Stem Cell Center

Institute of Stem Cell Research

The Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF) investigates the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms for stem cell maintenance and stem cell differentiation (Camargo et al., Nature, 2019, O'Neill et al., Science, 2022). On this basis, the ISF develops approaches for the replacement of degenerated cell types, either by activation of endogenous stem cells or by re-programming other endogenous cells for repair (Russo et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2021, Sonsala et al., Neuron, 2024, Pereira et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2024).

The Institute of Stem Cell Research (ISF) investigates the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms for stem cell maintenance and stem cell differentiation (Camargo et al., Nature, 2019, O'Neill et al., Science, 2022). On this basis, the ISF develops approaches for the replacement of degenerated cell types, either by activation of endogenous stem cells or by re-programming other endogenous cells for repair (Russo et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2021, Sonsala et al., Neuron, 2024, Pereira et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2024).

developed_brain_with_neural_stem_cells_in_green_2_isf

Research Groups

neural_stem_cells_1_isf

Götz Group

Neural Stem Cells

The institute is devoted to understand stem cell function better – especially how they generate the functional cells of an organ. This implies studying the balance between self-renewal and differentiation and generally how cell fate is established and stabilized. We use molecular tools, in particular CRISPR and viral vector tools, as well as cell biological tools to understand and manipulate these fundamental processes in order to utilize the mechanisms identified for replacing cells lost in disease. We have implemented this by the discovery of glia-to-neuron reprogramming (Heins et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2002), which we have by now established not only in the murine injured brain in vivo (Gascón et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2016), but also for human glial cells that we can efficiently convert into new neurons (Sonsalla et al., Neuron, 2024). Unexpectedly, not only transcriptional regulation plays a key role in direct reprogramming (Pereira et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2024), but also the highly cell-type-specific composition of organelles, such as mitochondria (Russo et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2021). Indeed, we discovered recently that pan-cellular organelles considered to function rather similar across cell types differ profoundly between even closely-related cell types (Camargo et al., Nature, 2019; O’Neill et al., Science, 2022). This discovery of organellar heterogeneity (Schieweck and Götz, Genes Dev., 2024) allows not only to understand how ubiquitous proteins can cause an organ-specific phenotype when mutated in patients (because only in some organs they are at the centrosome and cause a specific phenotype there), but also to improve fate conversion towards more healthy neurons (Russo et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2021; Sonsalla et al., Neuron, 2024).

Genetic engineering and gene manipulation concept. Hand is replacing part of a DNA molecule.

Stricker Group

Epigenetic Engineering

Principle investigator Dr. Stefan H. Stricker joined the Institute for Stem Cell Research at the Helmholtz Zentrum München as a guest scientist associated with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich. Since December 2016 he is the head of the MCN Junior Research group "Epigenome Editing" at the BioMedical Center.

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Double helix DNA molecule with modified genes , Correcting mutation by genetic engineering

Giesert Group

Gene Editing

The Gene Editing Group is dedicated to discovering, developing, and applying innovative genetic tools that drive translational advances in cell and gene therapies.

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Fluoreszenzaufnahme / Nervenzelle (Neuron)

Masserdotti Group

Cell Fate and Metabolism

We investigate the mechanisms and metabolic pathways driving the direct reprogramming of differentiated mouse and human cells into functional neurons, aiming at a comprehensive understanding of the conversion process.

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Our News

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A close-up visualization of the CRISPR Cas9 mechanism at work, showcasing the intricate molecular interactions involved in gene editing.

New Research Findings, Stem Cells, ISF,

New CRISPR Method Makes It Possible to Control Protein Production in Cells

A research team led by Prof. Stefan Stricker at Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig Maximilian University has developed TAPIR, a CRISPR-based technology that enables precise control of protein production in cells. The method provides new insights into the…

When Cytoskeletal Proteins Act in the Cell Nucleus

New Research Findings, Stem Cells, ISF,

When Cytoskeletal Proteins Act in the Cell Nucleus

The cytoskeleton gives cells their shape and helps them move. Researchers at Helmholtz Munich and the Ludwig Maximilian University now show that, in neural stem cells, proteins of the cytoskeleton are also found in the cell nucleus, where they can…

M1 Medicine Alliance - Funded Projects

Transfer, Diabetes, IDC, Stem Cells, ISF,

M1 Launches First Funding Period and Advances Translation in Munich

With the launch of its first funding period, the M1 – Munich Medicine Alliance is entering its active translation phase in Munich. As part of the “Innovations for Patients” program, the alliance is funding seven research projects with a total of…

STV Technology of EDGE Project

Awards & Grants, Stem Cells, IDG, ISF,

Funding Project Brings New Technology for Precise Therapeutic Delivery Closer to Clinical Application

According to the World Health Organization, around 300 million people worldwide suffer from genetic disorders – and for most of them, no effective treatments exist. A research team at the Institute of Stem Cell Research at Helmholtz Munich is…

