Prof. Dr. Zimmermann Dieter
Main Field(s) of Research, Abstract
Basic research project: Structure, expression and functions of versicans
In
our long-term basic research project we have been focusing on the large
chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican and its putative role in the
regulation of interactions between cells and their surrounding
extracellular matrix. This proteoglycan has been originally
characterized by members of our group, partly in the USA and partly
here at the Department of Pathology. Immunohistochemical, biochemical
and cell biological studies of expression and function of different
splice-variants of versican from our and other groups have provided
strong evidence that versicans modulate cell proliferation and cell
migration and control axonal growth during development. The marked
re-expression of versicans in tumors of epithelial and non-epithelial
origin has indicated a similar role of versican during tumor formation
and progression. By analyzing the function of versicans in normal cell
migration and proliferation during development we hope to gain insights
into functional consequences of aberrant versican expression in
neoplastic processes. Our approach includes functional in vitro assays,
in ovo experiments and generation and analysis of knock-out mouse
models.
Translational research projects:
Application of molecular biological techniques to supplement
histological and cytological diagnostics in the pathology.
One
of these current research projects focuses on the improvement of the
little invasive cytological cancer diagnostics by including analysis of
microsatellites for the demonstration of genetic instability (loss of
heterozygosity) at specific loci. Special emphasis is set on improving
reproducibility and quantitative aspects in order to fulfill the strict
quality requirements for diagnostic applications.
Furthermore, we
are working on improving the detection of specific translocations using
different PCR-techniques. Special fields of interest are lymphomas and
soft tissue tumor diagnostics on fresh and formalin fixed-tissues.
Main Fields of Research, Keywords
Extracellular matrix, proteoglycans, cell adhesion control, axon
guidance, neuronal development, tumor development, molecular medicine,
molecular pathology
Special Techniques and Equipment
Wide range of molecular biological, gene targeting, proteinchemical, immunological and cell biological techniques.
Education and Training
We have training opportunities for PhD and MD students as well as post-docs with their own funding.