Institute of Molecular Epidemiology, AME, Environmental Health Center, Helmholtz Munich

The Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology (AME) analyses population-based cohorts and case studies for specific diseases, using genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and functional analyses. The aim of this research unit is to decipher the molecular mechanisms of complex diseases like type 2 diabetes or obesity. The unit administers the biological specimen repository of the Department of Epidemiology and stores the samples for national and international projects.

The main objective is to decipher the molecular causes and mechanisms of complex diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, atopic eczema, lung cancer, or obesity.

The Research Unit is located in the Genome Analysis Center of Helmholtz Munich where methods and systems for genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and functional analyses have been established.

We apply these methods on our population based children and adult cohorts (KORA, GINIplus, LISA) as well as on case populations of interest.

Additionally the Biological Specimen Repository of the Department of Epidemiology including DNA, RNA, serum, plasma, urine, and immortalized cell lines is administered by our unit. Moreover we are responsible for sample preparation and sample storage of the German National Cohort participants.

hand of scientist with test tube and flask in medical chemistry lab white banner background.

The working group deals with topics regarding biobanking, ELSI questions and biodata management as basis for molecular epidemiology.

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The working group aims to decipher the molecular underpinnings of complex traits and the effect of environment and lifestyle on (epi-)genomic regulation.

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Medicine doctor touching electronic medical record on tablet. DNA

The working group aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, using this information to refine subtype definitions for precision medicine.

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Dr. Christian Gieger

Head of Research Unit 'Molecular Epidemiology', Scientist

Dr. Melanie Waldenberger

Head of Research Group 'Complex Diseases', Senior Scientist

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Dr. Harald Grallert

Head of Research Group 'Diabetes and Related Traits', Scientist

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Dr. Bettina Lorenz-Depiereux

Head of Research Group 'Biobanking, Data and ELSI', Senior Scientist

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Niu J, Adam J, Skurk T, Seissler J, Dong Q, Efiong E, Gieger C, Peters A, Sharma S, Grallert H.

Machine learning approach on plasma proteomics identifies signatures associated with obesity in the KORA FF4 cohort

Lai L, Juntilla DL, Del M, [...], Peters A, Waldenberger M.

Longitudinal association between DNA methylation and type 2 diabetes: findings from the KORA F4/FF4 study

Sharma S, Dong Q, Haid M, Adam J, [...], Adamski J, Pearson ER, Grallert H.

Role of human plasma metabolites in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes from the IMI-DIRECT study

Suzuki K, Hatzikotoulas K, Southam L, [...], Grallert H, Cheng CY, Ghanbari M, [...], Voight BF, Morris AP, Zeggini E.

Genetic drivers of heterogeneity in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology

Devaux Y, Zhang L, Lumley AI, [...], Lorenz-Depiereux B et al.

Development of a long noncoding RNA-based machine learning model to predict COVID-19 in-hospital mortality

Lagou V, Jiang L, Ulrich A, […], Gieger C, Grallert H, Meisinger C, […], Kaakinen MA, Jones B, Prokopenko I; Meta-Analysis of Glucose and Insulin-Related Traits Consortium (MAGIC).

GWAS of random glucose in 476,326 individuals provide insights into diabetes pathophysiology, complications and treatment stratification

Steinbeis F, Thibeault C, Steinbrecher S, [...], Lorenz-Depiereux B et al.

Analysis of acute COVID-19 including chronic morbidity: protocol for the deep phenotyping National Pandemic Cohort Network in Germany (NAPKON-HAP)

Bellenguez C, Küçükali F, Jansen IE et al.

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

Moitinho-Silva L, Degenhardt F, Rodriguez E, [...], Gieger C, Peters A et al.

Host genetic factors related to innate immunity, environmental sensing and cellular functions are associated with human skin microbiota

Yengo L, Vedantam S, Marouli E, Sidorenko J, [...], Gao Z, Gieger C, Grallert H, Peters A et al.

A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height

A row of human blood samples in a medical laboratory ready to be tested. healthcare background 3D illustration.

The Helmholtz Munich Biobank with its worldwide unique and valuable collection of human biosamples is a major resource for researchers working in the fields of prevention, diagnosis and therapy of complex diseases.

We currently store over 1 million biosamples from more than 50,000 people from population-based and clinical studies in a quality-controlled manner.

Molecular Epidemiology

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About our Research

Molecular Epidemiology

Genome Analysis Center

Cohorts

Biological Specimen Repository

Research Groups

Biobanking, Data and ELSI

Complex Diseases

Diabetes and Related Traits

People at Molecular Epidemiology

Highlighted Publications

Helmholtz Munich Biobank

Networks and Affiliations

NAKO - German National Cohort

KORA - Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region

DZIF – German Center for Infection Research

DZHK – German Center for Cardiovascular Diseases

DZD – German Center for Diabetes Research

DZL – German Center for Lung Research

DZPG - German Center for Mental Health

GBN/GBA - German Biobank Node/German Biobank Alliance

JBM – Joint Biobank Munich

NUM - Network University Medicine

BBMRI-ERIC - European research infrastructure for biobanking

NAPKON - National Pandemic Cohorts Network

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