Our research in Hematology and Oncology is dedicated to understanding the role of cell death (apoptosis) and cell death signalling in diseases, such as cancer, with the aim of developing new therapies from this knowledge (make sure to watch the YouTube video on our cell death research for details). The Debatin lab was involved in the early discovery of one of the key apoptosis signalling pathways (CD95/APO/Fas in 1989 and 1990), while identifying and initially describing its role in cancer therapy in 1996. A particular focus lies on strategies to overcome treatment resistance in leukemia, neuroblastoma and brain tumors. In doing so, we have addressed several issues dealing with apoptosis regulators and apoptosis signalling as prognostic factors and therapeutic targets, and have thereby contributed to the development of new drugs for cancer therapy. By using models of primary leukemias, we are in the process of analyzing aspects of leukemia stem cell function and apoptosis sensitivity of leukemia-initiating cells as well as parameters for treatment response and outcome in patients. The expertise of our work group has been introduced into the international study group (I-BFM) for the treatment of childhood leukaemia. In the area of solid tumors, we investigate the molecular pathways which may provide novel therapeutic targets in glioblastoma by utilizing patient-derived tumor cells.

The Experimental Pediatric Oncology Section investigates the molecular pathogenesis and diagnosis of neuroblastoma and develops experimental therapy for neuroblastoma and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

In the field of Non-malignant Hematological Diseases, we also investigate pathological processes and the underlying molecular alterations as a basis for the development of specific treatment strategies, especially in the area of congenital and acquired erythrocytoses/polycythemias, as well as rare metabolic defects associated with the disruption of hematopoiesis.

In the area of Stem cell transplantation and Immunology, our work groups have significantly contributed to the development of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantations and have characterised the genetic origins of several forms of severe combined immune defects (SCID). In the early seventies one of the first ever bone marrow transplants in children in Europe was performed at our hospital. Novel therapies, such as haploidentical stem cell transplantations, cell-based immunotherapies and, most recently, radio immunotherapy-based conditioning for reduced toxicity during treatment of severe combined immune defects, congenital hematological disorders and leukaemias, have since been developed. The work group at Ulm University is part of the federal network on primary immunodeficiencies.

The research areas of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes include development and disturbances of the endocrine system, endocrine regulation of body weight and diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2. The main focus of research projects lays in diseases going along with alterations in adipose tissue mass and function such as obesity and lipodystrophies and their comorbidities. On one hand the aim is to identify the underlying pathophysiology on the genetic, molecular, cellular, organ and systemic level. On the other hand, novel treatment options are evaluated in clinical studies.

The research of the Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Section is dedicated to clinical studies related to primary care of neonates and preterm infants. Our centre participates in a number of multicenter randomized trials, including the coordination of a European multicenter study on the use of inhalative NO treatment, and has initiated a study on permissive hypercapnia in very immature preterm infants.

In the Division of Social Pediatrics and Child Neurology, we study the developmental prognosis of neonates after severe perinatal asphyxia and the long-term prognosis of premature babies of very low birth weight. We are assessing the influence of longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids on characteristics and cognition in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Finally, we study the long term development and outpatient care of children with ADHD.

Our research in haematology and oncology is focused on understanding the role of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and cell death signalling pathways in diseases such as cancer in order to develop new therapies (watch the DFG video about our cell death research on YouTube). The abnormal death of diseased cells is an important factor in the development and control of cancer. The Debatin lab was involved in the early discovery of one of the central apoptosis signalling pathways (CD95/APO/Fas) (1989, 1990). In 1996, our scientists identified the role of cell death signalling pathways in cancer therapy in one of the first descriptions. A particular focus is on possible approaches to overcoming resistance to therapy in leukaemias, neuroblastomas and brain tumours. We have investigated various issues relating to apoptosis regulators and apoptosis signalling pathways as factors for estimating treatment success and as therapeutic targets and have contributed to the development of new drugs in cancer therapy. Using models of primary leukaemias, we analyse aspects of the function of leukaemia stem cells and the apoptosis sensitivity of leukaemia-initiating cells as well as factors influencing the success of treatment in patients. The expertise of our working group is incorporated into the international study group (I-BFM) for the treatment of childhood leukaemia. In the field of solid tumours, we are working on the molecular mechanisms whose characterisation with primary patient material can lead to new therapeutic approaches in glioblastoma.

The Section of Experimental Paediatric Oncology investigates the molecular pathogenesis and methods for diagnosing neuroblastomas and develops experimental therapies for neuroblastomas and acute lymphoblastic leukaemias.

In the field of non-malignant haematological diseases, we are also investigating the processes of pathological changes and their underlying molecular causes. These could serve as the basis for targeted treatment, particularly in the area of congenital and acquired erythrocytosis/polycythaemia (a sharp increase in red blood cells) and rare metabolic defects with blood formation disorders.

In the field of stem cell transplantation and immunology, our research groups have contributed significantly to the development of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation and have characterised the genetic basis of various types of severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID). One of the very first bone marrow transplants in children in Europe was carried out at our clinic in the early 1970s. Since then, novel therapies such as haploidentical stem cell transplantation, cell-based immunotherapies and most recently radioimmunotherapy-based conditioning have been developed to reduce toxicity in the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency, congenital haematological diseases and leukaemias. The research group at the University of Ulm coordinates the focus on severe combined immunodeficiency within the German network of primary immunodeficiency diseases.

The research areas of the Section of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology include the development and disorders of the endocrine system, the endocrine control of body weight and diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2. The main focus of our research projects is on diseases associated with changes in adipose tissue and its function, such as obesity, lipodystrophies and their associated diseases. On the one hand, the aim is to identify the underlying pathophysiology at the genetic, molecular, cellular, organ and systemic level. On the other hand, treatment options are tested in clinical trials.

The research of the Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care Section is dedicated to clinical studies on the primary care of newborns and premature babies. Our centre is involved in a number of randomised trials, including the coordination of a European multicentre trial on the use of inhaled nitric oxide treatment. In addition, a study has been initiated to improve artificial ventilation in very immature premature babies.

In the Social Paediatric Centre and Paediatric Neurology Section, we are investigating the assessment of the future development (prognosis) of newborns after severe respiratory arrest (asphyxia) and the long-term development of very small premature babies. We determine the influence of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on the course and perception (cognition) of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD ) as well as the long-term care situation and development of children with ADHD.

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Research Reports

• 2015-2018 (in English only)
• 2011-2014 (in English only)
• 2006-2010 (in German only)