 - 62

Schuster, M., Glauben, R., Plaza - Sirvent, C., Schreiber, L., Annemann, M., Floess, S., Kühl, A.A., Clayton, L.K., Sparwasser, T., Schulze - Osthoff, K., Pfeffer, K., Huehn, J., Siegmund, B ., Schmitz, I. (2012) IkB(NS) protein mediates regulatory T cell development via induction of the Foxp3 transcription factor. Immunity, 37:998 - 1008.

Batra, A., Heimesaat, M. M., Bereswill, S., Fischer, A., Glauben, R., Kunkel, D., Scheffold, A., Erben, U., Kuhl, A., Loddenkemper, C ., Lehr, H. A., Schumann, M., Schulzke, J. D., Zeitz, M., Siegmund, B. (2012) Mesenteric fat - control site for bacterial translocation in colitis? Mucosal Immunol 5: 580 - 591

Siegmund B., Lehr H.A., Fantuzzi G. (2002) Leptin: a pivotal mediator of intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology, 122:2011 - 25.

Dr. med. Volker Siffrin

ECRC, Charité Campus Buch

Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin

siffrinv@gmx.de

Fields of Research

Neuroimmunology
Multiple Sclerosis research
Immune-mediated neurodegeneration

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Intravital two-photon microscopy, animal models of MS, clinical and experimental immunology
• Multiple Sclerosis outpatient clinic

University Education

2001 - 2004

Medical School of the Charité - University Medical Center Berlin

2000 - 2001

Medical School of the University of Aberdeen (UK)

1997 - 2000

Medical School of the Philipps University Marburg

Professional Experience

2010 - 2014

Attending physician in Neurology; University Medical Center Mainz

2006 - 2009

Clinical scientist and resident in neurology, Charité Berlin

2005

Clinical resident in neurology, Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria-Klinikum Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Heisenberg Stipend

Young Researcher’s Award of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF)

Selected Publications

Siffrin V, Radbruch H, Glumm R, Niesner R, Paterka M, Herz J, Leuenberger T, Lehmann SM, Luenstedt S, Rinnenthal JL, Laube G, Luche H, Lehnardt S, Fehling H, Griesbeck O, Zipp F (2010) In vivo imaging of partially reversible th17 cell-induced neuronal dysfunction in the course of encephalomyelitis. Immunity 33: 424-436.

Siffrin V, Vogt J, Radbruch H, Nitsch R, Zipp F (2010) Multiple sclerosis – candidate mechanisms underlying CNS atrophy. Trends Neurosci 33: 202-210.

Siffrin V, Brandt AU, Radbruch H, Herz J, Boldakowa N, Leuenberger T, Werr J, Hahner A, Schulze-Topphoff U, Nitsch R, Zipp F (2009) Differential immune cell dynamics in the CNS cause CD4+ T cell compartmentalization. Brain 132:1247-1258.

Leuenberger, T., M. Paterka, E. Reuter, J. Herz, R. A. Niesner, H. Radbruch, T. Bopp, F. Zipp, and V. Siffrin. 2013. The role of CD8+ T cells and their local interaction with CD4+ T cells in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35-55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J. Immunol. 1950 191:4960–4968.

Schulze-Topphoff U, Prat A, Prozorovski T, Siffrin V, Paterka M, Herz J, Bendix I, Ifergan I, Schadock I, Mori MA, Van Horssen J, Schröter F, Smorodchenko A, Han MH, Bader M, Steinman L, Aktas O, Zipp F (2009) Activation of kinin receptor B1 limits encephalitogenic T lymphocyte recruitment to the central nervous system. Nature Med 15:788-793.

PD Dr. med. Uta Syrbe

Med. Klinik für Gastroenterolgie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 8445 4547
uta.syrbe@charite.de

Fields of Research

Clinical Immunology
Rheumatology
T cell migration

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

The work in our rheumatology laboratory is focused on elucidating the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis in order to improve diagnosis and management of the disease. Ankylosing spondylitis, the prototype of spondyloarthritis (SpA), is mainly characterized by inflammation within the spine, which leads to chronic back pain but can also involve peripheral joints and entheses. In contrast to rheumatoid arthritis, reactive new bone formation is commonly seen in SpA - promoting impairment of spinal mobility and disability.

