University of Cologne

The Institute of Neurophysiology of the University of Cologne is traditionally involved in the studies of the signal transduction pathways in stem cells (embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells) and their transposition into the cellular function and genetics (functional genomics). The main expertise is in establishing differentiation protocols for human and murine ES cells, functional genetics, use of knockout technologies, modification of stem cells (e.g. expression of the green fluorescent protein reporter gene), signal transduction and the extra-cellular matrix, as well as animal transplant models. The focus of work is on differentiation into cardiac, neuronal and haemangioblastic cells (angiogenesis, tumour vascularisation). Among the highlights of UKK’s work is the explanation and precise measurement of the physiological, functional and morphological properties of cell derivatives developed from embryonic stem cells. UKK has experience coordinating EU-funded projects, and currently coordinates the pan-European FunGenES consortium (Functional Genomics in Mouse ES cells).

Jürgen Hescheler

Prof. Hescheler, the Director of the Institute of Neurophysiology at the University of Cologne, has been working with embryonic stem cells for over 16 years. Beginning with studies on cellular signal transduction, he has defined many important basic aspects both for fundamental research and for clinical applications. Prof. Hescheler was the first scientist worldwide to perform electrophysiological experiments on stem cells and is a pioneer in establishing stem cell research for application in transplantation medicine.

Dimitry Spitkovsky

PhD. Presently group leader in the Institute of Neurophysiology, Dimitry Spitkovsky studies mitochondrial functions in embryonic stem cells of mice and human origin. Previously with Kourion Therapeutics AG, Germany, he was study director in several projects relevant for evaluation of unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) for treatment of ischemia in hind limb ischemia model in mice; and acute and chronic myocardial infarction after intracoronary and epicardial applications of USSC in pigs. At Kourion he was also leading a Flow Cytometry Unit for quality control of USSC.

Agapios Sachinidis

Prof. Sachinidis’ scientific work relates to cellular and molecular experiments of signal transduction cascades in cardiovascular cells as well as in embryonic stem cells. The signalling studies together with functional genomics of embryonic stem cells play a major role in our understanding of developmental processes of stem cells as well as of cardiovascular diseases. He is especially interested in specific differentiation of ES cells to various mesodermal-derived somatic cells by developing special differentiation protocols using growth factors and biologically active phospholipids, serum-free culture techniques for ES cells, and generating somatic lineages from ES cells.

Johannes Winkler

After having obtained his PhD in Immunology and Genetics, Johannes Winkler joined the FunGenES consortium working for the optimisation of synergy and knowledge management in this integrated FP6 project. Johannes’ work focuses on functional genomics of ES cells and their developmental biology.