MDC Berlin

New biomarkers could predict which therapy is likely to be most effective in treating the distant metastases of colorectal cancer. Researchers from the MDC and Charité as well as from industry partners have identified the molecular signatures of such metastases using mouse and 3D models, as they now report in the journal “Molecular Cancer”.

Are prototype vaccines key to prepare for future pandemics? And how does an infection with SARS-CoV-2 impact the cardiovascular health of patients? Together with partners, the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) is hosting panel discussions on COVID-19 at World Health Summit and Berlin Science Week.

When cells make the wrong decision, diseases ensue. This insight came from Berlin – namely from Rudolf Virchow, whose 200th birthday is being celebrated this year. To mark the anniversary, Berlin research institutions have announced the founding of the Berlin Cell Hospital. The MDC occupies a leading role in the project.

MDC PhD student Matthias Jürgen Schmitt is being honored with the Curt Meyer Memorial Prize of the Berlin Cancer Society for his achievements in cancer research. He employs molecular reporters to investigate how glioblastoma – the deadliest brain tumor of all – becomes resistant to therapies.

Nikolaus Rajewsky wants to be able to detect diseases as they develop in the cells and fight them before they begin to cause damage. The systems biologist is establishing networks at all levels to help cell-based medicine achieve a breakthrough in Berlin and across Europe.

The MDC has joined six other biomedical research institutes to nurture Europe’s next generation of physician-scientists. “Emerald”, the first European-wide PhD program for medical doctors will provide state-of-the-art training and help to bridge the gap between lab research and clinical practice.

When it comes to making contracts or sharing research results, the Legal Department is there to make things run smoothly. Kirstin Bodensiek, the department’s head, explains in an interview why communication is the be-all and end-all in her job and what it all has to do with volleyball.

Studies at the MDC and the BIH have revealed that the liver, gallbladder and pancreas arise from a common pool of progenitor cells and that the supply of cells from this pool is inexhaustible. These findings may contribute to the development of new regenerative therapies, the researchers write in the journal “Nature”.

Present your research findings, meet new people, discover common interests, and initiate new joint projects – on November 4, 2021 postdocs have a forum of their own. Additionally if you’d like to know what research has to do with improv theater, don’t miss Uri Alon’s keynote talk.