Wiedemann Lab
Gabriela Wiedemann's research group is interested in the interplay between different tumor and organ microenvironments and Natural Killer cells (NK cells). NK cells are crucial cytotoxic effector cells in the defense against viral infections and cancers. Being able to both rapidly recognize and lyse tumor cells and form long-lived memory cells, NK cells are the ideal effector cells for tumor immunotherapy. However, whereas their efficacy in hematological cancers is promising, solid tumors create harsh environments which inhibit NK cell entry and functionality. We are interested in unraveling the effect of different pathological microenvironments in the gastrointestinal tract on NK cells. Specifically, we want to investigate, how cues from these microenvironments shape the NK cell epigenetic landscape.
We believe that a detailed understanding of this intricate interplay will allow us to better design NK cell-based therapies for cancers like liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Lab members
PD Dr. Gabriela Wiedemann, MD, PI
I studied medicine in Munich, where my fascination with tumour immunology sparked during my doctoral thesis. During my clinical training in gastroenterology, I spent two years as a research fellow in Joe Sun's lab at MSKCC New York, diving deeper into the thrilling world of NK cell biology. I am now an assistant physician and, since 2021, Emmy Noether research group leader at the Department of Medicine II at Klinikum rechts der Isar. I'm intrigued at how diverse microenvironments shape NK cell phenotypes and cannot wait to unravel the molecular base to these changes.
Outside the lab I love climbing, hiking and running in nature and I really enjoy non-scientific literature.
Kevin Schmid, PhD student
I obtained my Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Technical University of Munich. Since 2021, I am working as a doctoral student at the laboratory of Dr. med. Gabriela Wiedemann, working on NK cells and the impact of TGF on their cytotoxic capacity within the tumour. In my work, I combine molecular biological work with sequencing-based methods to define novel downstream targets of the TGF signalling in NK cells.
In my spare time I really enjoy going for a run, cycling and swimming. But also, a beer after work with my colleagues having some marvellous discussions is something I do not refuse.
Robin Schenk, PhD student
I got my Master’s degree in Biology in 2019 at the LMU Munich, focusing heavily on Genetics and Bioinformatics. From 2019 to 2022 I worked as a professional software developer for Senacor before starting as doctoral student in the Wiedemann lab. The combination of generating experimental data and subsequent computational analysis really fascinates me, especially in the field of immunology with its intrinsic complexity.
Outside the lab I enjoy reading a compelling book, drinking Bavarian beer while playing Schafkopf or embarking on a brisk backpacking tour.
Karyna Pistrenko, Lab Technician
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biology from LMU Munich. As a student, I've had the opportunity to work in medical diagnostics, microbiology, and biotechnology, but I find working in the field of cancer immunology at the Wiedemann Lab to be the most enthralling, although challenging. I am now thrilled to have the opportunity to delve deep into researching NK cells alongside my research group fellows.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, and cuddling with my cats on lazy days.
Julia Baumgarten, cand. med.
I got my first insight into the world of immunology during my bachelor's degree in molecular biotechnology at TUM. There, my interest in experimental work was sparked.
After I finished my degree, I decided to study medicine.
I am excited to now write my medical thesis at an interface between experimental research and medical application, as it gives me the opportunity to combine my interests from both fields.
In my free time I like to read, go jogging and be creative.
Julia Stark, student assistant
At the moment I´m studying biotechnology at the university of applied sciences in Ansbach. Now I´m doing my Internship semester at the Wiedemann lab and after that I will write my bachelor thesis there. I really like working at the research lab because there are so many different things to do, so work is never boring.
Outside the lab I enjoy going to the gym or meet up with some friends. In summer we either go on a inline skating tour or we go swimming. But I also like goinig out for a nice party.
Former lab members
Lina Staufer, Senior lab technician
Sophia Große Wiesmann, FJN
Funding
Current Funding
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Emmy Noether Programm
Else Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung
TUM Junior Fellows Fund
Completed Funding
Kommission für Klinische Forschung
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Research Fellowship
Contact
Tel.: +49 89 4140 5975
E-mail: gabriela.wiedemann@mri.tum.de
Division of Translational Gastrointestinal Immunology (TGI)
Klinikum rechts der Isar University Hospital of the Technical University Munich