The first goal of our research is to understand the immunological dysfunction promoting the spinal and peripheral joint inflammation in SpA. Therefore, we characterized the pathological T cell responses with regard to antigen-specificity and regulatory mechanisms in blood and synovial fluid. For instance, we observed an enrichment of CD4+ Th1 cells specific for mucosal antigens - a suggested trigger of inflammation in SpA - at sites of peripheral joint inflammation in patients with SpA (Syrbe et al 2012). Currently, we characterize the pathogenic synovial CD4+ T cell with regard to the homing phenotype, the extent of in vivo activation and functional exhaustion. To detect potential deficits in immune regulation in SpA, we analysed the frequency, function and stability of regulatory Foxp3+ CD4+ T cells in blood and synovial fluid in patients with SpA and reported enrichment of regulatory T cells at sites of inflammation. The majority of these cells showed demethylation at a T regulatory cell specific demethylated region, indicating their functional imprinting and stability (Appel et al.).

The second goal is to identify the molecular pathways which lead to new bone formation in SpA. To analyse this, we have setup a unique collection of facet joints of patients with SpA acquired during correction surgery for hyperkyphosis. Using immunohistochemical analysis, we provided first evidence for a local activation of the IL-23-IL-17 axis in axial SpA (Appel et al.), which together with data from whole genome association studies, were the basis to explore the efficacy of ustekinumab (anti-p40-mAb) in a pilot trial in our clinic in axSpA patients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01330901). Histomorphometric analysis of these joints provided first clues on the mechanism of new bone formation and joint ankylosis involving transformation of the bone marrow to a fibrotic pannus (Bleil et al, in revision).

The third goal is identify biomarkers which can improve diagnosis or allow prediction of the disease course. Using the German Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort (GESPIC), which was initiated 10 years ago in our clinic, we identified CRP, VEGF (Poddubnyy et al.) and visfatin (Syrbe et al. submitted) as potential biomarkers which might predict the clinical course, i.e. the progression of structural damage that is new bone formation within the spine. We have candidate biomarkers which might improve diagnosis of SpA in the large cohort of patients with chronic back pain and even allow disease detection at preclinical stages. In a basis science project (cooperation A. Hamann DRFZ) we explore the importance of selectin ligands on CD4+ T cells for immune responses and mechanisms of induction and fixation of the homing phenotype of CD4+ T cells, which may be beneficial in settings of infection but also contribute to chronification of pathological T cell-dependent (autoimmune) responses (Hoffmann et al, Doebis et al., Jennrich et al).

University Education

2013

Habilitation in Internal Medicine, Charité

1996

Doctoral Thesis, Immunology, Charité

1988 - 1994

Studies of Medicine, Charité, Humboldt University, Germany

Professional Experience

2011 - now

Rheumatologist and senior research fellow at the Charité, Department ofGastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Head of the Rheumatology - Group: J. Sieper - research Topic: Immunology and Osteoimmunology of rheumatic diseases

2004 - now

Guest scientist at the DRFZ, research Topic: Molecular and epigenetic control of homing receptor expression in CD4+ T cells

1998 - 2004

Postdoctoral research fellow and resident at the Charité, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, research Topic: Impact and regulation of P-selectin ligand expression in CD4+ T cells; Supervisor: A. Hamann

1996

Doctoral Thesis “Proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with septic disease” Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité, Supervisor H.D. Volk

1996 - 1998

Postdoctoral research fellow at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard MedicalSchool, Boston, USA, research Topic: Burn-induced immunodepression, Supervisor: J. Fishman

1993 - 1996

Assistant physician at the Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

1996

Research Award of the Charité for studies about regulation of IL-10 in sepsis associated immunodepression

1996

Scholarship of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (-1998)

Selected Publications

Hoffmann U, Pink M, Lauer U, Heimesaat MM, Winsauer C, Kruglov A, Schlawe K, Leichsenring C, Liesenfeld O, Hamann A, Syrbe U. Regulation and migratory role of P-selectin ligands during intestinal inflammation. PLoS One. 2013 Apr 22; 8(4):e62055.

