Skip to main content
Embryonic stem cells colony under a microscope 3D illustration
Eduard Muzhevskyi - stock.adobe.com

ISF Institute of Stem Cell Research

The ISF investigates the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms for stem cell maintenance and stem cell differentiation. On this basis, the ISF develops approaches for the replacement of degenerated cell types, either by activation of endogenous stem cells or by re-programming other endogenous cells for repair.

The ISF investigates the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms for stem cell maintenance and stem cell differentiation. On this basis, the ISF develops approaches for the replacement of degenerated cell types, either by activation of endogenous stem cells or by re-programming other endogenous cells for repair.

Research Groups

Neuron in action
peterschreiber.media - stock.adobe.com
Götz Group

Neural Stem Cells

Our research aims to elucidate the key mechanisms of neurogenesis in the developing and adult brain. In contrast to organs such as the skin, the small intestine or the hematopoietic system, most cells in the adult mammalian nervous system are permanently postmitotic, such as the neurons and the oligodendrocytes, and are not turned over nor regenerated once they die. Neurogenesis persists only in very few regions of the adult mammalian forebrain, and neurons degenerated after acute or chronic injury are not replaced in the adult mammalian brain. To overcome this, we study neurogenesis when and where it works with the aim to reactivate these mechanisms and re-instruct neurogenesis after brain injury. Using our developmental knowledge about neurogenesis, we have pioneered the approach to generate new neurons by direct reprogramming from glial cells, first in vitro and then in vivo which has now become a world-wide very active field of research and an interesting approach for novel therapeutic approaches to brain repair (Barker et al., Nature 2018; Grade & Götz, Regen. Medicine 2017).

Genetic engineering and gene manipulation concept. Hand is replacing part of a DNA molecule.
vchalup - stock.adobe.com
Stricker Group

Epigenetic Engineering

Principle investigator Dr. Stefan H. Stricker joined the Institute for Stem Cell Research at the Helmholtz Zentrum München as a guest scientist associated with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich. Since December 2016 he is the head of the MCN Junior Research group "Epigenome Editing" at the BioMedical Center.

Microglia are immune cells in the brain
Artur/ stock.adobe.com
Ninkovic Group

Neurogenesis and Regeneration

We focus on basic and translational research in the field of the central nervous system (CNS) repair and regeneration aiming at novel strategies for brain repair and regeneration by modulating the function of glial cells. We aim at providing a basis for the development of new therapies for patients affected by stroke, neurotrauma or neurodegenerative diseases.

Institute: Scientists at ISF

Magdalena Götz Porträt

Prof. Dr. Magdalena Götz

Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research View profile

Dr. Judith Fischer

Deputy Director

Elsa Melo

Secretary
Porträt Stefan Stricke

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan H. Stricker

Head of Group Epigenetic Engineering

Dr. rer. nat. Fatma Uzbas

Post-doc

Alessandro Zambusi

Post-doc

Christina Koupourtidou

Post-doc

Klara Novoselc

Post-doc

Maximilian Wiesbeck

PhD Student

Giulia Antognolli

PhD Student

Detlef Franzen

Technical assistant

Dr. Giacomo Masserdotti

Senior Scientist

Poornemaa Natarajan

PhD Student

Matteo Puglisi

PhD Student

Dr. Pawel Smialowski

Post-doc

Manja Thorwirth

Technical assistant

Daniela Cimino

PhD Student

Florencia Merino

PhD Student

Paulina Chlebik

Technical asisstant

Yiling Li

PhD Student

Ana Malpartida

PhD Student

Giorgia Bulli

PhD Student

Dr. Maroussia Hennes

Post-doc

Luisa Egert

PhD Student

Edina Kepesidis

Lab Coordinator

Deeksha (No Last Name)

PhD Student

Matilde Iraci

PhD Student

Simon Imhof

HiWi Student