We aim to decipher the molecular underpinnings of complex traits and the effect of environment and lifestyle on (epi-)genomic regulation.

About our Research

Our research focuses on the molecular analysis of cardiometabolic and mental health traits. We combine state-of-the-art laboratory and statistical methods to study the complex interplay between molecular mechanisms, the environment, and lifestyle in relation to disease onset and progression.

Dr. Melanie Waldenberger

Head of Research Group 'Complex Diseases', Senior Scientist View profile

Pamela Matias Garcia

Deputy Head of Research Group 'Complex Diseases', Postdoc

Monica del Carmen Gomez Alonso

Postdoc

Nadine Lindemann

Technician

Dr. Julia Groth

Senior Scientist, Project Manager

Liye Lai

PhD Student

Markéta Fuchs (née Rynesova)

PhD Student

Dr. Thomas Delerue

Postdoc

Ganling Ding

PhD Student

Abstract blurred people socializing during coffee break at business conference.

Funded by DZPG | 2025-2028

Determinants of mental health

In the framework of the DZPG we contribute to the molecular characterization, early detection and prevention of mental illnesses.

Funded by DZHK | 2023-2025

Shared Expertise

Causal impact of lipid-associated DNA methylation changes on cardiometabolic health

Crowd of anonymous people walking on busy city street

Blue molecule (colorized: Helmholtz purple)

Funded by DFG

Risk Prediction Score

Identification and validation of circulating sncRNAs causally associated with gallbladder cancer and development of a multifactorial risk prediction score

DNA Methylation

Methylation of DNA is important to determine genomic structure and function. Disturbances in DNA methylation have been implicated in the development of a variety of pathologies. Improved mechanistic understanding of the genetic, environmental and lifestyle influences on DNA methylation is anticipated to provide new insights into the biological pathways that determine genome regulation, molecular phenotypes, and development of disease.

See all

2025 Clin Epigenetics

Chew SM, Teumer A, Matías-García PR, Gieger C, [...], Peters A, Waldenberger M.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of seven DNAm-based predictors with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes

2025 Cardiovasc Diabetol

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

2024 Cardiovasc Diabetol

Elhadad MA, Del C Gómez-Alonso M, Chen CW, [...], Hammer E, Waldenberger M.

Plasma proteome association with coronary heart disease and carotid intima media thickness: results from the KORA F4 study.

2022 Nature Genetics

Hawe JS, Wilson R, Schmid KT, [...], Gieger C, Waldenberger M, Chambers JC.