Syrbe U, Scheer R, Wu P, Sieper J. Differential synovial Th1 cell reactivity towards Escherichia coli antigens in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2012 Sep; 71(9):1573-6.

Doebis C, Menning A, Neumann K, Ghani S, Schlawe K, Lauer U, Hamann A, Huehn J, Syrbe U. Accumulation and local proliferation of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in antigen-bearing tissue. Immunol Cell Biol. 2011 May; 89(4):566-72.

Appel H, Wu P, Scheer R, Kedor C, Sawitzki B, Thiel A, Radbruch A, Sieper J, Syrbe U. Synovial and Peripheral Blood CD4+FoxP3+ T Cells in Spondyloarthritis. J Rheumatology 2011 Nov; 38(11):2445-51

Jennrich S, Ratsch B A, Hamann A, Syrbe U. Long-Term Commitment to Inflammation-Seeking Homing in CD4+ Effector Cells. J Immunol. 2007 Jun 15; 178(12):8073-80.

Dr. rer. nat. Baris Tursun

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin

+49 30 94061730
baris.tursun@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Cell Fate Specification and Maintenance
Direct Reprogramming
Aging

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Cell fate safeguarding mechanisms
Identifying barriers for Direct Reprogramming of cellular identities
Tissue and cell fate homeostasis during Aging
Whole-genome forward and reverse genetics using C. elegans as a gene discovery tool
Characterization of epigenetic factors involved in cell fate protection and Aging

University Education

2002 - 2005

Ph.D. thesis, Centre for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Clinic Eppendorf, Hamburg

1996 - 2002

Diploma thesis in Biology, University of Hamburg

Professional Experience

2013 - 2015

Member of the MDC Board of Trustees (Kuratorium), Berlin

2012 - now

Research Group Leader at BIMSB / MDC, Berlin

2008 - 2012

Francis Goelet Research Scientist at Columbia University Medical Center, New York

2006 - 2008

Postdoc with Prof. Dr. Oliver Hobert at the Columbia University Medical Center, New York

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

ERC Starting Grant - Acronym: REPROWORM; Horizon 2020, European Commission

2013

Marie Curie CIG Grant; FP7, European Commission

2008

Francis Goelet Scientist Award for Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research; USA

Selected Publications

Cochella L*, Tursun B*, Hsieh YW, Johnston RJ, Chunag CF, Hobert O. Two distinct types of neuronal asymmetries are controlled by the Caenorhabditis elegans zinc finger transcription factor die-1. Genes & Development 2014; 34-48 *equal contribution

Patel T*, Tursun B*, Rahe, DP, Hobert O. Removal of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 makes C. elegans germ cells susceptible to direct conversion into specific somatic cell types. Cell Reports 2012; 1178-1186 *equal contribution

Tursun B#, Patel T, Kratsios P, Hobert O#. Direct conversion of C. elegans germ cells into specific neuron types. Science 2011; 304-308 #corresponding author

Tursun B#, Cochella L, Carrera I, Hobert O#. A toolkit and robust pipeline for the generation of fosmid-based reporter genes in C. elegans. PLoS ONE 2009; 4:e4625 #corresponding author

Tursun B, Schluter A, Peters MA, Viehweger B, Ostendorff HP, Soosairajah J, Drung A, Bossenz M, Johnsen SA, Schweizer M, Bernard O, Bach I. The ubiquitin ligase Rnf6 regulates local LIM kinase 1 levels in axonal growth cones. Genes & Development 2005; 2307-19

Dr. rer. medic. Sonia Waiczies

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 94064542
sonia.waiczies@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Fluorine MRI
Immune cell migration
Drug Distribution

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Scientific Scope: Investigating immune cell migration (immunology) and drug distribution (pharmacology) using Magnetic Resonance (MR) Methods

Special Techniques: Fluorine (19F) MR Methods in animal models of disease and humans
Translation Perspective: MRI is a gold standard imaging modality in clinical practice. MR methods that go beyond diagnostic (functional, anatomical) imaging and allow a quantification of therapy (drugs, cellular ATMPs) distribution should form a vital part of personalized medicine. Studying therapy distribution alongside disease progression and therapy outcome (theranostics) will be a valuable aspect for advancing current standard treatment regimens (precision medicine) as well as accompanying the development of new therapeutic strategies.

