Mini Organs
© Jorge Martins, Gouti Lab

Genes, Cells and Cell‑based Medicine

Topic 1 of our research program "Systems Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases"

Genes, Cells and Cell-based Medicine uses a combination of innovative experimental and computational approaches to understand the function and dysregulation of the genome and molecular networks in individual cells - the origin of most diseases. We use this knowledge to develop novel early disease detection strategies and engineer precise therapeutic approaches to intercept disease.

Challenges

The biggest challenge we face is the incomplete understanding of the cellular mechanisms that drive cells through normal development and the pathological and environmental changes that cause them to deviate towards disease. Understanding and predicting the future course of a disease will devise the most effective strategy for an individual patient.

Solutions

To identify and exploit the cellular basis of health and disease we develop and apply single-cell multi-omics and spatial approaches, machine learning, lineage tracing, personalised organoid models and advanced imaging at scales ranging from molecules to individual cells to tissues and organisms.

Mini Organs

Human stem cells can form three-dimensional, neuromuscular miniorgans. The spinal cord neurons are shown in a blue tone, the skeletal muscle cells are marked purple.

© Jorge Martins, Gouti Lab

Research Labs

Speakers

Scientific Manager

Dr. Verena Maier
Verena.Maier@mdc-berlin.de