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.
Lina Staufer, Senior lab technician
After completing my apprenticeship as a laboratory assistant at the university of Erlangen, I studied biotechnology at the universities of applied sciences in Ansbach and Esslingen and graduated with a Master of Science degree. I am passionate about working with different immunological, molecular biological and (immuno-) histological methods and preclinical experiments.
In my spare time I sew children's clothes and grow vegetables in my garden. Fun Fact: I jumped from the world’s highest bungee jumping bridge (216 m), the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy in South Africa.
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.
Sophia Große Wiesmann, FJN
I recently passed my A-levels at the Korbinian-Aigner-Gymnasium in Erding, one of my main exams being about human metabolism. Currently, I work as a volunteer at the Med II laboratories in Munich with AG Wiedemann. It’s very exciting for me to learn more about immunology since school barely even scratches the surface of that topic. My goal is to eventually contribute to a cure for cancers with a bad prognosis, such as PDAC or HCC, which is why potential therapy methods and how they work exactly are what pique my curiosity the most.
My favorite immune cells are macrophages, because they invoke nostalgia in me: I had lots of fun imagining them eating pathogens when I first read about them as a child..
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