Nikolaus Fiebiger Centre of Molecular Medicine, Dept. of Experimental Medicine I & Children's Hospital, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg

The Dept. of Experimental Medicine I & Children’s Hospital Main (Gene & Cell Therapy group) is focused on tissue engineering using genetically modified adult stem cells and gene therapy of inherited disorders.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Group of the Department of Experimental Medicine I currently consists of 15 scientists.

Klaus von der Mark, Prof. Dr., Head of Department
Holm Schneider, PD Dr., Group leader/contact

Glueckstr. 6
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone: +49-9131-8529101
Fax: +49-9131-8526341

The Cell and Gene Therapy Group has developed a novel therapeutic strategy that addresses the utility of mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by differentiation factor gene transfer for cartilage and bone regeneration. The application of bone morphogenetic proteins or the respective cDNA can induce new bone formation and chondrogenesis. The group has also shown that growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor I or their cDNA exert have protective effects on the replacement tissues. The mesenchymal cells, isolated from bone marrow or fat and modified ex vivo by plasmid-mediated or viral gene transfer were charaterised and analysed. In animal models it could be shown that stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells by differentiation factor gene transfer is suitable for bone and cartilage restoration. The group is collaborating in this project with Prof. J. Wiltfang (University of Kiel), Prof. F. W. Neukam (University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery), Dr. T. Ritter (Charite, Berlin) and Dr. T. Aigner (Institute of Pathology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg).

Two other projects deal with the preclinical investigations of the concept of gene therapy in utero (therapy of Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa and haemophilia).