2025 Future Insight Prize Awarded to Magdalena Götz for Breakthroughs in Brain Regeneration

Awards & Grants, Stem Cells, ISF,

2025 Future Insight Prize Awarded to Magdalena Götz for Breakthroughs in Brain Regeneration

Merck, a leading science and technology company, awarded the 2025 Future Insight Prize to Prof. Magdalena Götz from Helmholtz Munich. The award – a € 250,000 research grant – recognizes Götz’s pioneering work in the field of regenerative…

HELENA Award Ceremony July 2

Events, Awards & Grants, Stem Cells, ISF, Environmental Health, LHI, Pioneer Campus,

Honoring Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors at Helmholtz Munich

Outstanding achievements in early-career research and academic mentoring were celebrated at an award ceremony held on July 2 at Helmholtz Munich. Two Doctoral Researcher Awards and the Best Supervisor Award were presented – prestigious honors that…

Running Projects

Scientists at ISF

Magdalena Götz Porträt_freigestellt
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Götz

Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research, ISF

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Judith_3_picture_variante
Dr. Judith Fischer-Sternjak

Deputy Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research, Director of Operations Stem Cell Center

Porträt Elsa Reis de Melo Michailov
Elsa Melo

Scientific, Office and Administrative Project Manager

Karin Ganea
Dr. Karin Ganea

Scientific Manager

Giacomo Masserdotti
Dr. Giacomo Masserdotti

Group Leader, Gene Editing, ISF

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Porträt Sedin Babajic
Sedin Babajic

IT Specialist, Administration

Porträt Manja Thorwirth Variante
Manja Thorwirth

Technical assistant

Porträt Paulina Chlebik Variante
Paulina Chlebik

Technical asisstant

Porträt Maria Richter Variante
Dr. Maria Richter

Post-doc

Porträt Anthodesmi Krontira Variante
Dr. Anthodesmi Krontira

Post-doc

Porträt Aparajita Kumar Variante
Aparajita Kumar

PhD Student

Porträt Fabio Lateef Laredo Variante
Fabio Lateef Laredo

PhD Student

Porträt Maria Fernanda Martinez Reza Variante
Fernanda Martinez Reza

PhD Student

Giulia Antognolli

PhD Student

Matteo Puglisi

PhD Student

Daniela Cimino

PhD Student

Contact

Judith_3_picture_variante
Dr. Judith Fischer-Sternjak

Deputy Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research, Director of Operations Stem Cell Center

Porträt Elsa Reis de Melo Michailov
Elsa Melo

Scientific, Office and Administrative Project Manager

Our Publications

Cell Metab. 18, 844-859 (2013)

Motori, E. ; Puyal, J. ; Toni, N. ; Ghanem, A. ; Angeloni, C. ; Malaguti, M. ; Cantelli-Forti, G. ; Berninger, B. ; Conzelmann, K.K. ; Götz, M. ; Winklhofer, K.F. ; Hrelia, S. ; Bergami, M.

Inflammation-induced alteration of astrocyte mitochondrial dynamics requires autophagy for mitochondrial network maintenance.

Agoston, Z. ; Heine, P. ; Brill, M.S. ; Grebbin, B.M. ; Hau, A.C. ; Kallenborn-Gerhardt, W. ; Schramm, J. ; Götz, M. ; Schulte, D.

Meis2 is a Pax6 co-factor in neurogenesis and dopaminergic periglomerular fate specification in the adult olfactory bulb.
Nat. Commun. 4:2049 (2013)

Robins, S.C. ; Stewart, I. ; McNay, D.E. ; Taylor, V. ; Giachino, C. ; Götz, M. ; Ninkovic, J. ; Briancon, N. ; Maratos-Flier, E. ; Flier, J.S. ; Kokoeva, M.V. ; Placzek, M.

α-Tanycytes of the adult hypothalamic third ventricle include distinct populations of FGF-responsive neural progenitors.
Nat. Genet. 45, 1300-1308 (2013)

Cappello, S. ; Gray, M.J. ; Badouel, C. ; Lange, S. ; Einsiedler, M. ; Srour, M. ; Chitayat, D. ; Hamdan, F.F. ; Jenkins, Z.A. ; Morgan, T. ; Preitner, N. ; Uster, T. ; Thomas, J. ; Shannon, P. ; Morrison, V. ; di Donato, N. ; van Maldergem, L. ; Neuhann, T. ; Newbury-Ecob, R. ; Swinkells, M. ; Terhal, P. ; Wilson, L.C. ; Zwijnenburg, P.J. ; Sutherland-Smith, A.J. ; Black, M.A. ; Markie, D. ; Michaud, J.L. ; Simpson, M.A. ; Mansour, S. ; McNeill, H. ; Götz, M. ; Robertson, S.P.

Mutations in genes encoding the cadherin receptor-ligand pair DCHS1 and FAT4 disrupt cerebral cortical development.
Nat. Neurosci. 16, 1370-1372 (2013)

Viganò, F. ; Möbius, W. ; Götz, M. ; Dimou, L.