University Education

1999 - 2003

Phd in Neuroimmunology (Dr.rer.medic., Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

1997 - 1999

Pharmacology (M.Phil., Faculty of Medicine, University of Malta)

1990 - 1994

Pharmacy (B.Pharm.Hons.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Malta)

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Principal Investigator (Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine)

2010 - 2013

Project Group Leader (Experimental and Clinical Research Center , Charité – Universitätsmedizin and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine)

2006 - 2008

Principal Investigator (Rahel Hirsch Fellow), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

2003 - 2005

Postdoc in Neuroimmunology

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2015

Editorial Board Membership (Scientific Reports)

2006

Rahel Hirsch Fellow (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin),

Selected Publications

Waiczies, S., Lepore, S., Sydow, K., Drechsler, S., Ku, M. C., Martin, C., Lorenz, D., Schutz, I., Reimann, H. M., Purfurst, B., Dieringer, M. A., Waiczies, H., Dathe, M., Pohlmann, A. and Niendorf, T. Anchoring dipalmitoyl phosphoethanolamine to nanoparticles boosts cellular uptake and fluorine-19 magnetic resonance signal. Scientific reports. 2015, 5: 8427.

Waiczies, H., Lepore, S., Drechsler, S., Qadri, F., Purfurst, B., Sydow, K., Dathe, M., Kuhne, A., Lindel, T., Hoffmann, W., Pohlmann, A., Niendorf, T. and Waiczies, S. Visualizing brain inflammation with a shingled-leg radio-frequency head probe for 19F/1H MRI. Scientific reports. 2013, 3: 1280.

Lepore, S., Waiczies, H., Hentschel, J., Ji, Y., Skodowski, J., Pohlmann, A., Millward, J. M., Paul, F., Wuerfel, J., Niendorf, T. and Waiczies, S. Enlargement of cerebral ventricles as an early indicator of encephalomyelitis. PloS one. 2013, 8(8): e72841.

Leuenberger, T., Pfueller, C. F., Luessi, F., Bendix, I., Paterka, M., Prozorovski, T., Treue, D., Luenstedt, S., Herz, J., Siffrin, V., Infante-Duarte, C., Zipp, F. and Waiczies, S. Modulation of dendritic cell immunobiology via inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. PloS one. 2014, 9(7): e100871.

Ji, Y., Waiczies, H., Winter, L., Neumanova, P., Hofmann, D., Rieger, J., Mekle, R., Waiczies, S. and Niendorf, T. Eight-channel transceiver RF coil array tailored for (1)H/(1)(9)F MR of the human knee and fluorinated drugs at 7.0 T. NMR in biomedicine. 2015, 28(6): 726-737.

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Gerald Willimsky

Institute of Immunology (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)

Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin

+ 49 30 4505 13607
gerald.willimsky@charite.de

Fields of Research

Cancer Immunology
Gene Therapy
Immunotherapy

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Research activities include the establishment of experimental cancer models in order to analyze cancer-host interactions, mechanisms involved in tumor rejection and to improve the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy against various cancer. Novel therapeutic human T cell receptors to target cancer and virus antigens will be identified and TCR gene therapy will be employed in the clinic.

University Education

1990 - 1993

Biochemistry/Microbiology (PhD), Philipps-University Marburg

1985 - 1990

Chemistry (Diploma), Technical University Berlin

Professional Experience

2015 - now

Research Group Leader; Cooperation Unit for Experimental and Translational Cancer immunology; Institute of Immunology (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)

2000 - 2015

Research Group Leader; Institute of Immunology, Charité, CBF/CBB, Berlin

1996 - 2000

Staff Scientist; Max-Delbrück-Center of Molecular Medicine, Berlin

1994 - 1996

Postdoctoral Scientist; Max-Delbrück-Center of Molecular Medicine, Berlin

1993 - 1994

Postdoctoral Scientist; Institut für Genbiologische Forschung, Berlin

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

1993

Studienabschluss-Stipendium, Fonds der chemischen Industrie

Selected Publications

Willimsky G, Blankenstein T. 2005. Sporadic immunogenic tumours avoid destruction by inducing T-cell tolerance. Nature 437:141-46.

