BIH Young Science
Eine Initiative von Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und -wissenschaftlern aus MDC und Charité startete als BIH Young Science mit einer Gründungsveranstaltung im Januar 2014. Die Initiative verfolgt das Ziel, den regelmäßigen Austausch und die wissenschaftliche Diskussion insbesondere auf der Ebene der Nachwuchsgruppenleiterinnen und -leiter in der fächerübergreifenden, translationalen Forschung zu intensivieren. Mitglieder der Initiative sind Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und -wissenschaftler von MDC und Charité.
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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
- Vascular biology and diseases
- GPCRs and G-Protein signaling
- Epigenetics and Metabolics
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Baldus
Hämatologie, Onkologie, Tumorimmunologie am CBF
Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin
+49 30 8445 2337/4468
claudia.baldus@charite.de
- Molecular markers in acute leukemia with prognostic & pathobiologic relevance
- Leukemia-stroma interaction
- Target identifciation in acute leukemia
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Benedikt Beckmann
IRI for the Life Sciences
Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin
+49 30 2093 47910
benedikt.beckmann@iri-lifesciences.de
- RNA Biology
- Infection Biology
- Systems Biology
Fields of Research
Project Description
Scope: RNA-protein interactions in in host and pathogen during infectionTechniques: mRNA interactome capture, UV crosslinking of (m)RNPs
Translational Perspective: Understanding novel aspects of bacterial infection
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Myocarditis / Inflammatory cardiomyopathy
- Post-translational Modification with ISG15
- Proteostasis / Ubiquitin-Proteasome System
- Cardiotropic enteroviruses
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. Nils Blüthgen
Institute of Pathology
Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 2093 8924
nils.bluethgen@charite.de
- Systems Biology
- Computational Oncology
- Quantitative Biology
Fields of Research
Project Description
Scope: Function of molecular networks, network-based resistance mechanisms for targeted therapies Special Techniques: Mathematical Modelling, Computational BiologyTranslational Perspective: Use models to predict most effective therapies and to overcome resistance
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Cell Therapy
- Myeloid cells
- Neurodegenerative disorders
Fields of Research
Project Description
My research focuses on1) 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Irene Brunk
Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy
Philippstr. 12, 10115 Berlin
+49 30 4505 28250
irene.brunk@charite.de
- G-protein signalling
- Monoamine storage/uptake
- Axonal growth
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Ph.D. Marina Chekulaeva
BIMSB
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin
+49 30 9406 1850
marina.chekulaeva@mdc-berlin.de
- miRNAs and mechanisms of their function
- mRNA localization and localized translation
- Translational regulation and mRNA decay
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

Dr. Amaia Cipitria Sagardia
Julius Wolff Institute, Charité
Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin
+49 30 4505 52094
amaia.cipitria@charite.de
- Biomaterials
- Tissue Engineering
- In-Vivo Animal Models
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Marcus Czabanka
Department of Neurosurgery Charité
Augustenburger Platz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4506 60433
marcus.czabanka@charite.de
- Angiogenesis
- Spinal metastasis
- Moyamoya disease
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Animal glioma models• Intraivital microscopy
• Animal metastasis models
• Bioluminescence
• Small animal imaging
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Marc Dewey
Radiology - Universitätsmedizin Charité
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4505 27353
marc.dewey@charite.de
- Radiology
- Imaging
- Heart
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Inflammation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy
- Ubiquitin proteasome mediated protein degradation
- Cardiac remodeling
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Ventilator-induced lung injury
- Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
- Acute hemorrhagic shock
Fields of Research
Project Description
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 injuryUniversity Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Raphaela Fritsche
Berlin Institute of Health
Kapelle-Ufer 2, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 9406 3114
raphaela.fritsche@mdc-berlin.de
- Cancer
- Signaling
- Metabolomics and proteomics
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Nanocoating
- Implantology
- Bone
Fields of Research
Project Description
Stimulation of the bone growth by organic nanocoating of titanium implants and bone substitute materials, carries for bone growth factors, stem cells and drugsUniversity Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- T cell differentiation
- Cytokine expression
- Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Quantitative cytokine memory of T helper cells• Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation
• Cytokine secretion assay and cell sorting
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Florian Herse
Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC)
Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin
+49 30 4505 40434
florian.herse@charite.de
- Immunology of Pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- Renin-Angiotensin System
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Patient cohorts• Translational research
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- NF-κB signal transduction
- DNA damage
- Hodgkin’s disease
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Biochemistry• Genome-wide target gene determination
• Screening approaches (siRNA and small molecules)
• Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics (SILAC, SRM)
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

