Prof. Dr. Alwin Krämer

Normal, bipolar cell division

Numerical and structural chromosomal alterations and chromosomal instability are common features of human malignancies. Despite chromosomal instability seems to be a major cause of tumor development and progression, only little is known about its molecular origins. The Clinical Cooperation Unit “Molecular Hematology/Oncology” is studying the molecular mechanisms responsible for the induction of chromosomal instability in malignant neoplasias. Research work focuses on causes and consequences of amplified centrosomes – the spindle pole organizers responsible for correct chromosome segregation during mitosis – in human malignancies. Another major topic centers around molecular defects of DNA damage response pathways as the cause of chromosome breaks and subsequent structural chromosome aberrations. The aim of our research is to better understand the processes leading to chromosomal instability and, consequently, to tumor development and progression. A further goal is to exploit the results of this work for establishing new ways of tumor classification and treatment.