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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

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.

• Lipid Metabolism
• Cachexia
• Adipose Tissue
• +5 more

Dr. Maria Rohm serves as Head of the Research Division 'Tissue Crosstalk' at the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Munich, leading investigations into metabolic disease interconnections since 2020. Previously a Junior Group Leader (2017-2020), her career includes postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford (2014-2017) under a Novo Nordisk Fellowship and the German Cancer Research Center (2012-2014). Her educational foundation comprises Biology studies at Heidelberg University and the University of Manchester, culminating in a Dr. rer. nat. from Heidelberg in 2012 where she examined adipose tissue lipolysis in obesity. Rohm's research centers on tissue crosstalk mechanisms in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer cachexia, emphasizing lipid/glucose metabolism and adipose tissue function. She pioneers the conceptual framework that obesity/diabetes and cachexia represent opposing metabolic extremes requiring integrated study, with particular focus on ceramide signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and energy homeostasis disruptions in disease pathogenesis. Her multi-omics approach reveals critical overlaps in disease pathways that could transform therapeutic development. Publication analysis shows consistent focus on metabolic reprogramming across cancer cachexia and diabetes, with emerging emphasis on lipid mediators as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Key trends include translational exploration of AMPK-stabilizing peptides and ceramide modifications for treating tissue wasting. Her scientific recognition includes: Vincenz-Czerny Price for Oncology (2021) ERC Starting Grant (2020) Lipidology Prize (2019) Research Award by German Diabetes Society (2013) Rohm directs significant grant-funded research, notably the ERC Starting Grant investigating metabolic crosstalk in cachexia. As Board of Directors and Educational Committee member of the Cancer Cachexia Society, she drives global research initiatives for this fatal condition affecting most cancer patients. Her advocacy highlights the urgent need for mechanistic understanding to develop effective treatments. She leads the 'Tissue Crosstalk in Cancer Metabolism' research group at Helmholtz Munich, employing multi-omics and mouse models to dissect metabolic communication between organs. Her team collaborates extensively within European research networks, with emphasis on translating basic discoveries into clinical applications for metabolic diseases and cancer-associated wasting syndromes.

Hajo KriesView profile

Professor

• Enzyme Engineering
• Nonribosomal Peptide Synthesis
• Biosynthetic Pathways
• +2 more

Prof. Dr. Hajo Kries is a Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, specializing in Technical Biochemistry. His research focuses on enzyme engineering, natural product biosynthesis, and synthetic biology approaches to design novel biocatalysts. Key research areas include reprogramming nonribosomal peptide synthetases, elucidating biosynthetic pathways of complex natural products, and developing high-throughput screening methods for enzyme engineering. His work bridges chemical biology, enzymology, and metabolic engineering. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in directed evolution of megasynthetases, mechanistic studies of cyclopropanol formation in natural products, and the engineering of noncanonical amino acid incorporation. Research consistently addresses fundamental questions in enzyme specificity while developing tools for therapeutic peptide production.

• Chronic Inflammation
• Intercellular Communication
• Systems Biology
• +2 more

Professor Kevin Thurley is a faculty member at the Institute of Experimental Oncology within the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn. His research focuses on chronic inflammation , intercellular communication , and systems biology , with particular emphasis on deciphering the regulatory mechanisms behind immune tolerance and therapeutic interventions. Key Research Goals: Developing an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing cell communication networks and optimizing targeted immunotherapies Methodological Expertise: Mathematical modeling of biological systems, computational analysis of signaling pathways, and experimental validation Research Themes: Thurley’s work systematically investigates how complex cellular interactions drive chronic inflammatory processes. His team specializes in response-time distribution modeling , cytokine signaling networks , and stochastic intracellular signaling analysis. This research has direct implications for autoimmune diseases , cancer immunology , and targeted therapy development . Collaborative Networks: As a member of TRA Life and Health, he collaborates with transdisciplinary teams across medicine, computational sciences, and experimental oncology. His research integrates with broader initiatives like the European Research Council -funded projects and DFG collaborative research centers. Scientific Contributions: Thurley has authored significant publications in Cell Systems , Nature Immunology , and PLoS Biology , including works on actin network assembly in neutrophils , circadian metabolic regulation , and adaptive immune cell communication .

Volker BusskampView profile

Professor

• Retinal Degeneration
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Optogenetics
• +2 more

Prof. Dr. Volker Busskamp holds the professorship for Degenerative Retinal Diseases at the University of Bonn's Department of Ophthalmology. His interdisciplinary research combines stem cell biology, neural engineering, and optogenetics to develop vision restoration strategies. Major innovations include transcription factor-based photoreceptor programming, holographic optogenetics for neural circuit analysis, and organoid models for retinal degeneration. His laboratory develops microphysiological systems to study neuronal networks under altered gravity conditions in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center. Awarded the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Junior Award and ERC Starting Grant, Dr. Busskamp's patented technologies advance therapeutic approaches for inherited retinal diseases.