Willimsky G, Czéh M, Loddenkemper C, Gellermann J, Schmidt K, Wust P, Stein H, Blankenstein T. 2008. Immunogenicity of premalignant lesions is the primary cause of general cytotoxic T lymphocyte unresponsiveness. J Exp Med 205:1687-700.

Buchner* A, Pohla* H, Willimsky* G , Frankenberger B, Frank R, Baur-Melnyk A, Siebels M, Stief CG, Hofstet ter A, Kopp J, Pezzutto A, Blankenstein T, Oberneder R, Schendel DJ. 2009. Phase 1 trial of allogeneic gene-modified tumor cell vaccine RCC-26/CD80/IL-2 in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Hum Gene Ther 21:285-97 (*equal contrib.).

Schmidt K, Zilio S, Schmollinger JC, Bronte V, Blankenstein T, and Willimsky G. 2013. Differently immunogenic cancers in mice induce immature myeloid cells that suppress CTL in vitro but not in vivo following transfer. Blood 121:1740-1748.

Willimsky G , Schmidt K, Loddenkemper C, Gellermann J, and Blankenstein T. 2013. Virus-induced hepatocellular carcinomas cause antigen-specific local tolerance. J Clin Invest 123:1032-1043.

Prof. Dr. med. Martin Witzenrath

Med. Klinik m. S. Infektiologie und Pneumologie

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4506 53876
martin.witzenrath@charite.de

Fields of Research

Pneumonia
Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Methods are focused on translational aims: mouse ICU; in vivo models of pneumonia, ARDS, VILI, PAH; isolated perfused and ventilated mouse lungs; primary human lung cell cultures; preclinical target / drug evaluation; medical systems biology

University Education

1994 - 2001

Human medicine at JLU Gießen and Mt. Sinai, New York

Professional Experience

2012

Call W2 “Pneumology”, Charité, unico loco (accepted)

2011

Call W3 “Experimental Pneumology”, Universität des Saarlandes, primo loco (declined)

2010

Habilitation (Experimental Medicine)

2003

Dr. med. (JLU Gießen, summa cum laude)

2001 - now

Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Critical Care

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2010

Wissenschaftspreis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie

2008

The American Thoracic Society Assembly Award

2007

The American Thoracic Society Assembly Award

patent EPO12181535.1: IL-27 for modulation of immune response in acute lung disease (pending)

patent WO/2010/094491: Means for inhibiting the expression of Ang-2;

ca. 10 poster awards within the last 5 years to members of AG Witzenrath

Selected Publications

Tabeling C, Scheer H, Schönrock S M, Runge F, Gutbier B, Lienau J, Hamelmann E, Opitz B, Suttorp N, Mayer K, Behrens GM, Tschernig T, Witzenrath M. Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain 1 Ligation Suppressed Murine Allergen–Specific T-Cell Proliferation and Airway Hyperresponsiveness. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013 Nov 26.

Doehn JM, Fischer K, Reppe K, Gutbier B, Tschernig T, Hocke AC, Fischetti VA, Löffler J, Suttorp N, Hippenstiel S, Witzenrath M. Delivery of the endolysin Cpl-1 by inhalation rescues mice with fatal pneumococcal pneumonia. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2013 Sep; 68(9):2111-7.

Wang L, Yin J, Nickles HT, Ranke H, Tabuchi A, Hoffmann J, Tabeling C, Barbosa-Sicard E, Chanson M, Kwak BR, Shin HS, Wu S, Isakson BE, Witzenrath M, de Wit C, Fleming I, Kuppe H, Kuebler WM. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction requires connexin 40–mediated endothelial signal conduction. J Clin Invest. 2012 Nov 1; 122(11):4218-30.

