Scientific Focus
Our laboratory is trying to identify novel genes which participate in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We focus on:
Analysis of the role of the tumor microenvironment for the development and promotion of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
CLL is a malignant disease in which the survival of leukemic cells is strongly dependent of continuous stimulation by extracellular factors. We aim to explore this potential "Achilles heel" of CLL using a CLL mouse model and we work to develop novel therapeutic approaches in the future. By using gene knockout mice we analyze the role of cytokines/chemokines and of surface receptors in the development and promotion of CLL.
Target Validation
Here we identify candidate target molecules for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other malignant diseases and validate them using animal models. We perform basic research on own molecules as well as on targets defined by others. For every gene, we design the optimal validation strategy and generate the appropriate animal models. This entails the generation of knockout and transgenic mice.
Genetic diagnostic of CLL risk
We work on the identification of small genetic differences between individuals, so called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which may explain the great clinical variability of CLL disease. SNPs may help to predict the risk to develop CLL as well as to suffer of progressive disease once CLL is established.
Our long-term goal is to develop novel strategies for the treatment of CLL and other human malignancies. We want to pursue the targets in collaboration with industrial partners and test them in clinical trials.
The Team
Administrative Assistance
Nicole Jörns
Senior Postdocs/Co-PI
Priv.-Doz. Dr. rer. nat. Hinrich Hansen
Dr. rer. nat. Viktoria Kohlhas
Dr. Guillermo Rodríguez Real, PhD
Medical staff
Daniel Bachurski, Dr. nat. med. cand.
Dr. Yannick d‘Hargues
Alexander vom Stein
PhD students
Dr. med. Thanh Tung Troung
Technical Assistance
H. Bohner
Patrick Hölker
MD Students
Hendrik Jestrabek
Lisa Wessendorf