MH-Hannover: Institute of Experimental Hematology at MHH

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The Institute of Experimental Hematology investigates the biology of blood cell formation and function with a special focus on genetic cell modification as a new therapeutic modality.

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	Our research groups collaborate to form a portfolio ranging from the generation and expansion of stem cells to the control or enhancement of cell differentiation and function. We connect basic research and strong translational efforts in the field of molecular cell modification for the treatment of severe blood diseases, such as immune disorders and leukemia. The detection and prevention of risks associated with genetic cell modification and training of young scientists are important missions of our Institute.
The Institute of Experimental Hematology contributes to strong research networks of Hannover Medical School, including the DFG-funded cluster of excellence REBIRTH http://www.rebirth-hannover.de/, the collaborative research center SFB738 http://www.sfb738.de/start.html, and the Integrated Research and Treatment Center for Transplantation Medicine (IFB-Tx) http://www.ifb-tx.de/. Furthermore, we participate in the DFG-funded research priority program “mechanisms of gene vector entry and persistence” (SPP1230) http://www.schwerpunktprogramm1230.de/, several network projects supported by the BMBF http://www.bmbf.de/de/1398.php and the DAAD http://www.daad.de/de/index.html and integrated projects of the EU (PERSIST http://www.persist-project.eu/, CELL-PID http://dev.cell-pid.eu/index.pl).
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From 2006-March 2013, the Institute of Experimental Hematology was led by Prof. Dr. med. Christopher Baum, who is now the President of the Hannover Medical School. Since April 2013, the Institute of Experimental Hematology is headed by Prof. Dr. med. Axel Schambach, PhD. Group leaders are Toni Cathomen, Jürgen Bode, Ute Modlich, Bernhard Schiedlmeier, Zhixiong Li, Johann Meyer, Christopher Baum and Axel Schambach.
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Head of Institute

Prof. Dr. med. Axel Schambach, PhD Hannover Medical School
Experimental Hematology
OE 6960
Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1
D-30625 Hannover
Germany

E-Mail: Schambach.Axel[at]mh-hannover.de
Fon: +49 511 532 5170/6067
Fax: +49 511 532 6068

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Scientific goals

The unifying topic of our research is induced and pathologic regeneration of blood cell formation (hematopoiesis). Our scientific goals are

the analysis of the mechanisms underlying differentiation of pluripotent cells to hematopoietic stem cells

the discovery of novel pathways that support self-renewal and competitive fitness of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cells

the development of novel cell and gene therapeutics for inherited or acquired disorders, based on molecular insights into mechanisms of vector-host interactions.

the implementation of rational genome engineering strategies in somatic stem cells to characterize and treat inherited or acquired disorders of the hematopoietic system, based on molecular insights into the cellular DNA repair machinery and the processes that govern the differentiation and de-differentiation between committed somatic cells and pluripotent stem cells.

We attempt to combine biological and technological progress with a detailed risk assessment of novel therapeutic approaches. The experimental scope of our institute ranges from investigation of basic mechanisms of genetic cell modification to implementation of translational projects designed to establish improved conditions for clinical trials using advanced cellular therapeutics.

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Research at the Institute of Experimental Hematology

Mechanisms underlying insertional transformation of hematopoietic stem cells

Principal Investigator Christopher Baum

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Chromosome-based vectors

Principal Investigator Jürgen Bode

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Targeted genome engineering

Principal Investigator Toni Cathomen

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Leukemogenesis and molecular therapy