Junior Research Group Epithelium Microbiome lnteractions

In the EMIL group, we study how bacteria contribute to cancer development, metastasis and treatment response. Our team includes cancer researchers, tissue engineers, microbiologists and bioinformaticians working together to help patients by deciphering the functional impacts of bacteria in human tumors.

Using tissue samples from patients, we isolate bacterial strains and create organoids. These models can be combined with additional features of the human gut on USB stick-sized devices, “organ chips”, for detailed studies. We further transplant organoid-bacteria mixtures into mouse models to study their migration and interaction in a whole body context.

In our unique biobank at DKFZ, we characterize both tumor organoids and tumor-resident bacterial strains through whole genome sequencing, fluorescence microscopy and other cutting-edge methods. Based on the diverse data obtained, we develop hypotheses about how specific bacterial species might influence tumors. With our broad portfolio of patient-derived models and assays, our main focus lies on building a deep understanding of these relationships. Through close collaborations with clinical partners, we work towards the rapid translation of our findings towards new microbiome-based detection, prevention and treatment strategies of cancer.

If you like working in or collaborating with a young team with flat hierarchies, a collaborative spirit and a keen interest in functional cancer microenvironment work, please get in touch!