Witzenrath M, Pache F, Lorenz D, Koppe U, Gutbier B, Tabeling C, Reppe K, Meixenberger K, Dorhoi A, Ma J, Holmes A, Trendelenburg G, Heimesaat MM, Bereswill S, van der Linden M, Tschopp J, Mitchell TJ, Suttorp N, Opitz B. The NLRP3 inflammasome is differentially activated by pneumolysin variants and contributes to host defense in pneumococcal pneumonia. J Immunol. 2011 Jul 1; 187(1):434-40.

Haberberger RV, Tabeling C, Runciman S, Gutbier B, König P, Andratsch M, Schütte H, Suttorp N, Gibbins I, Witzenrath M. Role of sphingosine kinase 1 in allergen-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling and hyperresponsiveness. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Nov; 124(5):933-41.

Dr. rer. nat. Susanne A. Wolf

Cellular Neuroscience / Max-Delbrück-Center

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 3260
susanne.wolf@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Neurogenesis
Psychoneuroimmunology
Gut-brain-Axis

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

Animal models, behaviour, cell culture, brain slice culture, crosstalk immune system – central nervous system

University Education

1998 - 2002

PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) Institute of Anatomy, Charite Berlin/HU Berlin Neuroimmunology

1992 - 1998

Diploma Biology / Ethology Humboldt-University Berlin

Professional Experience

2011 - now

Senior Researcher, MDC, Cellular Neurosciences

2007 - 2011

Vice head Neuroimmunology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

2006 - 2007

Postdoc Stanford University, Biological Sciences/Neurosurgery. Stanford, CA, USA

2003 - 2006

Postdoc MDC, adult neurogenesis, Berlin, Germany

2001 - 2003

Postdoc NIH, NIAID, ghost lab, Bethesda, MD, USA

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2010

Poster prize Annual meeting of the German Society for Anatomy

2006

Winner of the route 28 challenge

Selected Publications

Wolf, S. A. et al. CD4-Positive T Lymphocytes Provide a Neuroimmunological Link in the Control of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Journal of immunology 182, 3979-3984, (2009).

Wolf, S. A. et al. Cognitive and Physical Activity Differently Modulate Disease Progression in the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)-23 Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biol Psychiatry 60, 1314-1323, 004 (2006).

Wolf, S. A., Melnik, A. & Kempermann, G. Physical exercise increases adult neurogenesis and telomerase activity, and improves behavioral deficits in a mouse model of schizophrenia. Brain, behavior, and immunity 25, 971-980, (2011)

Mattei, D., A. Djodari-Irani, R. Hadar, A. Pelz, L. F. de Cossio, T. Goetz, M. Matyash, H. Kettenmann, C. Winter and S. A. Wolf. Minocycline rescues decrease in neurogenesis, increase in microglia cytokines and deficits in sensorimotor gating in an animal model of schizophrenia. Brain Behav Immun 38, 175-184, (2014)

Kristin Stock, Alexander Garthe, Felipe de Almeida Sassi, Rainer Glass, Susanne A. Wolf* and Helmut Kettenmann*: The capsaicin receptor TRPV1 as a novel modulator of neural precursor cell proliferation. Stem Cells 2014 Dec; 32(12):3183-95, (2014)

Dr. rer. nat. F. Gregory Wulczyn

Institute for Cell and Neurobiology

Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin

+49 30 4505 28459
gregory.wulczyn@charite.de

Fields of Research

Post-transcriptional gene regulation
miRNA biogenesis
neural stem cells

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

The miRNA-mediated regulatory pathways we are studying are at the cutting edge between basic research and new clinical applications: we helped show let-7 can act as TLR-7 ligand in neuroinflammation, for example, and are actively studying the relevance of neural miRNAs for brain cancer and for epilepsy. As part of SFB665 we have proposed a screen of miRNA pathway genes in human patients.

