IDC

Here at the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), we conduct research on the molecular basis of severe metabolic disorders, including the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as well as their roles in cancer initiation and progression.

Our mission is to identify common therapeutic targets between Diabetes and Cancer.

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The Diabetic Complications division at the IDC explores transcriptional, epigenetic and signalling components controlling systemic and tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, and tests their potential to serve as novel therapeutic platforms in diabetes prevention approaches.

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Our research investigates the complex interplay between metabolic disorders and cancer, with a particular focus on cancer cachexia—a debilitating syndrome marked by the progressive loss of muscle and fat tissue. Using specialized mouse models and in vitro systems, we aim to identify molecular pathways that drive cachexia, with the goal of uncovering new therapeutic targets. Additionally, we explore the liver’s role in cachexia and apply insights from cancer-associated fat loss to develop novel strategies for obesity treatment.

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Stem Cell Department, Stage

Our lab explores the idea that obesity/diabetes and cachexia - two metabolically dysregulated states marked by chronic inflammation and dysfunctional nutrient handling - represent opposing manifestations of a shared pathophysiological spectrum, like two sides of the same coin. We investigate how tissues communicate to coordinate systemic metabolic adaptations. By studying these syndromes in the context of each other we seek to uncover unifying principles that may drive conceptual and therapeutic advances across both fields.

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The Metabolic Cancer Reprogramming group investigates how metabolic programs, nutrient fluxes, and metabolite-driven signaling pathways determine cancer cell fate, adaptive states, and therapeutic vulnerability. We aim to define the metabolic principles that enable tumors to progress, resist stress, remodel their microenvironment, and evade immune control.

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We aim to comprehensively identify the range of underlying metabolic causes and consequences that distinguish healthy from unhealthy ageing - ultimately seeking to harness this information to develop novel personalized therapeutics to mitigate unhealthy ageing trajectories, and to recover and maintain health status.

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Our lab is interested in deciphering the complex and multifaceted mechanisms that contribute to altered disease susceptibilities across generations. Here, we focus on delineating how changes in metabolism and diet in one generation impact developmental programs, molecular profiles and subsequent health outcomes in the offspring and subsequent generations

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Our unit translates IDC research into clinical practice with a focus on therapies for long-term diabetes complications.

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We study novel ligand-receptor pairs, which control key adipocyte functions involved in adipocyte size, energy storage, energy expenditure, ageing dependent malfunction as well as the communication of the adipose tissue with other metabolic organs, such as liver and muscle.

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Our lab has a particular focus on the investigation of radiotherapy response and the therapy of tumor recurrences of various cancer entities such as head and neck cancer and glioblastoma.

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The major goal of our lab is to understand how endosomal trafficking and metabolism influence and regulate each other. We want to unravel the cellular mechanism how external cues induce changes in cellular metabolism by altering endosomal functions and to provide new cellular tools for treatment of metabolic diseases.

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We investigate innate immune responses and endocannabinoid signaling in cardiac repair and vascular disease.

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In the Fibrosis Research Unit, we aim to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive pathological tissue remodeling and scarring. By integrating state-of-the-art spatial, molecular, and computational approaches, we seek to identify key drivers of fibrosis progression and to develop new strategies to prevent or reverse fibrotic disease across multiple organs.

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We contribute to shaping the research profile and strategy of the IDC.

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Cachexia is a metabolic disorder that causes uncontrolled weight loss and muscle wasting in chronic diseases and cancer. A new study by Helmholtz Munich, in collaboration with the Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague,…

Lecture Award 2025 - Diabetes Conference 2025

From 22 to 24 September 2025, the 12th Helmholtz Diabetes Conference brought together leading scientists from around the world to discuss how liver health influences diabetes and other metabolic diseases. For the first time, the annual meeting took…

Many people with cancer experience dramatic loss of muscle and fat tissue. In many cases, even the heart muscle is affected, which further weakens the body. This wasting syndrome, known as cachexia, affects around half of all cancer patients. It is a…

Helmholtz Munich has successfully secured funding from the third DZG innovation fund for "Inter-Organ Metabolomics". Led by Dr. Maria Rohm, an interdisciplinary research team will explore how metabolic byproducts in individuals with severe diseases…

Bauchspeicheldrüse einer erwachsenen Maus nach chronischem Intervallfasten

A recent study reveals that age plays a significant role in the outcomes of intermittent fasting. Researchers from Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and LMU Hospital Munich discovered that chronic intermittent fasting…

Professors Stephan Herzig and Alexander Bartelt take a closer look at chronic intermittent fasting: What role does age play, and how do targeted fasting periods impact the long-term maturation and function of β-cells?

