Hannes Klump

Professor Hannes Klump is a leading researcher at the Institute for Transfusion Medicine at RWTH Aachen University, where he leads a research group focused on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell generation from pluripotent stem cells. His work centers on understanding how HOX transcription factors influence blood stem cell formation and developing methods to generate tailor-made hematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic applications.

• Institution: RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine
• Department: Institute for Transfusion Medicine
• Research Focus: Hematopoietic stem cell development

Professor Klump's research interests span hematopoietic stem cells, pluripotent stem cells, HOX transcription factors, blood stem cell development, cellular niche, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and developmental biology. His laboratory investigates how homeotic (HOX) selector proteins influence hematopoietic stem cell formation at cellular and molecular levels, using iPSC-derived cells to mimic cellular niches crucial for stem cell maturation. The ultimate goal of his research is the in vitro generation of tailor-made hematopoietic stem cells for autologous gene and cell replacement therapy in patients.

Analysis of Professor Klump's 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on hematopoietic stem cell biology, with particular emphasis on HOXB4 transcription factor's role in blood cell development. His research spans basic developmental biology, translational applications, and clinical studies related to stem cell therapies, blood disorders, and more recently, immune responses in hematological contexts including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The publications demonstrate a consistent research trajectory from fundamental stem cell biology toward clinical applications.

Scientific contributions include:

• Key insights into HOXB4's role in hematopoietic development
• Methods for generating hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent sources
• Understanding of stem cell niche requirements
• Applications in gene and cell therapy

Professor Klump has mentored numerous students through their academic careers, including Master's, M.D., and Ph.D. candidates who have gone on to pursue careers in research and medicine. His laboratory has received funding from organizations including the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), supporting research on in vitro generation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The lab continues to explore molecular pathways influenced by HOXB4 during pluripotent stem cell differentiation to improve protocols for HSPC generation.

The research group maintains active collaborations with other institutions and researchers in the field of hematology and stem cell research, contributing to major initiatives such as the EHA Research Roadmap on Normal Hematopoiesis. Current work continues to focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which homeodomain transcription factors control self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.