Daniela Yildiz

Daniela Yildiz is a Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at Saarland University, affiliated with the Center for Molecular Signaling and the Preclinical Center for Molecular Signal Processing (PZMS). Her research focuses on ADAM proteases in inflammatory diseases, particularly their roles in lung and cardiovascular pathologies, with emphasis on developing targeted therapies and reducing reliance on animal models.

• Appointed as University Professor (2024)
• Junior Professor at Saarland University (2018-2024)
• Education: RWTH Aachen (Diploma, 2005; PhD, 2009)

Research interests span:

• ADAM protease functions in infectious and chronic inflammation
• Organoids and organ-on-a-chip for personalized drug testing
• Inter-organ communication via extracellular vesicles
• Gender-sensitive biology in disease susceptibility
• Proteolytic enzyme regulation in immunology

Scientific contributions include:

• DFG-funded project on tissue-specific ADAM protease roles
• BMBF grant (16LW0140K)
• Key publications on ADAM10/ADAM17 in inflammation and infection

Students and team members include:

• PhD candidates: Ahmad Aljohmani, Mariana Guedes
• MD/PhD students: Moritz Jesel, Noah Andres
• Recent graduates: Thea Katharina Funke (MD/PhD), Hakon Heinze (MD/PhD)

Her group collaborates internationally through strategic alliances like the University of the Greater Region and Transform4Europe, maintaining labs at Saarland University Hospital (Homburg) and Campus Saarbrücken.