IES, IFE, December 19, 2022 The use of embryo models to study development - a perspectiveIn the perspective article "In preprints: improving and interrogating embryo models", Antonio Scialdone from the Institute for Epigenetics and Stem Cells, the Institute of Functional Epigenetics, and the Institute of Computational Biology at…read more
Awards & Grants, ISF, November 09, 2022 GSCN 2022 Publication of the Year AwardThe researchers Adam C. O’Neill, Fatma Uzbas, Giulia Antognolli and Florencia Merino as well as Magdalena Götz at Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) receive the “GSCN 2022 Publication of the Year Award” for their joint…read more
Stem Cells, IES, September 24, 2022 Understanding Embryonic DevelopmentThe ability to reprogram cells holds great promises for regenerative medicine. Cells from the embryo at the beginning of life divide and produce all cell types in the body. What can embryos teach us so that we can generate cells ‘à la carte’ to cure…read more
Stem Cells, IES, August 30, 2022 From idea to implementation – Anna Dumitriu ran a workshop about her artwork “The Cellular Reprogramming Necklace”During her stay in August 2022, Anna Dumitriu ran a workshop with researchers at the Institute for Epigenetics and Stem Cells to share her thoughts and experiences of the creative process underlying her artwork “The Cellular Reprogramming Necklace”. read more
Featured Publication, IDG, August 17, 2022 New Insights From Parkinson’s Research: Inhibition of Shh Signal Transduction as a Possible Early Treatment ApproachParkinson's disease, formerly known as shaking palsy, is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Germany after Alzheimer's disease. It affects about 400,000 people in Germany alone and can neither be cured nor can its progression be…read more
Stem Cells, IES, August 09, 2022 What stands behind the message sent by histone PTMs?Over the last 60 years, research has shed light on histone PTMs and their role in all DNA-templated processes. In the last decade, novel methodologies, such as genome-wide sequencing approaches, have paved the way toward understanding how their…read more
Stem Cells, ISF, June 20, 2022 Diversity of Centrosomes Delivers New Clues for Neurological DiseasesInternationally renowned neurobiologist Magdalena Götz is pursuing important leads in her quest to elucidate the causes of neurological diseases. Together with her team at Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, she has gained…read more
Stem Cells, IES, April 08, 2022 Communication is the key, also between cells.Just as we use Google Maps, cells rely on gradient sensing of signal molecules to reach their destination. However, in their case, the destination is the source of the attractant and not the restaurant of choice. Using mathematical models,…read more
Stem Cells, IES, April 02, 2022 Helmholtz Munich is part of the new Innovative Training Network “RepliFate”The EU funds a new Innovative Training Network (ITN) in the field of DNA replication, cell fate, and cancer with Helmholtz Munich as a beneficiary. The ITN will investigate the role of DNA replication as a determinant of cell fate and cancer.read more
Stem Cells, IES, March 22, 2022 Always follow your nose – On the trail of the anatomical logic of smellThe sense of smell is essential for almost all animals. It helps find food, detect dangers, and distinguish between friends and enemies. As the saying goes: You really get up my nose. Research carried out at Helmholtz Munich has shown that…read more
Stem Cells, IES, March 18, 2022 EpIC - EpiGene3Sys meets INC_Spain to ChromDesign the GenomeFrom October 17th to 20th October 2022, the conference "EpIC - EpiGene3Sys meets INC_Spain to ChromDesign the Genome" will take place in Granada, Spain. The registration will open soon.read more
New Research Findings, Stem Cells, IES, March 08, 2022 A Speed Limit Could Be a Breakthrough for Stem Cell TherapyReplacing sick or damaged cells with healthy cells: this is a major goal of regenerative medicine. One of the most promising approaches is cellular reprogramming, whereby one cell type in our body converts to another cell type. Research carried out…read more
Stem Cells, IES, March 07, 2022 Changing the speed of DNA replication - a new way to improve the cellular reprogramming efficiencyReversing injury or disease is a major objective in research towards regenerative medicine. Replacing sick or damaged cells with healthy cells in order to repair damaged tissue is one of the most impactful strategies towards that goal. For that, a…read more
Stem Cells, IES, February 02, 2022 Summer School on Chromatin Biology: A hands-on expeditionWe are delighted to announce the launch of the "1st Helmholtz Summer School on Chromatin Biology: A hands-on expedition", which will take place at the Neuherberg Campus of Helmholtz Munich, from August 15-26, 2022.read more
Stem Cells, IES, January 03, 2022 Eva Hörmanseder receives DFG grant to investigate cell-fate changes during reprogrammingThe possibility to generate any cell type from a differentiated, somatic cell can advance cell-replacement therapies and holds great promises to regenerative medicine. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell-fate changes…read more
New Research Findings, IES, ICB, IFE, November 24, 2021 Scientists Open the Black Box of the Milestone Stage of Human Embryonic Development for the First TimeFor the first time, scientists based at Helmholtz Munich and the University of Oxford were able to shed light on one of the most critical stages of human embryonic development (gastrulation). The finding, published in the journal Nature, will…read more
