معرفی
Dr. Haikun Liu is the Head of the Molecular Neurogenetics Department at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), a leading institution in cancer research. His department operates within the DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance and collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences at Heidelberg University. He is a principal investigator with an independent research group focused on brain tumors and neurogenetics.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Shandong Normal University, China
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Postdoctoral Training, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 2005–2010
Dr. Liu's research centers on the molecular mechanisms of glioblastoma, particularly the role of cancer stem cells and tumor dormancy. His lab has pioneered the identification of neural stem cells as the cell-of-origin for glioblastoma and discovered GPD1 as a key regulator of dormant cancer stem cells. He has developed innovative technologies such as LEGO and IPTO organoid platforms and the HuluFISH single-molecule RNA imaging technique, both patented and commercialized through DKFZ spin-offs.
His recent publications reflect a strong focus on cancer stem cell biology, tumor dormancy, metabolic regulation, and advanced molecular technologies. The work spans from basic discovery to translational applications, with an emphasis on drug development and clinical translation for glioblastoma. Keywords across his research include neuro-oncology, organoid modeling, RNA visualization, and therapeutic targeting of quiescent cells.
Dr. Liu has been recognized with several prestigious awards:
- EMBO Young Investigator Award (first Chinese recipient)
- ERC Consolidator Grant
- Chica and Heinz Schaller Award
He leads an active research group funded by competitive grants and international patents. His lab fosters innovation and translation, with a strong emphasis on mentoring researchers and advancing technologies from bench to bedside. Dr. Liu's team is part of a broader collaborative network within the DKFZ and Heidelberg University, contributing to interdisciplinary neuroscience and cancer research initiatives.
