The Altenbuchinger Group develops statistical and machine-learning methods for analyzing (multi-)omics data, with a focus on molecular network inference, disease stratification, and computational pathology. These methods are applied across a range of disease areas, from cancers such as malignant lymphomas to neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Bastians lab focusses on the molecular mechanisms of cancer chromosomal instability (CIN) as a driving force for tumor progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. Using colorectal and pancreatic cancer as premier model systems exhibiting high levels of CIN the lab investigates how defects during DNA replication and mitosis contribute to CIN and tumor progression.

The department Medical Bioinformatics develops statistical and machine learning methods for the integrative analysis of large-scale multi-omics data in cancer research. Its research covers the modelling of molecular networks and gene regulation, explainable AI approaches such as graph neural networks for patient-specific prediction of metastasis, and federated learning across clinical sites. Within the Clinical Research Unit 5002, the department analyses subtype-specific genome dynamics in pancreatic cancer. With Onkopus, a modular framework for the interpretation and prioritization of genomic alterations, the department supports molecular tumour boards in identifying actionable variants and evidence-based personalized treatment options.

Our research investigates the functions of the MDM2 oncoprotein in genome dynamics, beyond its established role as a negative regulator of p53, focussing on chromatin regulation, DNA replication fork progression, and the maintenance of genome integrity. We aim at a mechanistic understanding of how p53 and MDM2 influence cellular responses to DNA damage in the context of tumor development.

The Hessmann lab characterizes the role of transcription and chromatin-associated processes in the development, progression and therapy of pancreatic cancer and exploits these genome dynamic processes for a better treatment of this malignancy. 

Our lab focusses on transcription and the proteins that stabilize the emerging RNA strand. Defects in these processes can lead to increased R-loop formation, the annealing of the RNA with the opposite DNA strand, which can cause strand breaks and in turn chromosomal instability (CIN). Another focus of the Krebber lab is double stranded (ds)RNA formation to alter protein production. Cancer cells contain increased amounts of dsRNA.

The Lenhof lab develops trustworthy machine learning approaches for precision oncology, with particular emphasis on interpretability and uncertainty quantification. A central research focus is the prediction of tumour drug sensitivity and synergy.

Lukinavičius' research group develops advanced fluorescent probes and labeling technologies to visualize chromatin architecture and genome organization in living cells with super-resolution microscopy. By integrating chemical biology with state-of-the-art imaging, the group investigates chromatin dynamics and organization at the nanoscale, enabling new insights into genome regulation and cellular function.

The Oberbeckmann Lab investigates the molecular functions of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling enzymes and how their dysfunction contributes to cancer development. In particular, we aim to understand how these remodellers are regulated and targeted within the genome, with a focus on the roles of transcription factors, DNA sequence, and epigenetic modifications.

The Papantonis Lab studies the 3D organization of chromosomes inside human cell nuclei, with an emphasis on how this changes during malignant transformation and ageing. We typically combine high throughput genomics and computational tools with functional assays to understand the regulatory implications of these changes.

The NGS Integrative Genomics Core Unit (NIG) is a scientific, non-profit Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), dedicated to advancing biomedical research across UMG and the wider Campus Göttingen research community. We provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, innovative methodologies, and expert scientific support. Our comprehensive portfolio enables the implementation of cutting-edge multi-omics applications, integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to address complex biological and translational research questions.

The Schneider Laboratory deciphers how cancer cells reprogram genome dynamics to survive stress and targeted treatment. We translate these adaptive mechanisms into therapeutic opportunities through functional screening and the development of epigenetic treatment strategies.

Our lab explores the ways in which epigenetic and transcriptional regulation impact genome stability, cellular plasticity and tumor-immune interactions in pancreatic cancer, specifically examining their roles in tumor progression and therapy resistance. We integrate multi-omic analyses of longitudinal patient samples with spatial transcriptomics, single-cell flow cytometry, spatial immune analyses and functional studies in both patient-derived and genetically engineered models. Our objective is to understand how adaptive DNA repair, mitotic changes and genomic alterations contribute to tumor heterogeneity and the overall tumor ecosystem, while also identifying potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.

The Soeding lab develops methods for computational immunology and cancer immunotherapy. One focus is on analyzing T cell recetpr (TCR) repertoires with the longer term goal to detect cancer antigen and neoantigen-specific TCRs in patient samples for cancer screening. Another focus is on structural modeling of peptide-MHC and peptide-MHC-TCR complexes in order to improve the design of cancer vaccines. 

The AG Wegwitz research group investigates the transcriptional plasticity underlying women's cancers, examining how this adaptability contributes to therapy resistance and increased disease aggressiveness. Their work places particular emphasis on uncovering the epigenetic mechanisms driving this plasticity, with the translational goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for drug development.

Our lab investigates how alterations in genome regulation, transcriptional programs, and post-translational modifications, particularly SUMOylation, influence cancer progression, therapy resistance, and regulated cell death. By integrating functional genomics, epigenomics, and molecular pharmacology, we aim to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities, decipher mechanisms of cell death, and develop strategies to overcome treatment resistance and enhance tumor immunogenicity, with a particular focus on pancreatic cancer.

The Wollnik lab investigates how processes like altered genome dynamics, genome instability and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to aging and aging-associated diseases like cancer and identifies novel risk genes of hereditary forms of cancer. For this, we combine high-end next generation sequencing approaches as, e.g., single-cell genome and RNA sequencing or deep mtDNA sequencing. Our aim is to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and to establish molecular therapies using gene-specific approaches.