Transplantation reveals regional differences in oligodendrocyte differentiation in the adult brain.
Cell Stem Cell 13, 403-418 (2013)

Ninkovic, J. ; Steiner-Mezzadri, A. ; Jawerka, M. ; Akinci, U. ; Masserdotti, G. ; Petricca, S. ; Fischer, J. ; von Holst, A. ; Beckers, J. ; Lie, D.C. ; Petrik, D. ; Miller, E. ; Tang, J. ; Wu, J. ; Lefebvre, V. ; Demmers, J. ; Eisch, A. ; Metzger, D. ; Crabtree, G. ; Irmler, M. ; Poot, R. ; Götz, M.

The BAF complex interacts with Pax6 in adult neural progenitors to establish a neurogenic cross-regulatory transcriptional network.
Nat. Commun. 4:2125 (2013)

Pilz, G.-A. ; Shitamukai, A. ; Reillo, I. ; Pacary, E. ; Schwausch, J. ; Stahl, R. ; Ninkovic, J. ; Snippert, H.J. ; Clevers, H. ; Godinho, L. ; Guillemot, F. ; Borrell, V. ; Matsuzaki, F. ; Götz, M.

Amplification of progenitors in the mammalian telencephalon includes a new radial glial cell type.
Hippocampus 23, 708-719 (2013)

DeCarolis, N.A. ; Mechanic, M. ; Petrik, D. ; Carlton, A. ; Ables, J.L. ; Malhotra, S. ; Bachoo, R. ; Götz, M. ; Lagacen, D.C. ; Eisch, A.J.

In vivo contribution of nestin- and GLAST-lineage cells to adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Cell Stem Cell 12, 426-439 (2013)

Sirko, S. ; Behrendt, G. ; Johansson, P.A. ; Tripathi, P. ; Costa, M.R. ; Bek, S. ; Heinrich, C. ; Tiedt, S. ; Colak, D. ; Dichgans, M. ; Fischer, I.R. ; Plesnila, N. ; Staufenbiel, M. ; Haass, C. ; Snapyan, M. ; Saghatelyan, A. ; Tsai, L.H. ; Fischer, A. ; Grobe, K. ; Dimou, L. ; Götz, M.

Reactive glia in the injured brain acquire stem cell properties in response to sonic hedgehog.
Cell 153, 535-549 (2013)

Stahl, R. ; Walcher, T. ; de Juan Rumero, C. ; Pilz, G.-A. ; Cappello, S. ; Irmler, M. ; Sanz-Aquela, J.M. ; Beckers, J. ; Blum, R. ; Borrell, V. ; Götz, M.

Trnp1 regulates expansion and folding of the mammalian cerebral cortex by control of radial glial fate.
Nat. Neurosci. 16, 580-586 (2013)

Bardehle, S. ; Krüger, M. ; Buggenthin, F. ; Schwausch, J. ; Ninkovic, J. ; Clevers, H. ; Snippert, H.J. ; Theis, F.J. ; Meyer-Luehmann, M. ; Bechmann, I. ; Dimou, L. ; Götz, M.

Live imaging of astrocyte responses to acute injury reveals selective juxtavascular proliferation.

Deshpande, A. ; Bergami, M. ; Ghanem, A. ; Conzelmann, K.-H. ; Lepier, A. ; Götz, M. ; Berninger, B.

Retrograde monosynaptic tracing reveals the temporal evolution of inputs onto new neurons in the adult dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb.
PLoS ONE 8:e54507 (2013)

Xie, Q. ; Yang, Y. ; Huang, J. ; Ninkovic, J. ; Walcher, T. ; Wolf, L. ; Vitenzon, A. ; Zheng, D.Y. ; Götz, M. ; Beebe, D.C. ; Zavadil, J. ; Cvekl, A.

Pax6 Interactions with chromatin and identification of its novel direct target genes in lens and forebrain.

Johansson, P.A. ; Irmler, I. ; Acampora, D. ; Beckers, J. ; Simeone, A. ; Götz, M.

The transcription factor Otx2 regulates choroid plexus development and function.
Glia 61, 273-286 (2013)

Behrendt, G. ; Baer, K. ; Buffo, A. ; Curtis, M.A. ; Faull, R.L. ; Rees, M.I. ; Götz, M. ; Dimou, L.

Dynamic changes in myelin aberrations and oligodendrocyte generation in chronic amyloidosis in mice and men.
Cereb. Cortex 23, 2552-2567 (2013)

Saulnier, A. ; Keruzore, M. ; de Clercq, S. ; Bar, I. ; Moers, V. ; Magnani, D. ; Walcher, T. ; Filippis, C. ; Kricha, S. ; Parlier, D. ; Viviani, L. ; Matson, C.K. ; Nakagawa, Y. ; Theil, T. ; Götz, M. ; Mallamaci, A. ; Marine, J.-C. ; Zarkower, D. ; Bellefroid, E.J.

The doublesex homolog Dmrt5 is required for the development of the caudomedial cerebral cortex in mammals.