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 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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Zeigerer Lab

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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Mutated DNA and molecules, scientific biotechnology, 3d rendering

Vogt Lab

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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Pellegata Lab

In the Neuroendocrinology Division at IDC we investigate the interplay between tumors and both local and organismal metabolism by employing various relevant experimental models and imaging methods.

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Rohm Lab

Our aim for the future is to strengthen the idea that obesity/diabetes and cachexia are two sides of the same coin. Studying these metabolic diseases in the context of each other will lead to conceptual advances in both fields.

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Dyar Lab

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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3d rendering of Human cell or Embryonic stem cell microscope background.

Georgiadi Lab

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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Antibodies attack a cancer cell or virus

Zitzelsberger Lab

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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Ekim Lab

The Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Unit represents the translational and clinical arm of the IDC Diabetes activities and has been established in collaboration with the University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, and the Collaborative Research Center 1118, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG.

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Steffens Lab

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

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A lot of people figures and comment clouds above their heads.

Supporting Science

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

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Our News

Awards & Grants, Diabetes, IDC, February 27, 2025

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

New Research Findings, Diabetes, IDC, February 13, 2025

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…

Diabetes, IDC, February 13, 2025

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?

Public Engagement, Diabetes, TDI, IDO, IDF, IDC, October 04, 2024

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."…

Awards & Grants, Diabetes, IDC, September 30, 2024

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…

Events, Diabetes, IDC, September 26, 2024

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…

Featured Publication, IDC, May 14, 2024

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.

Diabetes, IDC, April 03, 2024

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,…

Awards & Grants, Diabetes, IDC, October 04, 2023

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…

New Research Findings, IDC, October 14, 2022

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

Awards & Grants, Diabetes, IDC, May 27, 2022

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

New Research Findings, Diabetes, IDC, July 12, 2021

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…

White running shoes, a sports watch and a water bottle on a pink background under the natural light of the morning sun. Concept of jogging, running, hard workout. Banner. Flat lay, top view

Diabetes, IDC, January 13, 2021

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.

New Research Findings, IDC, October 27, 2020

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…

Awards & Grants, IDC, EPI, Computational Health, ICB, Pioneer Campus, September 03, 2020

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.…

Featured Publication, IDC, ISF, Computational Health, ITG, Pioneer Campus, May 14, 2020

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…

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Prof. Dr. med. univ. Julia Szendrödi

Medical Director of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Chemistry at Heidelberg University Hospital

Dr. Bilgen Ekim

Junior Group Leader Heidelberg

Group photo of Organizers for Diabetes Conference - 25

Prof. Dr. Sabine Steffens

Group Leader Cardiovascular Disease Comorbidities View profile

Prof. Dr. Alexander Bartelt

Head of Division Cardiovascular Immunometabolism

Dr. Tobias Wiedemann

Head of Research Unit Specialized Metabolic Phenotyping

Miriam Guhl

Coordination and Administration

Annika Wieder

Technische Assistentin

Dr. Manuel Gil Lozano

Postdoc

Dr. Adriano Maida

Scientific Laboratory Director

Elke Pulz

Senior Technician

Dr. Hermine Mohr

Co-PI

Dr. Anja Krones-Herzig

Affiliated HDC Coordinator

Dr. Celine Jouffe

Postdoc

Group photo of Organizers for Diabetes Conference - 23

Dr. Ana Alfaro

Coordinator Drug Develompent & Industrial Collaborations

Postdoc

Dr. Kerstin Lohr

Coordinator Pre-Clinical Development

Susanne Drogoin

Assistant Coordinator Diabetes Research School

Dr. Vignesh Karthikaisamy

Postdoc

Dr. Anne Caniard

HDC Scientific Coordinator

Daniela Haß

Senior Technician

Dr. Isabel Valenca

Aspasia Thodou-Krokidi

Doctoral Researcher

Elsa Araadom

Lab Assistant

Group photo of Organizers for Diabetes Conference - 16

Kathrin Niemitz

Event Manager

Mohamed Abouelmaaty

Postdoc

Group photo of Organizers for Diabetes Conference - 24

Nadine Rink

Coordinator Pre-Clinical Development

Sophie Münch

Employees

Nationalities

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Ji H, Englmaier F, Morigny P, Giroud M, Gräsle P, Brings S, Szendrödi J, Berriel Diaz M, Plettenburg O, Herzig S, Rohm M

Development of a peptide drug restoring AMPK and adipose tissue functionality in cancer cachexia

Sekar R, Motzler K, Kwon Y, Novikoff A, Jülg J, Najafi B, Wang S, Warnke AL, Seitz S, Hass D, Gancheva S, Kahl S, Yang B, Finan B, Schwarz K, Okun JG, Roden M, Blüher M, Müller TD, Krahmer N, Behrends C, Plettenburg O, Miaczynska M, Herzig S, Zeigerer A

Vps37a regulates hepatic glucose production by controlling glucagon receptor localization to endosomes

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. 2021 Cell Metab 33, 1685-1700.e9.

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. Nature Metabolism 2019; 1009–1026.

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. Cell Metabolism 2017; 26(6):842-855.e5.

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. Nature Medicine 2016; 22(10):1120-1130.

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. Cell Metabolism 2013; 17(4):575-585.

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. Science 2010; 328(5982):1158-1161

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. Cell Metabolism 2008; 8(3):212-223

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. Nature 2001; 413(6852):179-183

Helmholtz Diabetes Center Institute for Diabetes and Cancer

Get To Know Us

About Our Research

Our Research Groups

Diabetic Complications

Metabolism & Cancer

Endocytosis & Metabolism

Metabolic Programming across Generations

Neuroendocrinology

Tissue Crosstalk in Cancer Metabolism

Metabolic Physiology

Endocrine Pharmacology

Translational Metabolic Oncology

Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program

Endocannabinoids and Cardiovascular Diseases

Research Management

Our News

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

Scientists at IDC

Prof. Dr. Stephan Herzig

Dr. Mauricio Berriel Diaz

Prof. Dr. Anja Zeigerer

Dr. Maria Rohm

Prof. Dr. Natalia Pellegata

Dr. Anastasia Georgiadi

Dr. Kenneth Dyar

Dr. Merly Vogt

Prof. Dr. med. univ. Julia Szendrödi

Dr. Bilgen Ekim

Prof. Dr. Sabine Steffens

Prof. Dr. Alexander Bartelt

Dr. Tobias Wiedemann

Miriam Guhl

Annika Wieder

Dr. Manuel Gil Lozano

Dr. Adriano Maida

Elke Pulz

Dr. Hermine Mohr

Dr. Anja Krones-Herzig

Dr. Celine Jouffe

Dr. Ana Alfaro

Dr. Peter Weber

Dr. Pauline Morigny

Dr. Gretchen Wolff

Dr. Doris Kaltenecker

Dr. Alina Walth

Dr. Juliano Machado

Dr. Yun Kwon

Dr. Kerstin Lohr

Susanne Drogoin

Dr. Vignesh Karthikaisamy

Dr. Anne Caniard

Daniela Haß

Dr. Isabel Valenca

Surui Wang

Dr. Pia Benedikt-Kühnast

Dr. Rabih El-Merahbi

Dr. Thainá Magalhães

Dr. Anja Marschner

Dr. Honglei Ji

Amy Fumo

Raúl Terrón Expósito

Dr. Hande Kocak

Dr. Gabriele Möller

Dr. Janina Tokarz