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Matthias MannView profile

Professor

• Mass Spectrometry
• Proteomics
• Systems Biology
• +6 more

Professor Matthias Mann is a world-leading scientist serving as Director of the Proteomics and Signal Transduction department at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany, and Director of the Proteomics department at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. With an h-index exceeding 277 and over 350,000 citations, he is recognized as the highest cited German researcher and one of the most influential scientists globally in proteomics. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Yale University (1988) Master's Degree in Physics from Georg August University Göttingen (1984) Bachelor's of Arts in Mathematics from Georg August University Göttingen (1982) Professor Mann's research focuses on advancing mass spectrometry-based proteomics to understand biological systems at the protein level. His work spans technological developments in mass spectrometry, bioinformatics and computational analysis, signal transduction and posttranslational modifications, and clinical proteomics applications for disease diagnosis and treatment. The Mann lab has pioneered groundbreaking methods like SILAC for quantitative proteomics and MaxQuant for proteome data analysis. Their vision is to translate proteomics knowledge into clinical practice for predictive, diagnostic, and preventive medicine, with recent work focusing on AI-guided platforms for analyzing proteomes from minimal tissue samples. Analysis of Professor Mann's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward clinical applications of proteomics, particularly in cancer research, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. His work increasingly integrates spatial proteomics, single-cell resolution techniques, and artificial intelligence approaches to uncover disease mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers, with a clear shift from basic technology development toward direct clinical applications and personalized medicine. Professor Mann has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: 2025: Elected member of the American National Academy of Sciences 2024: Dr. H.P. Heineken Award for Biochemistry and Biophysics 2023: Otto Warburg Medal 2019: Nominated member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences 2013: Elected member of Leopoldina German National Academy of Sciences 2012: Körber European Science Award, Louis-Jeantet Foundation Prize for Medicine, Ernst Schering Prize, and Leibniz Prize Professor Mann leads a highly collaborative research team involved in multiple international networks including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, CLINSPECT-M, and Munich Heart Alliance. His lab has mentored numerous successful researchers, with several former postdocs receiving prestigious ERC Starting Grants. The Mann group has developed innovative clinical proteomics pipelines for analyzing archived tissue specimens and body fluids, aiming to identify protein markers for early detection of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The Mann lab operates across two major research centers with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facilities. Their Clinical Knowledge Graph platform integrates multi-omics data with extensive metadata, creating an ecosystem for machine learning applications in proteomics. Current research focuses on developing highly sensitive methods that can profile thousands of proteins from minimal cell samples, enabling the identification of critical disease-related proteins and supporting the development of individualized therapies.

Waldemar KolanusView profile

Professor

• Molecular Immunology
• Cell Signaling
• Signal Transduction Pathways
• +4 more

Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788

• Stem Cell Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.

Simon SchäferView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Simon Schäfer leads the Schäfer Lab at the Technische Universität München , focusing on engineering advanced organoid systems to study human brain development, disease modeling, and repair mechanisms. His work bridges stem cell biology, gene editing, and bioengineering to develop personalized therapies for brain disorders. Stem Cell & Organoid Technology Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms Neurodegenerative Disease Models Gene Editing & Neuroimmune Interactions Translational Neuroscience Recent research emphasizes brain organoid development, microglia phenotypes, and neurodevelopmental timing anomalies in autism. His team’s work also explores zika virus interactions with glioblastoma stem cells and neuronal plasticity in psychiatric disorders. Scientific awards and funding include support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF), and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy). Collaborations span institutions like the TUM Center for Organoid Systems. Advises 6 students (2 PhD, 1 MSc, 3 associated) Labs include Schäfer Lab, COS@TranslaTUM Contact: simon.schafer@tum.de

Angelika RamboldView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Metabolism
• +3 more

