Signaling and Functional Genomics

Signal transduction pathways and their integration into cellular networks play a key role for cell differentiation, pattern formation, and homeostasis. The ability to correctly receive and transmit molecular signals is crucial for all organisms. Perturbations leading to improper activation, for example through mutations, have severe consequences, such as the development of cancer in man. We are studying signaling systems using post-genomic analysis approaches.

A focus in our group is the application of large-scale genetic and genomic approaches, such as RNA interference screens to comprehensively characterize gene function on a genome-wide scale. We pursue both experimental and computational approaches and study conserved developmental-oncogenic signaling pathways in cultured human cells and in model organisms.