Every year on October 3rd, the German broadcaster WDR organizes the event "Doors Open with The Mouse." This year, 770 companies and research institutions across Germany participated, welcoming children and parents under the theme "Working Together."…

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has awarded nearly five million euros to fund a four-year research project on metabolic health, led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) with significant involvement from Helmholtz Munich. Researchers from…

The 11th Helmholtz Diabetes Conference, held from September 23 to 25, 2024, in Munich, gathered leading international experts to discuss advancements in diabetes and metabolic research. Hosted by Stephan Herzig, Maria Rohm, and Mauricio Berriel Diaz…

A new study found that hypertension patients who took their blood pressure medication at a time aligned with their body clock had a reduced risk of heart attack.

Prof. Stephan Herzig explains why intermittent fasting with conscious breaks of eating helps to bring the metabolism into harmony with the body's internal rhythm and thus improve health and prevent diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,…

Prof. Stephan Herzig has been awarded the 38th Camillo Golgi Prize for his outstanding contributions to the histopathology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of the complications of diabetes. The prize is delivered by the European Association…

Helmholtz Munich researchers identify a novel mechanism to modify glucagon receptor signaling outcomes by altering its intracellular localization

For his outstanding achievements in the research field “Diabetes and Cancer”, the German Diabetes Society (DDG) awards this year's Werner Creutzfeldt Prize to Helmholtz Munich scientist Stephan Herzig.

Fibrotic liver section with marked collagen fibers in red

Researchers revealed how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can develop into a life-threatening complication. Their discovery will accelerate the search for therapeutic solutions. The study was led by Helmholtz Zentrum München in collaboration with…

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Exercise causes the body to release hundreds of different signals that improve our health in many different ways. Now scientists have mapped these intrinsic signals and how they are released by different organs in mice following exercise at different…

Medical concept of cancer. 3d illustration of T cells or cancer cells.

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München identified specific fat molecules which affect metabolism during cachexia, a cancer-related energy-wasting syndrome characterized by progressive decrease in muscle and fat tissue mass. These fat molecules may…

Helmholtz Zentrum München is awarded four ERC Starting Grants in the latest funding round of the European Research Council (ERC). All shortlisted projects submitted by early career researchers were successful, marking a novel record for the center.…

Researchers, politicians and funding bodies find themselves in front of a unique situation and enormous challenge: The mounting pressure to accelerate and intensify efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic while handling the growing threat from all…

Prof. Dr. Stephan Herzig

Research Director Helmholtz Munich, Head of Diabetes Department and Head of Research Unit "Diabetes and Complications"

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Dr. Mauricio Berriel Diaz

Deputy Director & Head of Division "Metabolism & Cancer"

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Dr. Maria Rohm

Head of Division "Tissue Crosstalk in Cancer Metabolism"

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Prof. Dr. Horst Zitzelsberger

Head of Division "Translational Metabolic Oncology"

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Dr. Kenneth Dyar

Head of Division "Metabolic Physiology"

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Dr. Merly Vogt

Head of Division "Metabolic Programming across Generations"

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Prof. Dr. Anja Zeigerer

Head of Division "Endocytosis and Metabolism"

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Dr. Anastasia Georgiadi

Head of Division "Endocrine Pharmacology"

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Dr. Hermine Mohr

Head of Division "Metabolic Cancer Reprogramming"

Group photo of Organizers for Diabetes Conference - 25

Prof. Dr. Sabine Steffens

Head of Division "Cardiovascular Disease Comorbidities"

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Dr. Adrian Fischer

Head of Division "Fibrosis"

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Kaltenecker D, Schmidt S F, Weber P, Loft A, Morigny P, Machado J, Geppert J, Saul KB, Benedikt P, Molocea CE, Scott R, Haase K, Martignoni ME, Alfaro AJ, Chow KK, Simoes E, Otoch JP, Lima JDCC, Swanton C, Spielmann N, Hrabé de Angelis M, Elsner M, Ertürk A, Dyar KA, Rohm M, Prokopchuk O, Jamal-Hanjani M, Seelaender M, Backs J, Herzig S, Berriel Diaz M

Functional liver genomics identifies hepatokines promoting wasting in cancer cachexia

Loft A, Schmidt S F, Caratti G, Stifel U, Havelund J, Sekar R, Kwon Y, Sulaj A, Chow KK, Alfaro AJ, Schwarzmayr T, Rittig N, Svart M, Tsokanos FF, Maida A, Blutke A, Feuchtinger A, Møller N, Blüher M, Nawroth P, Szendrödi J, Færgeman NJ, Zeigerer A, Tuckermann J, Herzig S

A macrophage-hepatocyte glucocorticoid receptor axis coordinates fasting ketogenesis

Loft A, Alfaro A J, Schmidt S F, Pedersen F B, Terkelsen M K, Puglia M, Chow K K, Feuchtinger A, Troullinaki M, Maida A, Wolff G, Sakurai M, Berutti R, Ekim Üstünel B, Nawroth P P, Ravnskjaer K, Diaz M B, Blagoev B, Herzig S