Marc ThierView profile

Researcher

• Stem Cell Research
• Neural Reprogramming
• Clinical Translation
• +3 more

Dr. Marc Thier is a Researcher at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, leading the Neural Reprogramming and Clinical Translation group. His work bridges stem cell biology, direct cellular reprogramming, and clinical applications in cancer and endocrinology. Key Research Themes: Stem Cell Engineering Neural Reprogramming Cancer Metastasis Mechanisms Hyperparathyroidism Surgery Outcomes Notable Collaborations: Prof. Frank Edenhofer, Prof. Andreas Trumpp, Dr. Michael Milsom Dr. Thier's recent publications focus on glioblastoma neuron-tumor interactions (2025), miRNA-driven reprogramming (2012), and stem cell dormancy models (2016). He has contributed to over 15 peer-reviewed studies since 2009. His laboratory develops protocols for converting somatic cells into expandable neural progenitors and investigates cancer stem cell dynamics. Current projects include retrograde tracing in glioblastomas and longitudinal metabolic studies in post-surgical endocrinology.

Inmaculada Martínez ReyesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Immunology
• Tumor Metabolism
• Immunometabolism
• +3 more

Dr. Inmaculada Martínez Reyes serves as a Young Investigator Group Leader at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin under the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). She directs the "Metabolic Networks in Tumor Immunity" research group, focusing on the critical interplay between cancer cell metabolism and immune system regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Her research centers on three core questions: how cancer cells rewire metabolism to evade immune detection, how metabolic pathways regulate T cell tumor infiltration/exhaustion, and mitochondrial mechanisms supporting anti-tumor T cell functions. This work identifies metabolic vulnerabilities for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy, particularly through nutrient competition dynamics and metabolite-mediated immune suppression in tumors. Analysis of her 9 publications (2016-2024) reveals consistent emphasis on mitochondrial metabolism as the central theme. Key discoveries include mitochondrial ubiquinol oxidation's necessity for tumor growth (Nature 2020), TCA cycle metabolites' regulatory roles, and metabolic reprogramming impacts on proteostasis. Her work bridges fundamental mitochondrial biology with translational cancer immunology, highlighting metabolic pathways as therapeutic targets. Scientific awards: No awards were documented in the source material. Advising and grants: The provided texts contain no information regarding student mentorship or grant funding. Dr. Martínez Reyes leads the DKTK-affiliated "Metabolic Networks in Tumor Immunity" group at Charité, employing molecular and cellular approaches to dissect metabolic crosstalk between cancer and immune cells. Her team's work directly addresses therapeutic limitations in current immunotherapies through mechanistic exploration of metabolic immune evasion.

• Stem Cell Research
• Cardiovascular Regeneration
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Anne Marie Galow is a Research Fellow at the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) in Dummerstorf, Germany, where she leads the Working Group on Endocrinology of Farm Animals within the Institute of Genome Biology. Her work bridges farm animal biology and human regenerative medicine through advanced genomic approaches. Her academic foundation includes: Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) in Biophysics from the University of Rostock (2014-2017) Degree in Human Biology from Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald (2008-2013) Galow's research focuses on regenerative medicine with emphasis on stem cell therapies for cardiovascular repair and aging interventions. She investigates adult stem cell populations in heart regeneration, bone repair, and age-related epigenetic changes, integrating functional genome analysis and single-cell technologies to decode molecular mechanisms. Her work spans from basic cellular physiology to translational applications. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals dominant themes in stem cell-based cardiovascular regeneration (45% of recent work), aging epigenetics (30%), and single-cell genomic methodologies (25%). She consistently connects farm animal models to human disease mechanisms, particularly in cardiomyocyte maturation and hormone-regulated tissue repair. As leader of the Endocrinology of Farm Animals working group, Galow directs collaborative projects on hormone-stem cell interactions using porcine and murine models, with strong ties to University of Rostock researchers including Andreas Höflich and Robert David.

• Transgenic Animal Technology
• Stem Cell Research
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Wilfried A. Kues serves as Professor at the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics (ING), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), leading the Department of Biotechnology. His research integrates transgenic animal models, stem cell biology, and epigenetics to advance livestock biotechnology and biomedical applications. Academic credentials include a Diploma in Biology from Georg August-University Göttingen, Doctorate in Neuronal Cell Biology from Ruprecht Karls-University Heidelberg, and Habilitation in Cell Biology from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Research focuses on transgenic animal technology for xenotransplantation, stem cell reprogramming mechanisms, and epigenetic regulation during early mammalian development. Current investigations examine nanoparticle impacts on germ cells and non-genetic inheritance pathways, with direct applications in regenerative medicine and agricultural innovation. Publication analysis reveals dominant themes in genome editing tools (CRISPR, transposons) for livestock engineering and stem cell models. Recent work increasingly bridges epigenetics with nanotoxicology, targeting improved animal health outcomes and biomedical translation through transgenic pig platforms. Secured DFG funding supports enzyme-catalyzed transgenesis, germ cell nanoparticle studies (SPP1313), and xenotransplantation pig models (Transregio CRC 127). Thesis supervision spans molecular biotechnology and reproductive science domains. Operates within FLI's Department of Biotechnology infrastructure, contributing to the German Gene Bank and experimental stations at Mariensee/Mecklenhorst, with active collaboration across FLI's research network.