Dr. Angelika Rambold is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany, heading the Laboratory for Metabolic Organelle Networks in Immunology within the Department of Developmental Immunology. Previously affiliated with the University of Münster's Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) and Institute of Medical Biochemistry until January 2025, she investigates how intracellular organelle networks regulate immune cell function during inflammation, infection, and metabolic stress. Her research centers on dynamic interactions between mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid droplets, and autophagosomes during cellular adaptation to nutrient deprivation and pathogen challenge. Key interests include organelle communication mechanisms in immune cell activation, metabolic reprogramming in T cells and macrophages, and how defects in organelle networks drive primary immunodeficiencies like Chediak-Higashi syndrome. She employs advanced live-cell microscopy, super-resolution imaging, metabolomics, and single-cell transcriptomics to dissect these processes in primary immune cells and human disease models. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on mitochondrial dynamics as a central regulator of immune cell metabolism and fate determination. Landmark studies demonstrate TFEB-mediated itaconate synthesis for bacterial control in macrophages and coordinated organelle network responses during starvation, establishing critical links between organelle communication, immunometabolism, and disease pathogenesis across multiple immune cell types. Dr. Rambold serves as a supervisor in the Cells in Motion International Max Planck Research School (CiM-IMPRS) Graduate Programme, mentoring PhD students in interdisciplinary research. Her laboratory maintains active collaboration with the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) at the University of Freiburg to translate basic findings on organelle-mediated immune defects into clinical insights for patient-oriented research.

Andrew BassettView profile

Researcher

• Genome Engineering
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Stem Cell Research
• +5 more

Dr. Andrew Bassett serves as Head of the Cellular and Gene Editing Research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where he develops cutting-edge genome engineering techniques using human pluripotent stem cells to investigate neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His work focuses on scaling genetic screening approaches and improving CRISPR specificity for modeling complex disease mechanisms. His academic training includes: PhD at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB) with Andrew Travers on chromatin remodelling in heterochromatin formation Postdoctoral research with David Baulcombe at the University of Cambridge studying small RNA roles in chromatin modification Additional postdoctoral work with Chris Ponting at the MRC Functional Genomics Unit (MRC-FGU) in Oxford, where he pioneered CRISPR applications in Drosophila Bassett's research program centers on developing advanced genome engineering methodologies for precise modulation of gene expression networks during development and neurodegeneration. His group specializes in creating complex editing events (SNPs, paired knockouts, enhancer perturbations) within iPSC-derived models, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation and transcriptional control. Current projects integrate single-cell 'omics and phenotypic assays to decode genetic causes of neurodegenerative disorders through the OpenTargets consortium. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in CRISPR technology development (35%), neurodegenerative disease modeling (30%), and single-cell functional genomics (25%). His work consistently bridges methodological innovation with disease mechanism studies, increasingly incorporating multi-omics approaches and expanding into cancer immunology and infectious disease applications since 2022. As group leader, Bassett mentors postdoctoral researchers and PhD students while securing major funding for genome engineering initiatives. His team operates within the Sanger Institute's Cellular Operations division and maintains critical partnerships with the OpenTargets consortium for therapeutic target validation. The laboratory specializes in high-throughput screening platforms using iPSC-derived neural and microglial models, with recent methodological advances including scSNV-seq and ONE-STEP tagging systems that significantly enhance precision genome editing capabilities.

• Neuro-oncology
• Neuropathology
• Glioblastoma
• +3 more

Professor Patrick Harter is a faculty member at the Institute of Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), where he leads research in neuro-oncology and molecular diagnostics of CNS tumors. His work focuses on glioblastoma, meningioma, and brain metastasis, with emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and metabolic adaptations in the tumor microenvironment. Research interests span: Molecular classification of brain tumors using DNA methylation profiling Therapeutic targeting of BRAF/MEK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways Role of hypoxia and metabolic plasticity in treatment resistance Liquid biopsy development for non-invasive tumor monitoring His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating epigenetic, metabolic, and immunotherapeutic approaches. Articles frequently explore: Novel biomarkers for tumor grading and prognosis Mechanisms of therapy resistance in gliomas Impact of tumor microenvironment on metastasis

