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Functional and Structural Genomics
Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis

Research

DKFZ Junior Group Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis

PD Dr. Daniel Mertens

Inactivation of 13q14 in leukemic cells. Candidate genes in chromosomal band 13q14 are monoallelically expressed in non-malignant cells due to an epig
© dkfz.de

Cancer patients die from resistance to therapy and metastasis. These processes are based on genetic and epigenetic aberrations and require the support of the tumor microenvironment that supplies pro-survival and protective stimuli. Understanding the molecular mechanism of these processes will allow one to target aberrant (epi)genetic pathways, interrupt the support of the microenvironment and address resistance to therapy. The Cooperation Unit between the DKFZ and the University Hospital of Ulm is ideally suited to translate molecular findings on chronic leukemia towards clinical application with respect to prognostication and therapy.

Overview of projects:

  1. The microenvironment as a therapeutic target in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
  2. Ubiquitination and NOTCH1 signaling in leukemia.
  3. Epigenetic aberrations explain leukemogenesis and help prognostication of patients.

Contact

PD Dr. Daniel Mertens
Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis (B061)
Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
69120 Heidelberg
Tel: +49 731 500 45870

Selected Publications

  • Oakes C.C. et al. (2015). DNA methylation dynamics during B cell maturation underlie a continuum of disease phenotypes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Nat Genet, 48(3), 53-64.
  • D.A. Landau et al. (2015). Somatic mutations driving chronic lymphocytic leukemia and their evolution in disease progression and relapse. Nature, 526(7574), 525-30.
  • 2016-08-25 12:52:44
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