Metabolites, derived from microbes or the host, encompass a diverse range of small molecules that play vital roles in regulating fundamental processes in healthy and malignant cells. Given the vast number of metabolites involved, the utilization of cutting-edge technologies available at The M3 Research Center is pivotal for studying and unraveling the functions of these highly relevant molecules under steady-state conditions and in the context of cancer. In addition, our research aims to identify substances which dampen or enhance therapy response representing a new stepping stone for cancer therapies.
Malignom and Metabolome
Research groups
Immune signatures of chronic inflammatory human diseases driving cancer
Our laboratory aims at understanding the different immune signatures of chronic inflammatory human diseases driving cancer - with the final aim to generate appropriate mouse models used for pre-clinical research and translation into the clinic.
Prof. Dr. Mathias Heikenwälder
Mechanisms involved in cancer development
Our group investigates mechanisms involved in cancer development including cell cycle control, DNA damage and repair, and ER stress.
Prof. Dr. Nisar Peter Malek
Lifestyle Interventions in Metabolic Diseases and Cancer
Our group focuses on uncovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing complex metabolic diseases and cancer with an emphasis on lifestyle interventions and/or combinatorial drug treatments.
Dr. Suchira Gallage
Tumor immune microenvironment
In our lab, we aim to expand our knowledge of the composition, phenotype, and organization of the tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) in gastrointestinal cancers with the goal to ultimately improve patient care.
Dr. med. Benjamin Ruf
Microbiome-immune interactions
Our research aims at studying the impact of microbiome-immune interactions on the development, progression, and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).
Dr. Lukas Mager
Immunomonitoring & Cancer Immunology
A major focus of our research is the investigation of role and function of γδ T cells in cancer rejection.
PD Dr. rer. nat. Kilian Wistuba-Hamprecht
Post-transcriptional control in metastasis
Our research group investigates the impact of post-transcriptional gene regulation mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) on the development of metastases.
Dr. rer. med. Pavlos Missios
Novel treatment options for liver cancer
Our goal is to identify new vulnerabilities of tumor cells and to exploit them therapeutically.
Dr. Verena Wagner
Gastrointestinal Oncology and Personalized Medicine
Our group engages in both translational and clinical research in gastrointestinal oncology and personalized medicine.
Prof. Dr. med. Michael Bitzer