Isabella Mayer

Dr. Isabella Mayer is a Researcher in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Professorship for Stem Cell Biology and Ageing. Her primary research focuses on understanding mechanisms governing hematopoietic stem cells and their dysregulation in leukemia. Key areas include CDK6 signaling, cell cycle regulation in leukemic contexts, and developing experimental models for studying leukemic transformation.

Her work integrates molecular biology, cell culture techniques, and genetic analysis to explore how cellular processes like RNA sequestration in P-bodies or CDK6 degradation pathways contribute to leukemia progression. Recent studies highlight novel roles for CDK6 beyond traditional cell cycle roles, revealing its impact on stem cell functionality and therapeutic vulnerabilities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Mayer’s team has pioneered robust systems for isolating and expanding hematopoietic and leukemic stem/progenitor cells, enabling detailed investigation of transformation processes. These models facilitate the discovery of molecular targets such as the interplay between p16^INK4A, p18^INK4C, and CDK6 in AML pathogenesis.

Her research bridges basic stem cell biology with clinical relevance, with a focus on translating findings into potential therapeutic strategies for blood cancers. Current efforts emphasize understanding how genetic and signaling pathways in leukemia progenitors can be modulated to combat treatment resistance.