Interview Tracking Down the Genetics of Tumors
An interview with Prof. Markus Diefenbacher, new Principal Investigator (PI) at the Helmholtz Munich Institute for Lung Health and Immunity
An interview with Prof. Markus Diefenbacher, new Principal Investigator (PI) at the Helmholtz Munich Institute for Lung Health and Immunity
As new PI at the Institute for Lung Health and Immunity at Helmholtz Munich, Prof. Markus Diefenbacher brings a fascinating perspective to the study of the interaction between tumors and the immune system. His research goals include deciphering the genetic complexity of tumors and developing innovative therapeutic approaches against lung cancer. In this interview, he shares his visions, goals and the challenges of his research.
How long have you been at Helmholtz Munich and in what role? What (research) goals are you pursuing here?
MD: I have been Group Leader of the "Experimental Immuno-Oncology" working group at Helmholtz Munich and Professor of Experimental Pneumology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich since October 2023.
Like all cancer researchers, I want to tear off the cloak of invisibility from tumor cells. To achieve this, we analyze the interplay between tumor and genetics as well as between tumor and environment: What processes are taking place? Which proteins are involved? How are they regulated? Our visions are new, advanced models to read, control, stop or reverse these processes with the help of the immune system.
“I want to tear off the cloak of invisibility from tumor cells.”
Prof. Markus Diefenbacher
What inspired you to come to Helmholtz Munich?
MD: At Helmholtz Munich, I am fascinated by the interdisciplinary scientific environment, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with leading groups in the respective fields. Another decisive factor for me was the focus of research at Helmholtz Munich on the lung as a system. I am also inspired by Munich as a location with its exceptionally dense scientific environment (Helmholtz Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), LMU University Hospital, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Max Planck Institute (MPI Biochemistry), Fraunhofer Institute).
Helmholtz Munich | Nikolett Pahor - Oliver HartmannWhat fascinates you about your research?
MD: Per se, I am fascinated by the genetic complexity of tumors, especially solid tumors. There are so many aspects and many still open and unaddressed questions regarding early processes, the adaptation of cells undergoing transformation and the discovery and description of new vulnerabilities. Here it is above all the rapid development of new methods for imaging and analyzing complex biological processes. The speed at which new preclinical methods for the treatment of tumors are developing, such as CRISPR, mRNA or genetically adapted immune cells, is also extremely exciting. We have exciting years of development ahead of us!
“The speed at which new preclinical methods for the treatment of tumors are developing, such as CRISPR, mRNA or genetically adapted immune cells, is also extremely exciting. We have exciting years of development ahead of us!”
Prof. Markus Diefenbacher
What would you like to achieve in your scientific field?
MD: I hope that our research will make a significant contribution to developing new therapeutic concepts and approaches that will benefit patients in the end and make a difference to survival rates.
What are the biggest challenges and why is it still worthwhile every day?
MD: The biggest challenge is probably the genetic complexity of tumors and the ability of cancer cells to adapt to therapeutic interventions, such as RTK inhibitors (editor's note: RTK inhibitors are drugs used to treat cancer). We are driven by the hope of finding tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways and effectors, without whose function tumor cells are not viable - so that they no longer have alternative pathways under therapy and can therefore no longer grow.
Helmholtz Munich | ©Benedikt Knüttel - BKfotofilm“We are driven by the hope of finding tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways and effectors, without whose function tumor cells are not viable.”
Prof. Markus Diefenbacher
Was there a decisive experience in your scientific career that shaped you?
MD: Especially in my early days of my research at KIT, I was grateful for good mentors who encouraged my enthusiasm and ambition for science. My time abroad was also very formative, especially my work at Cancer Research UK (CRUK, now The Francis Crick Institute) in London and the exchange with world-leading scientists.
In your opinion, what characterizes the life of a scientist?
MD: Being curious, communicating, allowing other opinions, and always critically questioning dogmatic knowledge! Cooperative and collaborative research is more fun and always rewarding! And most importantly: don't be put off by setbacks and never give up.
“Cooperative and collaborative research is more fun and always rewarding!”
Prof. Markus Diefenbacher
Tell a secret about yourself!
MD: I love science fiction and playing softball.
Latest update: April 2024.
About Prof. Markus Diefenbacher
Since October 2023 PI of the research group "Experimental Immuno-Oncology" and Professor of Experimental Pneumology at the LMU
2015 - 2023 Junior group leader in Würzburg at the Biocenter, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2009 - 2015 Postdoc in London, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute (CRUK-LRI), now the Francis Crick Institute in the research group of Axel Behrens.
2004-2009 Diploma thesis with subsequent PhD at Helmholtz Zentrum Karlsruhe (now KIT Campus Nord), Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, in the group of Peter Herrlich & Olivier Kassel.
Work on transcriptional regulation of Ap-1 and NF-kB by LIM domain proteins. Our research showed how the glucocorticoid receptor, which is "switched on" by cortisone, inhibits pro-inflammatory processes.
1997-2004 Diploma Biology studies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe.