Molecular and Developmental Stem Cell Biology

This interdisciplinary Master’s degree course is oriented to cutting-edge research and current markets. The course combines traditional basic disciplines such as cell biology, histology, biochemistry and pathology with recent progress in epigenetics, bioinformatics and developmental biology to secure a broad understanding towards innovative translational approaches in medicine.Stem cells have a major impact on nearly all disciplines of life sciences dealing with eukaryotic cells or organisms. Predictably, a strong demand for young scientists who are able to cope with a highly interdisciplinary approach will arise in the near future. Participants should learn to integrate different types of knowledge such as the chemistry of small molecules, bioinformatics of nucleic acids, protein networks, biochemistry of transcription factors, genetics and epigenetics, systems biology and applied medical sciences from bench to bedside for treating degenerative diseases of the brain, muscle, liver and skin etc. Recently, it has become possible to reprogramme patient-derived cells opening up new perspectives for cell replacement therapy and patient-specific drug development. Defined combinations of transcription factors may even allow trans-differentiation of fibroblasts into neurons. The application of nanoparticles may be useful to enhance penetration of regulatory proteins into cells thus avoiding DNA for reprogramming cells. In general, gaining knowledge in epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression is on the priority list of teaching. Inspection of differentiating stem cells with a super-resolution microscope (stimulated emission depletion, STED) will help to advance our knowledge in this rapidly evolving field of molecular stem cell biology. All the above mentioned aspects will be covered both in theory and in hands-on practical courses in an international environment.