Neuroblastoma Genomics

  • Functional and Structural Genomics
  • KiTZ

Dr. Frank Westermann

Group Leader

Overall aim of our work is to integrate next-generation molecular diagnostics for a more precise patient risk stratification and to develop molecularly targeted therapies based on a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuroblastoma tumorigenesis.

Image: Telomere FISH of CHLA-90 neuroblastoma cells,

Our Research

Created in BioRender. Müller, M. (2025) https://BioRender.com/k47v283

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common pediatric single-entity solid cancer derived from primitive cells of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by heterogeneous clinical phenotypes ranging from spontaneous regression to malignant progression despite intensive multimodal therapies. The presence of an active telomere maintenance mechanism is associated with aggressive growth and poor outcome in neuroblastoma, while low-risk tumors usually lack a telomere maintenance mechanism. Subsets of high-risk neuroblastomas elongate telomeres either by telomerase activation (as a result of amplified MYCN or rearranged TERT) or by alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT).

We use multi-omics high-throughput profiling with the specific aim to define genetic, epigenetic and metabolic alterations associated with distinct neuroblastoma subtypes. Furthermore, we aim at understanding the enhancer regulated core regulatory circuitries defining the epigenome and transcriptome of neuroblastoma cells and their role in oncogenesis, relapse and metastasis formation. With the help of single-cell sequencing technologies in combination with spatial transcriptomics of tumor cells in comparison to normal embryonal and fetal tissues during development, we investigate the developmental origins and evolutionary trajectories of neuroblastoma tumors. Our (epi)genetic work is complemented by the study of deregulated metabolic networks in neuroblastoma cells and how these can provide an Achilles heel for cancer therapy.

To disclose neuroblastoma-specific vulnerabilities associated with distinct genetic aberrations and to systematically identify specific targets for personalized medicine approaches, we use high-throughput genetic and compound screens. We have a long-standing expertise in preclinical target development and validation in close collaboration with clinical and industry partners.

 

Projects

Genomic and other molecular analyses in different cancer types have revealed a striking diversity of genomic aberrations, altered signaling pathways and oncogenic processes. We hypothesize that this diversity arises from endogenous factors, including developmental programs and epigenetic states of the originating cells, in conjunction with exogenous factors. A precise definition of the cell-of-origin and differentiation/developmental states during key events is of utmost importance. The aim of this research focus is to identify resurrected developmental programs in individual tumor cells by comparison to normal human embryonic/fetal cells.

 

Team

Our team is composed of wet lab and bioinformatic scientists as well as technical staff.

19 Employees

  • Dr. Frank Westermann

    Group Leader

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  • Dr. Kai-Oliver Henrich

    Senior Scientist

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  • Dr. Sina Kreth

    Senior Scientist

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  • Dr. Anand Mayakonda Thippeswamy

    Group Leader Bioinformatics

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  • Robin Droit

    Postdoc

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  • Dr. Sabine Stainczyk

    Project Manager

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  • Cedar Schloo

    PhD Student

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  • Ilayda Özel

    PhD Student

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  • Pravin Velmurugan

    PhD Student

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  • Michael Müller

    MD/PhD Student

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  • Pascal Kohmann

    MD Student

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  • Yeo-Eun Yi

    MD Student

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  • Maximilia Eggle

    MD Student

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  • Young-Gyu Park

    Lab Manager

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  • Elisa Maria Wecht

    Lab Technician - BSc

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  • Aleyna Abinik

    Lab Technician

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  • Michelle Müller

    Trainee Lab Technician

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  • Adrianna Podolak

    Master Student

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  • Manas Sehgal

    Master Student

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Our team

Selected Publications

2023 - Nature Genetics
2022 - Nature Cancer
2021 - Nature Genetics
2021 - Nature Communications
2020 - Nature Cancer

Get in touch with us

Two scientists looking at a computer monitor
Dr. Frank Westermann
Group Leader
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Dr. Sabine Stainczyk
Project Manager
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