German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), HI-STEM - Institute for Stem Cell Technology
Reprogramming, differentiation, and MS-injury modelling
Heidelberg, Germany
Posted on May 15, 2024 • 3 minutes • 527 words
Table of contents
Contribution to the project
Our group’s expertise lies in the direct reprogramming of adult human cells into neural progenitors and the development of sophisticated protocols to generate a wide variety of neural tissues from these cells. In this project, using cells from MS patients, we will first generate a comprehensive bank of reprogrammed patient stem cells, a much-needed resource for both our project and other researchers in the field. We will then derive neural organoids from these stem cells, with a particular focus on modelling the niche that is predominantly affected in multiple sclerosis. Using these organoids, we will develop an acute MS neural injury model and perform transplants into prodromal MS mouse models, with the ultimate goal of understanding the underlying disease mechanisms and identifying new avenues for treatment.
Team Members
Dr. Marc Thier – Group Leader
Marc Thier received his medical degree from the University of Bonn in 2012. He then worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology with Prof. Frank Edenhofer until 2014, where he developed his interest in neural stem cell development and reprogramming strategies. In 2014, Dr. Thier joined the group of Prof. Andreas Trumpp at HI-STEM as a postdoctoral fellow. During these 6 years, he developed a novel method to directly derive neural progenitors from adult human somatic cells. Since 2021, he has been leading his own research group, which focuses on the development of cell replacement therapy strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and white matter disorders. He is also a resident neurologist at the University Hospital Heidelberg.
Nils Wörner – PhD Candidate
Nils Wörner received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Tübingen (Germany) in 2021. He completed his Master’s degree in Molecular Biosciences with a focus on developmental and stem cell biology at the University of Heidelberg (Germany) in 2023. He is interested in studying developmental dynamics and pattern formation in the vertebrate nervous system. Since February 2024, he has been working as a PhD student in the laboratory of Dr Marc Thier, focusing on the improved derivation of oligodendrocytes for in vitro and in vivo disease modelling.
Natalie Stumpf – Technical Assistant
Natalie Stumpf completed her training as a biological laboratory assistant at the DKFZ (Germany) in 2022. Since 2021 she has been working as a technician in the laboratory of Dr. Marc Thier, helping with experimental work and organising the laboratory structure. She is an expert in stem cell culture and maintenance and is trained in animal behaviour studies.
A. Ceren Duman Thier - Dr. rer. nat.
Dr. Duman Thier received her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from IZTECH in Izmir, Turkey. She later obtained her Master’s Degree with her thesis on adult neural stem cell biology in Graduate School of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences in University of Tübingen, Germany. In 2019, she finished her Doctoral degree in German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in the group of Dr. Julieta Alfonso, with focus on metabolic vulnerabilities of glioblastoma and glioblastoma stem-like cells. Since 2020, Dr. Duman Thier continues her research in Dr. Thier group on neural stem cell regionalization and developmental pathways of oligodendrocyte emergence and maturation.