Scheich Lab
Research

GOETHE UNIVERSITY

RESEARCH

Our focus and mission

"Our group focuses on translational cancer research to ultimately improve patient outcomes. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge in two specific research fields: (i) study signaling and find potential therapeutic targets in lymphoid malignancies and (ii) to understand the impact of the microbiome in cancer patients. Our overarching objective is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms contributing to the onset of hematologic malignancies and patients' response to established therapeutic modalities.

In our lymphoma research, we use preclinical models to understand the complex signaling dynamics in lymphoma and dissect the genetic heterogeneity of the diseases to find novel therapeutic approaches.

In our microbiome research, we primarily center on the analysis of patient-derived materials, allowing us to delve into the intricacies of individual genetic and microbiome profiles. By focusing on these personalized aspects, we aim to uncover insights that may inform more tailored and effective treatment strategies for hematologic cancers.

Through rigorous investigations and collaborations, the Scheich Lab endeavors to contribute to the advancement of precision medicine and improve outcomes for patients battling these complex diseases."

Lymphoid Malignancies

Lymphomas are a heterogenous group of diseases with a variety of different entities and subtypes. Among all lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype. Although a substantial number of patients can be cured with standard-of-care therapies, many patients suffer from highly aggressive disease relapse. DLBCL is a genetically heterogenous disease and integrative genomic analyses have unveiled distinct DLBCL subtypes associated with unique molecular profiles, distinct engaged signaling pathways and different clinical outcomes.
Our lab combines cutting-edge technologies such as genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens and functional proteomics paired with super-resolution microscopy to understand the complex biology of the disease, unveil oncogenic signaling pathways and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. These efforts hold promise for precision medicine approaches and the development of innovative therapies to combat this complex and heterogeneous disease.

Microbiome

The human microbiome, the diverse community of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, has emerged as a focal point in understanding various diseases, including cancer. In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to the intricate interplay between the microbiome and the development of hematologic cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. While the exact mechanisms underlying this relationship are still being elucidated, accumulating evidence suggests that the microbiome plays a significant role in influencing cancer development, progression, and treatment response.
Our research integrates cutting-edge methodologies such as NGS-based 16S and shotgun-microbiome studies, FACS-based immune cell profiling, single cell RNA sequencing and plasma proteomics including all necessary downstream bioinformatic pipelines. Through these approaches, we aim to understand how the microbiome, molecular signatures, and genetic factors influence immune reconstitution dynamics. By uncovering these mechanisms, we strive to develop personalized therapeutic strategies to enhance immune recovery and improve patient outcomes.

Scheich LabResearch