Contact information
Institute for Molecular Immunology
TRIO Research Center
Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26
50931 Cologne
CV
Academic education
2000 - 2002 | Graduate studies in Biology/Genetics, University of Cologne (Dissertation), Mentor: Dr. Juliane Jürgensmeier / Prof. Dr. Jonathan C. Howard |
1997 - 2000 | Studies in Biology, University of Cologne (Diploma), Mentor: Prof. Dr. Jonathan C. Howard |
1987 - 1991 | Studies in Biology, University of Orumieh, Iran (Bachelor of Science) |
Scientific degrees
2022 | W3 Professor, Molecular Immunology, University of Cologne |
2015 | Extraordinary Professorship (Apl. Prof.), University of Cologne |
2008 | Habilitation in Immunology, University of Cologne, Mentor: Prof. Dr. M. Krönke |
2002 | Promotion (with “distinction”) in Biology, University of Cologne, Thesis supervisor: Prof. Dr. J. C. Howard |
Scientific career
2022 | Chair, Institute for Molecular Immunology, University of Cologne |
2014 - 2021 | Independent Research Group Leader, CECAD, University of Cologne |
2011 - 2013 | Independent Research Group Leader, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne |
2005 - 2011 | Senior Investigator with an own research group, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne |
2002 - 2005 | Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne |
Honors/ Awards/ Memberships
since 2008 | Reviewer: Mol Cell, Immunity, Cell Host Microbe, Cell Rep., Nat. Cell Biol., Nat. Microbiol., Nat. Comm., EMBO Journal, EMBO Rep, Cell Death & Differentiation, Cancer Research, Oncogene, Blood |
since 2002 | Member of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Immunologie |
2011 | Career Development Award of the CMMC, University of Cologne |
2009 | Award for the Best Habilitation 2009, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne |
Publications
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cIAPs control RIPK1 kinase activity-dependent and -independent cell death and tissue inflammation
Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAPs) are RING-containing E3 ubiquitin ligases that ubiquitylate receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) to regulate TNF signalling. Here, we established mice simultaneously expressing enzymatically inactive cIAP1/2 variants, bearing mutations in the…
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Aberrant expansion of spontaneous splenic germinal centers induced by hallmark genetic lesions of aggressive lymphoma
Unique molecular vulnerabilities have been identified in the aggressive MCD/C5 genetic subclass of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the premalignant cell-of-origin exhibiting MCD-like dependencies remains elusive. In this study, we examined animals carrying up to 4 hallmark genetic…
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Deregulation and epigenetic modification of BCL2-family genes cause resistance to venetoclax in hematologic malignancies
The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has been approved to treat different hematological malignancies. Because there is no common genetic alteration causing resistance to venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and B-cell lymphoma, we asked if epigenetic events might be involved in venetoclax…
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An Autochthonous Mouse Model of Myd88- and BCL2-Driven Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Reveals Actionable Molecular Vulnerabilities
Based on gene expression profiles, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is subdivided into germinal center B-cell–like (GCB) and activated B-cell–like (ABC) DLBCL. Two of the most common genomic aberrations in ABC-DLBCL are mutations in MYD88 as well as BCL2 copy-number gains. Here, we employ…
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Mitochondrial respiration controls neoangiogenesis during wound healing and tumour growth
The vasculature represents a highly plastic compartment, capable of switching from a quiescent to an active proliferative state during angiogenesis. Metabolic reprogramming in endothelial cells (ECs) thereby is crucial to cover the increasing cellular energy demand under growth conditions. Here we…
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CHIP ubiquitylates NOXA and induces its lysosomal degradation in response to DNA damage
The BH3-only protein NOXA is a regulator of mitochondrial apoptosis by specifically antagonizing the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP controls NOXA stability after DNA damage. Our findings reveal that CHIP and MCL-1 are binding partners of NOXA and…
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Caspase-8 is the molecular switch for apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis
Caspase-8 is the initiator caspase of extrinsic apoptosis1,2 and inhibits necroptosis mediated by RIPK3 and MLKL. Accordingly, caspase-8 deficiency in mice causes embryonic lethality3, which can be rescued by deletion of either Ripk3 or Mlkl4-6. Here we show that the expression of enzymatically…
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BCL-2-family protein tBID can act as a BAX-like effector of apoptosis
During apoptosis, the BCL-2-family protein tBID promotes mitochondrial permeabilization by activating BAX and BAK and by blocking anti-apoptotic BCL-2 members. Here, we report that tBID can also mediate mitochondrial permeabilization by itself, resulting in release of cytochrome c and mitochondrial…