Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells, are a distinct subset of cells within a tumor that share features with stem cells. We have demonstrated previously that these cells play an outstanding role in the malignant progression, chemoresistance, metastasis, and relapse of solid tumors.
In the Stem Cells & Cancer Group, we study CSCs in gastrointestinal tumors, primarily in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The lab has a strong focus on basic research, using genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer as well as primary human patient tissues and cells. Furthermore we put strong emphasis on translating basic research results into a clinical setting, looking into screening and early detection methods for pancreatic neoplasias.
We are specifically interested in:
2018 – 2020: „Targeting Plasticity in Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PiPaC)”, German Cancer Aid
2017 - 2021: SFB 1279 "Exploiting the Human Peptidome for Novel Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents", German Research Council DFG
2015 – 2020: “Circulating tumor cells in EMT and metastasis” Max Eder Fellowship, German Cancer Aid
2017 – 2020: “Heterogeneity in solid tumors (HEIST), German Research Council DFG
2014 – 2017: “Tumorigenesis and stem cells” Hector Foundation
2014 – 2016: “Bausteinprogramm” Ulm University
2019 Poster Award of the Southwest German Society for Gastroenterology
2014 Poster Award of the Southwest German Society for Gastroenterology
2012 Hector Research Award Oncology
2011 Special Mention for Best Young Investigator Papers – Stem Cells
2008 Adolf Kußmaul Award of the Southwest German Society for Gastroenterology
Hermann PC, Sainz B Jr. Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells: A State or an Entity? Semin Cancer Biol. 2018 Dec;53:223-231.
Click here for complete publication list.
We currently offer positions for Master Students, a call for PhD students will be opened soon.
If you are interested in joining our group, please contact the PI directly under patrick.hermann@uni-ulm.de .