Prof. Dr. Martin Götte
The Götte laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms by which adult stem cells contribute to the progression of gynecological diseases, in order to develop targeted therapies. Our research on breast cancer focusses on the functional analysis of the role of microRNAs, matrix glycoproteins of the stem cell niche, and the Notch signaling pathway in maintenance of the cancer stem cell phenotype. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the processes that govern this particularly therapy-resistant tumor cell subpopulation is a prerequisite for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Along the same lines, we are investigating the involvement of adult uterine stem cells in the etiology of endometriosis, a disease characterized by pelvic pain, infertility and the need for frequent operations.