Liver-fibrosis-activated transcriptional networks govern hepatocyte reprogramming and intra-hepatic communication

Seitz S, Kwon Y, Hartleben G, Jülg J, Sekar R, Krahmer N, Najafi B, Loft A, Gancheva S, Stemmer K, Feuchtinger A, Hrabe de Angelis M, Müller T D, Mann M, Blüher M, Roden M, Berriel Diaz M, Behrends C, Gilleron J, Herzig S & Zeigerer A

Hepatic Rab24 controls blood glucose homeostasis via improving mitochondrial plasticity

Rios Garcia M, Steinbauer B, Kshitij S, Singhal M, Mattijssen F, Maida A, Christian S, Hess-Stumpp H, Augustin HG, Müller-Decker K, Nawroth PP, Herzig S, Berriel Diaz M

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase 1-Dependent Protein Acetylation Controls Breast Cancer Metastasis and Recurrence

Rohm M, Schäfer M, Laurent V, Ekim Üstünel B, Niopek K, Algire C, Hautzinger O, Sijmonsma TP, Zota A, Medrikova D, Pellegata NS, Ryden M, Kulyte A, Dahlman I, Arner P, Petrovic N, Cannon B, Amri EZ, Kemp BE, Steinberg GR, Janovska P, Kopecky J, Wolfrum C, Blüher M, Berriel Diaz M, Herzig S

An AMP-activated protein kinase–stabilizing peptide ameliorates adipose tissue wasting in cancer cachexia in mice

Rohm M, Sommerfeld A, Strzoda D, Jones A, Sijmonsma TP, Rudofsky G, Wolfrum C, Sticht C, Gretz N, Zeyda M, Leitner L, Nawroth PP, Stulnig TM, Berriel Diaz M, Vegiopoulos A, Herzig S

Transcriptional cofactor TBLR1 controls lipid mobilization in white adipose tissue

Vegiopoulos A, Müller-Decker K, Strzoda D, Schmitt I, Chichelnitskiy E, Ostertag A, Berriel Diaz M, Rozman J, Hrabe de Angelis M, Nüsing RM, Meyer CW, Wahli W, Klingenspor M, Herzig S

Cyclooxygenase-2 controls energy homeostasis in mice by de novo recruitment of brown adipocytes

Lemke U, Krones-Herzig A, Berriel Diaz M, Narvekar P, Ziegler A, Vegiopoulos A, Cato ACB, Bohl S, Klingmüller U, Screaton RA, Müller-Decker K, Kersten S, Herzig S

The glucocorticoid receptor controls hepatic dyslipidemia through Hes1

Herzig S, Long F, Jhala US, Hedrick S, Quinn R, Bauer A, Rudolph D, Schutz G, Yoon C, Puigserver P, Spiegelman B, Montminy M

CREB regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis through the coactivator PGC-1

On This Page

Diabetes Complications

Metabolism & Cancer

Tissue Crosstalk in Cancer Metabolism

Metabolic Cancer Reprogramming

Metabolic Physiology

Metabolic Programming across Generations

Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program

Endocrine Pharmacology

Translational Metabolic Oncology

Endocytosis & Metabolism

Endocannabinoids and Cardiovascular Diseases

Fibrosis

Research Management

Weight Loss in Cancer: Organs Respond to the Disease in a Coordinated Way

Diabetes and Liver Health in Focus at the 12th Helmholtz Diabetes Conference

Cancer Cachexia: Liver Identified as Driver of Body Wasting

Inter-Organ Metabolomics: Helmholtz Munich Explores New Metabolic Mechanisms

Intermittent Fasting Could Be Unsafe for Teenagers

Interview with Stephan Herzig and Alexander Bartelt: Is intermittent fasting universally beneficial?

Helmholtz Munich Opened Its Doors for "The Mouse"

DFG Funds HyperMet

11th Helmholtz Diabetes Conference Highlights Metabolic Research Innovations

Patient Chronotype Could Impact Best Time to Take Blood Pressure Medication

Fasting for Health: When Metabolism and Internal Clock are aligned

Combating Diabetes Complications: Stephan Herzig Awarded with the Camillo Golgi Prize from the EASD

Switching tracks: Changing the trafficking of the glucagon receptor in the liver regulates its metabolic signaling

Stephan Herzig Awarded with the Werner Creutzfeldt Prize

Revealing the Mystery Behind the Threat of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Scientists Dive Deep Into the Different Effects of Morning and Evening Exercise

Potential Early Biomarkers for Cancer-Associated Body Weight Loss

Four Out of Four: New ERC Starting Grants for Pioneering Health Research at Helmholtz Zentrum München

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and major diseases at the same time: A balancing act for biomedical scientists