Molecular Endocrinology
The understanding of signalling pathways in contexts of disease is essential. Similarly, it is important to discover biomarkers to better diagnose and classify disorders. Hormones, growth factors and inflammatory signals control cellular functions by the regulation of intra cellular signals - in many cases such signals are changed in metabolic disturbances e.g. diabetes, in growth and in immunological disorders. At the Unit for Molecular Endocrinology we seek to understand how hormones /differentiation related signals contribute to the above mentioned disorders with the ultimate goal to improve therapy. In addition we have defined the need to improve diagnostic procedures to better classify and monitor disease processes.
In the research group, we aim to (i) obtain a systematic view of cell signalling using high through put techniques, (ii) conduct a molecular dissection of pathways and (iii) discover new biomarkers. Our unit consists of different research teams that share the interest to elucidate signalling in different types of organs and relate this to diabetes, growth related disorders and immunological disorders. The unit is held together by similarities in scientific approach and in the technologies used. Collaborations between members of the group and other research groups provide the basis for constructive progress in translational medicine. Our research unit harbours different initiatives to advance science and meet new challenges and opportunities. We actively take part in the formation of collaborative alliances ranging from entrepreneurial companies to large companies. International collaborations range from conventional research collaborations to the building up new scientific research platforms in China.
Research Teams
-
The JAK-STAT-SOCS signalling pathway
-
A systems biology approach to understand the interactions between hormones and life style during the development of type 2 diabetes
-
Control of stem cell development and actions of steroid hormones
-
Chondrocyte differentiation
-
Quantitative profiling applied to hormone research and cytokine signalling in liver metabolism.