Inaam Nakchbandi

Prof. Inaam Nakchbandi serves as Group Leader of the Translational Medicine research group, formally affiliated with both the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (Martinsried) and the University of Heidelberg's Faculty of Medicine. Her laboratory operates as a cooperative project between the Max Planck Society and University of Heidelberg, located at the Institute for Immunology in Heidelberg.

• Primary Affiliation: University of Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology
• Research Affiliation: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried
• Location: Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120 Heidelberg

Her research program investigates fibronectin's roles in disease pathogenesis through integrated clinical and basic science approaches. Key focus areas include:

• Mechanisms of fibronectin in bone diseases (osteoporosis, hepatic osteodystrophy)
• Fibronectin isoforms in liver fibrosis and diabetes complications
• Extracellular matrix regulation of tumor metastasis and immune response
• Integrin-mediated signaling in osteoblast/osteoclast function

Recent publications demonstrate consistent productivity in high-impact journals (Neoplasia, Journal of Cell Science, Bone), with emphasis on molecular mechanisms linking fibronectin to cancer progression, bone metabolism, and fibrotic diseases. Her work frequently employs conditional knockout mouse models and advanced imaging techniques.

Scientific recognition includes:

• apl Professorship at University of Heidelberg (2010)
• Multiple specialty certifications in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Internal Medicine
• Fellowships from American College of Physicians and American College of Endocrinology

Prof. Nakchbandi actively mentors a large research team with over 30 current and former students, including PhD candidates and MD thesis students. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with R. Fässler's Molecular Medicine department at the Max Planck Society, utilizing techniques ranging from laser microdissection to bioluminescence imaging. The group maintains active clinical collaborations for prospective human studies while conducting fundamental research in mouse models.