Stem Cells, IES, November 18, 2021 A milestone for developmental biology - Scientists publish the first single-transcriptome of a human gastrulation embryoFor the first time, scientists based at Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University of Oxford were able to shed light on one of the most critical stages of human embryonic development (gastrulation). Their findings will drive future studies to…read more
Stem Cells, IES, July 22, 2021 The prestigious Academia Europeae has elected our Institute Director as memberAfter a rigorous peer-review process, the board of trustees of Academia Europeae, the pan-European academy of science, humanities, and letters, has elected our Stem Cell expert Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla. This is a recognition of her standing…read more
Stem Cells, IES, July 21, 2021 Mitochondrial defects characterize 'loser' cells in cell competitionThe work of the Scialdone Lab at the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Rodriguez at the Imperial College elucidates that differences in mitochondrial activity are key determinants for cellular fitness in various contexts, where endogenous cell…read more
New Research Findings, IES, ICB, IFE, July 20, 2021 Revealing the Secrets of Cell Competition Cellular competition is a crucial quality control process that ensures that the development of an organism relies on healthy cells. Researchers revealed the secrets underlying cell competition and what features can pre-determine whether a cell will…read more
Awards & Grants, Stem Cells, IES, IFE, July 20, 2021 The Prestigious Academia Europeae Has Elected Two Helmholtz Munich Researchers as MembersAfter a rigorous peer review process, the board of trustees of Academia Europeae, the pan-European academy of science, humanities and letters, has elected the Stem Cell expert Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla as well as the Epigenetics expert Robert…read more
Awards & Grants, IES, July 13, 2021 Boost for Epigenetic Research at Helmholtz Zentrum München The German research foundation DFG funds the collaborative research center ‘Chromatin Dynamics’ (SFB 1064) for four more years. Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, Technical University of Munich and the Max Planck…read more
New Research Findings, IDG, ISBM, June 04, 2021 The Cut and Restore Protein Trick: Self-Excising Designer Proteins Report Isoform ExpressionOur proteome is much bigger than our genome because one gene produces several variants of proteins called protein isoforms, whose disbalance is implicated in many diseases. A new bioengineered reporter system developed at Helmholtz Zentrum München…read more
New Research Findings, IDR, Stem Cells, January 08, 2021 Uncovering Basic Mechanisms of Intestinal Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation Promises New Approaches to Treat DiseasesThe gut plays a central role in the regulation of the body’s metabolism and its dysfunction is associated with a variety of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, colitis and colorectal cancer that affect millions of people worldwide. Targeting…read more
New Research Findings, IDG, ISF, November 17, 2020 Researchers Improve Neuronal Reprogramming by Manipulating Mitochondria The replacement of lost neurons is a holy grail for neuroscience. A new promising approach is the conversion of glial cells into new neurons. Improving the efficiency of this conversion or reprogramming after brain injury is an important step towards…read more
New Research Findings, IES, July 06, 2020 Epigenetics: What the Embryo Can Teach Us About Cell ReprogrammingCell reprogramming provides an outstanding opportunity for the artificial generation of stem cells for regenerative medicine approaches in the clinic. As current cell reprogramming methods are low in efficiency, researchers around the globe aim to…read more
Featured Publication, IDC, ISF, ITG, Pioneer Campus, May 14, 2020 Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and major diseases at the same time: A balancing act for biomedical scientistsResearchers, 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…read more
Awards & Grants, Stem Cells, ISF, MCD, April 02, 2020 Spotlight for ERC Advanced Grant awardees Magdalena Götz and Marcus ConradWanted: Established, leading principal investigator with a track-record of significant research achievements in the last 10 years. Found: At Helmholtz Zentrum München. Magdalena Götz and Marcus Conrad both receive an ERC Advanced Grant for their…read more
New Research Findings, Stem Cells, ISF, February 06, 2020 Hard Times Are Coming: Brain Tissue Stiffness Is Crucial for NeurogenesisIn mammalian adult brains, neural stem cells are only present in few specific parts, so called niches. Only these niches are capable of generating new neurons. For the first time, researchers defined the proteome of these niches, the entire set of…read more
IES, February 04, 2020 EpiCrossBorders: An International Research School Flagship Towards “One Health”EpiCrossBorders, a new international research school for epigenetics across borders, will connect the research excellence of Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University of Edinburgh to establish new research topics and train future leaders in…read more
New Research Findings, IDG, January 29, 2020 Gene Scissors Against Incurable Muscular Disease Duchenne type muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common hereditary muscular disease among children, leaving them wheelchair-bound before the age of twelve and reducing life expectancy. Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Technical University…read more