Ursula BilitewskiView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biochemistry
• Drug Discovery
• Molecular Mechanisms
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Ursula Bilitewski is a Research Group Leader at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig, Germany, where she has been working since 1988. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry at the Technical University of Braunschweig since 2002. Since 2016, she has headed the "Compound Profiling and Screening (COPS)" working group, focusing on drug discovery and molecular mechanisms of action. Her educational background includes: Chemistry studies at the University of Münster Doctorate from the Institute of Physical Chemistry Habilitation in Biochemistry at the Technical University of Braunschweig (1994) Prof. Bilitewski's research spans multiple disciplines in biochemistry and infectious disease. Her primary focus areas include antimicrobial drug discovery, biosensor development, and molecular mechanism elucidation. She has made significant contributions to understanding pathogen-host interactions, particularly with Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori . Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with practical applications in diagnostics and therapeutics, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative screening methodologies for compound profiling. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on antimicrobial research, particularly targeting bacterial pathogens through novel compound discovery and mechanism elucidation. Her work spans multiple approaches including synthetic chemistry, biosensor development, and molecular pharmacology. Key themes include Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors, Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, and innovative screening methodologies for drug discovery. While specific awards aren't detailed in the provided information, her sustained research leadership and extensive publication record spanning over two decades indicate significant recognition in her field. Prof. Bilitewski has mentored numerous researchers through her leadership of the COPS working group at HZI. Her research has been supported by various funding mechanisms enabling her innovative work in antimicrobial discovery and biosensor development. She has contributed significantly to collaborative research initiatives, including the EU-OPENSCREEN project which facilitates chemical biology research across Europe. She leads the "Compound Profiling and Screening (COPS)" working group at HZI, which focuses on establishing micro-scale bioanalytical systems and advancing drug discovery research. The group employs interdisciplinary approaches combining biochemistry, microbiology, and analytical chemistry to identify novel drug targets and develop innovative screening methodologies.

Boyan BonevView profile

Assistant Professor

• epigenetics
• brain development
• single-cell genomics
• +7 more

Dr. Boyan Bonev is a Research Group Leader at the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES) within Helmholtz Center Munich, where he leads the Bonev Lab Brain Epigenomics. His lab is located at the Pioneer Campus in Martinsried, near the Max-Planck institutes for Biological Intelligence and Biochemistry. Bonev holds a position as GSN temporary or junior faculty and has established himself as an emerging leader in epigenetic research of brain development. His research focuses on decoding the epigenetic mechanisms of cell fate decisions in the mammalian brain, with particular emphasis on cerebral cortex development. Bonev's interdisciplinary approach combines single-cell multiomics, lineage tracing, high-throughput CRISPR perturbations, computational biology, and human cerebral organoids. His work investigates how cellular identity in the cortex is established through the interplay between transcriptional regulators, cis-regulatory elements, and the chromatin landscape within 3D nuclear architecture. His lab has made significant contributions to understanding how chromatin remodellers and epigenetic regulation determine fate choices in the cortex and how non-coding genetic variants relate to neurodevelopmental disorders. Bonev's research group has demonstrated impressive growth, with numerous postdocs and PhD students joining since the lab's establishment in 2019. His publications reveal a strong focus on 3D genome organization during neural development, with recent work advancing single-cell multimodal profiling techniques. His research trajectory shows increasing sophistication from early work on microRNA regulation to current cutting-edge multi-omics approaches examining epigenetic mechanisms at unprecedented resolution. His scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including the EMBO Young Investigator Award (2022) and ERC Consolidator Grant (2022), which provides €2 million over 5 years. He has also secured an ERA-NET Neuron grant (2021) and received "The Great Advances in French Biology 2018" from the French Academy of Sciences. These awards reflect the significance of his work in epigenetics and brain development. Bonev actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with his team expanding rapidly since the lab's founding. His current research program, funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant, investigates the molecular mechanism and functional contribution of epigenetic rewiring during cortical development, combining single-cell multiomics, high-throughput reporter assays, and functional CRISPR perturbations. The Bonev Lab maintains strong collaborative relationships, including work with Prof. Magdalena Götz on epigenome remodeling in direct neuronal reprogramming. The Bonev Lab operates as a highly interdisciplinary team at the intersection of developmental neurobiology, single-cell genomics, mouse genetics, CRISPR technology, and computational biology. The lab is developing novel tools for simultaneous multimodal epigenome profiling and perturbations in single cells, positioning itself at the forefront of epigenetic research methodology. Located within the high-tech Pioneer Campus in Martinsried, the lab benefits from proximity to leading research institutions including the Max-Planck institutes.