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
- Innate immunity of the lung
- Cellular interplay in the alveolus
- Mitochondrial role for immune activation
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Thyroid hormone metabolism
- Trace elements
- Autoimmunity
Fields of Research
Project Description
Hormonal regulation of food and appetite regulation, thyroid hormone research with focus on cardiovascular function and thermoregulation, trace elements and agingUniversity Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

PD Dr. rer. nat. Markus Höltje
Institute for Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4505 28356
markus.hoeltje@charite.de
- Small G proteins
- Neuronal Regeneration
- Autoimmune encephalitis
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Tumor-stroma crosstalk in B cell lymphoma
- Mucosal immunology
- Adoptive T cell therapy
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Autoimmunity
- Plasma cells
- Humoral memory
Fields of Research
Project Description
autoimmunity, rheumatology, plasma cell reserach, plasma cell memory in autoimmunity and targeting of autoreactive B cellsUniversity Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Neuroscience
- Folate Metabolism
- Neurodegeneration
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- single cell biology
- systems biology
- quantitative developmental biology
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Systems Medicine
- Biomedical Computing
- Molecular Pathology
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Adult neural stem cells
- Signaling factors serotonin, BDNF, Sox2
- Angiotensin system
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Tight Junction
- Epithelial barrier
- Tricellulin
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Molecular characterization of the tight junction associated MARVEL proteins tricellulin andmarvelD3
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Elke Krüger
Institute of Biochemistry CCM, Charité CrossOver
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4505 28317
elke.krueger@charite.de
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
- Molecular Immunology
- Proteostasis in inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

PhD Anja A. Kühl
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF)
Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin
+49-30-450-514-345
anja.kuehl@charite.de
- Histopathology
- Immunohistochemistry, -fluorescence
- Experimental Models
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Markus Landthaler
BIMSB / MDC
Robert-Roessle Str. 10, 13125 Berlin
+49 30 9406 3026
markus.landthaler@mdc-berlin.de
- Posttranscriptional regulation
- Protein-RNA interactions
- RNA Biology
Fields of Research
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

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
- Innate immunity
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroinflammation
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Lymphocyte differentiation in inflammation
- Immunological memory
- Virus and parasite infections
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Cell Signal Transduction
- Colon Cancer
- Mouse Transgenics
Fields of Research
Project Description
Broad experience in contemporary genomic techniques, primary organotypic culture of intestinal epithelium, working interdisciplinary with pathologists, mathematicians, bioinformaticians.University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. Dominik Müller
ECRC
Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin
+49 30 4505 40286
dominik.mueller@mdc-berlin.de
- Hypertension-induced Target-Organ Damage
- Salt
- Immune system
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Innate immunity
- Pattern recognition receptor
- Bacterial pneumonia
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Cardiovascular development
- Zebrafish genetics
- Wnt/calcium signaling
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Experimental stem cell transplantation
- Tranplantation Immunology
- Endothelial Biology
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV)
- Carbonic anhydrase and nitrite Biology
- Acute lung injury (ALI)
Fields of Research
Project Description
• 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Computational Biology
- Image Processing
- Microscopy
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- human iPSCs
- mitochondrial disorders
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Josef Priller
Department of Neuropsychiatry
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4505 17209
josef.priller@charite.de
- Regenerative medicine
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Neuroimmunology
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Adult stem cells, transplantation, gene therapy, intravital imaging• Investigator-initiated clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Circadian clock
- Systems biology
- Oncology
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Rho GTPases RhoGEFs/RhoGAPs
- Signal transduction
- Cytoskeleton
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccines
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements

