Frank Buchholz

Prof. Dr. Frank Buchholz is a full Professor of Medical Systems Biology and Head of Translational Research at the University Cancer Center (UCC) of Technische Universität Dresden, a position he has held since 2010. His work bridges molecular biology, systems biology, and clinical oncology, with a strong focus on genome engineering and functional genomics.

His research interests center on developing and applying advanced genetic tools such as esiRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 for high-throughput functional screening in primary and cancer cells. He is particularly known for pioneering the Tre recombinase technology for targeted eradication of HIV from infected cells and for advancing RNAi screening through esiRNA. His lab aims to translate these technologies into applications in personalized medicine and cancer therapy.

The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in epigenetic regulation in cancer, immune cell gene expression, and the role of novel microproteins in neurodegenerative diseases. His work integrates functional genomics with translational oncology and neuroscience, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding disease mechanisms.

Dr. Buchholz has received multiple research grants to support the development of designer-recombinase platform technologies and functional genomics tools. His group continues to lead in the adaptation of CRISPR and RNAi methods for primary human cells, enabling more clinically relevant models.

He leads a research team at the University Cancer Center Dresden focused on translational systems biology. The group operates at the intersection of technology development and disease modeling, with ongoing projects in cancer, virology, and neurodegeneration.