Thomas SpallekView profile

Researcher

• Plant Biology
• Parasitic Plant Genetics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. Thomas Spallek is a Junior Group Leader leading the Plant Biotic Interactions Group at Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany. His research focuses on functional genetics of parasitic plants, interspecific signaling, and haustoria formation mechanisms. Previously, he held roles as Project Leader (2019–2022) and Postdoc (2018–2019) at the University of Hohenheim, with postdoctoral experience at RIKEN (Japan) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (UK). Education: PhD in Plant Biology (Max Planck Institute, Cologne, 2011), Diploma in Biology (University of Konstanz, 2008). Research Interests: Parasitic plant genetics and host interactions Cytokinin signaling in plant-pathogen relationships Cellular and molecular mechanisms of haustorium development Publications span plant-parasite signaling, hormonal regulation, and genomic studies of parasitic weeds. Notable collaborations include work on Striga asiatica genome analysis and cytokinin-driven virulence factors. He is affiliated with the International Research Training Group 2172 - PRoTECT and coordinates the Plant Biotic Interactions research group. His work integrates molecular genetics, bioimaging, and computational tools to dissect plant defense and parasitic strategies.

Mathias MunschauerView profile

Researcher

• Molecular Virology
• RNA Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +7 more

Mathias Munschauer leads the Department of Molecular Virology at Heidelberg University's Faculty of Medicine, within the Center for Infectious Diseases. His research group focuses on unraveling RNA regulatory mechanisms that govern viral infection outcomes, with emphasis on HCV, HBV, and Dengue virus. His research interests lie at the intersection of RNA biology and virology, particularly in understanding how viral RNA molecules interact with host cell components. The lab employs cutting-edge methodologies including RAP-MS and SHIFTR for RNA interactomics, integrated with functional genomics, single-cell transcriptomics, and AI-driven analysis of high-dimensional data. This systems-level approach enables the identification of host factors and regulatory pathways critical for viral replication and immune evasion. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward spatially and temporally resolved analysis of RNA-protein interactions across diverse RNA viruses. There is a consistent focus on developing and applying innovative technologies to map host-virus interfaces, with applications in identifying antiviral targets and understanding infection mechanisms. The work spans molecular, cellular, and systems biology, with increasing integration of computational and machine learning approaches. Systems virology RNA-protein interactomics Host-pathogen interactions CRISPR screening Single-cell analysis Antiviral strategies Dr. Munschauer mentors a research team and contributes to the doctoral program in Infectious Diseases. His lab develops and shares novel reagents and methods, fostering collaborative science. While specific grants are not listed, the technological sophistication suggests substantial funding support. The lab operates within a vibrant research environment alongside other virology groups such as AG Bartenschlager and AG Ruggieri. The Munschauer Lab is part of a larger virology and infectious disease research ecosystem at Heidelberg University, collaborating across disciplines to advance understanding of viral pathogenesis. The team actively develops and applies innovative tools for RNA-centric discovery, positioning the group at the forefront of molecular virology.

Carsten HopfView profile

Professor

• Bioanalytics
• Drug Discovery
• Mass Spectrometry Imaging
• +6 more

Carsten Hopf is a Professor of Bioanalytics and Drug Discovery at Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, leading the Institute of Instrumental Analytics and Bioanalytics and the CeMOS (Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy). His work focuses on developing spatially resolved omics technologies (e.g., MALDI-MS imaging) for neurodegenerative and oncological research. He explores lipidomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Key projects include the SMART-CARE-2 BMBF initiative (2023–2026) and DFG-funded research on spatial multi-omics in glioblastoma (SFB 1389). Research interests center on mass spectrometry innovations, including matrix optimization, AI-driven data analysis, and multimodal imaging (e.g., infrared microscopy integration). His lab develops label-free cell assays for drug discovery and studies molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Collaborations span academia and industry, with projects like the M 2 Aind partnership addressing 3D cell culture toxicity assessments. Grants include BMBF, DFG, and EU funding for systems medicine, organoid analysis, and mass spectrometry cores. His technological advancements aim to improve biomarker discovery and translational medicine in neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration.

Sabrina BüttnerView profile

Professor

• Cellular Aging
• Organelle Communication
• Membrane Contact Sites
• +5 more

Prof. Sabrina Büttner leads the Cell Biology group at the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster. Her research focuses on intracellular communication during cellular aging, stress responses, and metabolic adaptation, utilizing yeast and Drosophila models. She investigates organelle connectivity via membrane contact sites and their role in proteostasis, neurodegeneration, and longevity. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and imaging to explore: Organelle communication networks Proteostasis collapse in aging Autophagy and lipid metabolism Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms Recent publications emphasize membrane contact sites, stress-induced nuclear/vacuole dynamics, and autophagy regulation. Trends include organelle interfaces in proteostasis, mitochondrial quality control, and translational applications in longevity biotechnology. She mentors PhD students including Irene Álvarez-Guerra, Emma Block, Patricia Grabher, and Simon Prokisch. Her lab collaborates with CRC projects (e.g., CRC 1009, 1348, 1459, 944) and graduate programs (CiM-IMPRS, IRTG, SP BioSciences).