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
- G-Protein-coupled receptors
- Membraneproteins, Protein expression, purification, crystallisation and X-ray-crystallography
- Photoreceptors and Metalloenzymes
Fields of Research
Project Description
(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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Kidney development and disease
- Clinical and molecular nephrology
- Acute kidney injury, kidney transplantation
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Dr. med. Thomas Schmitz
Neonatology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin
+49 30 4505 59548
thomas.schmitz@charite.de
- Brain development
- Neuroprotection
- Oligodendroglia
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Dr. med. Michael Schumann
Department of Gastroenterology
Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin
+49 30 8445 2792
michael.schumann@charite.de
- Inflammatory bowel diseases and Celiac disease
- Epithelial polarity
- Mucosal barrier
Fields of Research
Project Description
Relevance of epithelial polarity for epithelial barrier in intestinal inflammation and also for carcinogenesis.Development of strategies to reconstitute epithelial polarity.
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Quantitative proteomics
- Gene expression control
- Cell signalling and protein-protein interaction
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Analysis of proteome dynamics in health and disease• Functional characterization of disease-associated protein variants by quantitative interaction proteomics
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Dr. med. Frank Siebenhaar
Dept. of Dermatology and Allergy
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4506 18295
frank.siebenhaar@charite.de
- Mast cells
- Mast cell-mediated diseases
- Inflammation
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Mucosal immunology
- Inflammation
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Animal models intestinal inflammation• Inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis
• Translational models to human disease
• IIT
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

- Neuroimmunology
- Multiple Sclerosis research
- Immune-mediated neurodegeneration
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Intravital two-photon microscopy, animal models of MS, clinical and experimental immunology• Multiple Sclerosis outpatient clinic
University Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

PD Dr. med. Uta Syrbe
Med. Klinik für Gastroenterolgie, Infektiologie und Rheumatologie
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 8445 4547
uta.syrbe@charite.de
- Clinical Immunology
- Rheumatology
- T cell migration
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Cell Fate Specification and Maintenance
- Direct Reprogramming
- Aging
Fields of Research
Project Description
Cell fate safeguarding mechanismsIdentifying 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Fluorine MRI
- Immune cell migration
- Drug Distribution
Fields of Research
Project Description
Scientific Scope: Investigating immune cell migration (immunology) and drug distribution (pharmacology) using Magnetic Resonance (MR) MethodsSpecial 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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Cancer Immunology
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Prof. Dr. med. Martin Witzenrath
Med. Klinik m. S. Infektiologie und Pneumologie
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4506 53876
martin.witzenrath@charite.de
- Pneumonia
- Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Fields of Research
Project Description
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 biologyUniversity Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

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
- Neurogenesis
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Gut-brain-Axis
Fields of Research
Project Description
Animal models, behaviour, cell culture, brain slice culture, crosstalk immune system – central nervous systemUniversity Education
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Dr. rer. nat. F. Gregory Wulczyn
Institute for Cell and Neurobiology
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
+49 30 4505 28459
gregory.wulczyn@charite.de
- Post-transcriptional gene regulation
- miRNA biogenesis
- neural stem cells
Fields of Research
Project Description
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
Professional Experience
Selected Awards, Honours, Scientific Achievements
Selected Publications

Ph.D. Robert Zinzen
BIMSB
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin
+49 30 9406 1840
robert.zinzen@mdc-berlin.de
- Systems Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Neurogenesis
Fields of Research
Project Description
• Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics• Isolation of tissue-specific materials from developing in-vivo systems