Theme 2: Haematopoiesis, lymphopoiesis & immune regulation


# Sub themes
2.1.1 Regulation of proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells
2.1.2 Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and lymphoid organogenesis
2.1.3 Malignant transformation of hematopoietic stem cells
2.1.4 Identification of diagnostic and therapeutic targets and therapeutic development
2.1.5 Transcriptional control of erythroid differentiation
2.2 Molecular determinants of therapy response and outcome in childhood cancer
2.3 Lymphoid differentiation and immunodeficiencies
2.4 Diagnosis, classification and treatment evaluation of leukemias and malignant lymphomas
2.5 Immune regulation and autoimmunity
2.6 Neuromuscular and degenerative diseases of the nervous system
2.7 Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the posterior segment and strabismus

General descripton of theme 2:  Haematopoiesis, lymphopoiesis & immune regulation
Within main theme 2 the research deals with the molecular regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid and lymphoid cells (particularly stem cell biology, erythropoiesis, granulopoiesis, lymphocyte development), and aberrations determining malignant transformation (e.g. in murine models and pathogenetic clinical studies). The basic aspects of the programs of main theme 2 are complemented by components related to the function and dysfunction and deficiency of the differentiated “end” cells both in physiological conditions and in disease. It also includes research projects that address neuro-muscular diseases and neuro-inflammatory disorders. Specific programs have an extension towards clinical application and involve investigations related to developmental diagnostics and therapeutics (e.g. molecular diagnostics, therapeutic targeting in leukemia as well as stem cell transplantation and gene therapy).