• Biomechanics
• Plant Morphogenesis
• Computational Modeling
• +3 more

Dr. Gabriella Mosca is a Junior Group Leader at the Centre for Biochemistry (ZMBP) at the University of Tübingen, leading the Biomechanical Modeling of Morphogenesis (BM²) Lab within the Department of Genetics. Her research focuses on understanding the interplay between biomechanics and morphogenesis in plant systems, particularly using computational tools like MorphoMechanX . This software integrates finite element methods to model 3D tissue growth, cell wall mechanics, and genetic signaling in plant development. Her work bridges computational modeling with experimental data from partner labs, addressing questions such as how mechanical forces influence growth patterns and cell fate decisions. Key areas include explosive seed dispersal mechanics, leaf shape diversity, and ovule primordium development. She collaborates internationally on projects involving plant cell mechanics, tissue stiffness, and developmental constraints. Publications highlight contributions to understanding plant cell geometry, cytokinin signaling in roots, and the role of organ geometry in reproductive cell fate. Current projects emphasize developing customizable computational frameworks to simulate plant growth dynamics from confocal imaging data. The lab actively recruits students with backgrounds in physics, computer science, and mathematics to tackle interdisciplinary challenges in plant morphogenesis.

Jörn WalterView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Genetics
• Epigenomics
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Jörn Walter serves as a Senior Professor for Genetics and Epigenetics at Saarland University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. His laboratory investigates epigenetic mechanisms across development and disease states, with particular emphasis on DNA methylation, chromatin dynamics, and epigenomic mapping of cell types. Member of the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC) Coordinator of the German Epigenome Program Director of an in-house Sequencing Facility (HiSeq2500, Mi-Seq, Nextseq-500) Research focuses include: Epigenetic programming during cellular differentiation DNA methylation dynamics in disease contexts Stem cell epigenetics and reprogramming Evolution of epigenetic mechanisms Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining next-generation sequencing , bioinformatic modeling , and clinical epigenetics , with particular attention to immune cell development , metabolic disease epigenetics , and computational epigenomics . The group maintains collaborations with the West German Sequencing Center and contributes to epigenetic data standardization efforts. Lab members include active researchers like Dr. Nina Gasparoni , Dr. Gilles Gasparoni , and M.Sc. Alea Leismann , alongside an extensive alumni network of former advisees who have advanced epigenetic research in various institutions.

• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Danger Signaling Pathways
• Atherosclerosis
• +1 more

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Zimmer holds a professorship at the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn , affiliated with the Department of Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II at the University Hospital Bonn. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) Life and Health , focusing on cardiovascular research. His research investigates danger signaling pathways in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis and aortic disease . Key contributions include studies on macrophage reprogramming in atherosclerosis regression and the development of disease models for aortic valve stenosis. Notable publications include work on cyclodextrin therapy (2016), murine aortic valve models (2019), and endothelial TLR3 signaling (2011). His research bridges immunology, vascular biology, and translational medicine.

• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus serves as Head of the Proteome and Metabolome Research Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld. His research focuses on proteomics and metabolomics applications in plant-microbe interactions, bacterial stress responses, and disease model systems. His laboratory employs advanced mass spectrometry imaging and cell phenotyping technologies to investigate molecular responses in crops like sugar beet and grapevines under abiotic stress conditions, as well as in cancer models where differentiation therapy impacts tumor malignancy. The group also explores microbial biotechnology through Xanthomonas campestris studies on xanthan production and stress adaptation. Selected publications highlight innovations in 3D microfluidics for biomarker detection and bioinformatics platforms like MetHoS for metabolomics data analysis. His work appears in journals covering Frontiers in Plant Science , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Botany . Contact: kniehaus@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de | Office: UHG W7-117