Translational Functional Cancer Genomics

Specific cultures are generated from individual tumor samples of patients that receive comprehensive molecular profiling in the MASTER (Molecularly Aided Stratification for Tumor Eradication) program, to functionally characterize their properties. Using our strong background and expertise in the field of stem cell and molecular cancer biology, we investigate the clonality, heterogeneity and functional characteristics of patient specific primary tumors and their respective model systems, also addressing subpopulation dynamics in benign and malignant stem cell fractions. As tumor-initiating cells very often hijack regulatory mechanisms, which are strictly controlled in benign stem cell systems, we specifically implement high-throughput screening approaches together with state-of-the-art single cell analyses and mouse genetics to delineate critical and deregulated factors leading to tumor initiation, metastasis formation and therapy resistance. Identified mechanistic insights are translated into clinical treatment strategies whenever possible.

The group of Translational Functional Cancer Genomics in Heidelberg joins forces with researchers of the Department of Translational Medical Oncology in Dresden to combine complementary strengths of both NCT partner sides in shared translational research programs.