University Education

1987 - 1991

Free University and Inst. für Genbiologische Forschung, PhD

1975 - 1979

Tufts University, Bachelor of Science

Professional Experience

2002 - now

Group leader, Charité

1997 - 2001

Assistant Professor, Thomas Jefferson University

1991 - 1997

MPI and MDC post-doc

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2012

Fulbright Scholarship to Marlis Gnirke

2011

Collegio Ghislieri Research Prize to Eleonora Franzoni

2008

Thesis Award of the Berlin Scientific Society to Lena Smirnova

Selected Publications

Rybak A, Fuchs H, Hadian K, Smirnova L, Wulczyn EA, Michel G, Nitsch R, Krappmann K and Wulczyn FG (2009) The let-7 target gene mouse lin-41 is a stem cell specific E3 ubiquitin ligase for the miRNA pathway protein Ago2. Nature Cell Biology 11 1411-1420.

Rybak A, Fuchs H, Smirnova L, Brandt C, Pohl EE, Nitsch R, and Wulczyn FG (2008). A feedback loop comprising lin-28 and let-7 controls pre-let-7 maturation during neural stem-cell commitment. Nature Cell Biology 10, 987-993.

Wulczyn FG, Naumann M, and Scheidereit C (1992). Candidate proto-oncogene bcl-3 encodes a subunit-specific inhibitor of transcription factor NF-kappa B. Nature 358, 597-599.

Wulczyn F G and Kahmann R (1991). Translational stimulation: RNA sequence and structure requirements for binding of Com protein. Cell 65, 259-269.

Wulczyn FG, Bölker M, and Kahmann R (1989). Translation of the bacteriophage Mu mom gene is positively regulated by the phage com gene product. Cell 57, 1201-1210.

Ph.D. Robert Zinzen

BIMSB

Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin

+49 30 9406 1840
robert.zinzen@mdc-berlin.de

Fields of Research

Systems Biology
Developmental Biology
Neurogenesis

Details

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

• Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics
• Isolation of tissue-specific materials from developing in-vivo systems

University Education

2006

Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA

2001

B.A., University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

2001

B.S., University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

Professional Experience

2013 - now

Research Group Leader at BIMSB / MDC, Berlin, Germany

2011 - 2013

Staff Scientist, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany

2007 - 2011

Postdoctoral Fellow, Furlong Lab, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

2007

Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship, Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)(other postdoctoral fellowships awarded, but declined)

1998

Full scholarships for academic achievements to attend university (UGA)

Selected Publications

Zinzen, R., Bonn, S., Girardot, C., Gustafson, E. H., Perez-Gonzalez, A., Delhomme, N., Ghavi-Helm, Y., Wilczyński, B., Riddell, A., Furlong, E. E. (2012). Tissue-specific analysis of chromatin state identifies temporal signatures of enhancer activity during embryonic development. Nature Genetics, 44(2):148-56.

Zinzen, R., Girardot, C., Gagneur, J., Braun M, and Furlong, E.E. (2009). Combinatorial binding predicts spatio-temporal cis-regulatory activity. Nature, 462(7269): 65-70.

Zeitlinger, J., Zinzen, R., Stark, A., Kellis, M., Zhang, H., Young, R. and Levine, M. (2007). Whole-genome ChIP–chip analysis of Dorsal, Twist, and Snail suggests integration of diverse patterning processes in the Drosophila embryo. Genes & Development, 21(4), 385-390.

Zinzen, R., Cande, J., Ronshaugen, M. and Levine, M. (2006). Evolution of the Ventral Midline in Insect Embryos. Developmental Cell, 11(6), 895-902.

Zinzen, R., Senger, K., Levine, M. and Papatsenko, D. (2006). Computational Models for Neurogenic Gene Expression in the Drosophila Embryo. Current Biology, 16(13), 1358-65.

BIH Young Science

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M.D. Till Althoff

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Baldus

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Benedikt Beckmann

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Antje Beling (geb. Voigt)

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. Nils Blüthgen

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Chotima Böttcher

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Irene Brunk

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Ph.D. Marina Chekulaeva

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Publications

Dr. Amaia Cipitria Sagardia

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Marcus Czabanka

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Marc Dewey

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Jens Fielitz

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Roland C. E. Francis

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective

University Education

Professional Experience

Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Raphaela Fritsche

Scientific Scope, Special Techniques, Translational Perspective