Zell- und Entwicklungsbiologie (Iden)

The research field in short

The Iden lab investigates biological mechanisms that govern how mammalian cells organize, communicate, and function within tissues in both health and disease. We study cell polarity, cell–cell adhesion, and tissue architecture, particularly in self-renewing epithelial tissues like the skin. By combining genetically engineered mouse models, advanced imaging, biophysical methods, and primary cell systems, we investigate how polarity signaling and intercellular communication coordinate tissue homeostasis and how their disruption contributes to pathological conditions such as cancer. Our work aims to link molecular and cellular processes to tissue-scale organization and disease progression, with implications for developmental biology, tissue repair, and oncogenesis.

 

Key research questions

  • Cell-cell communication
  • Tissue patterning, tissue homeostasis & disease
  • Skin biology & cancer
  • Sex differences in cell & tissue biology
  • Cell polarity
 

Detailed description of research questions

Research topics and questions include how mammalian barrier tissues are formed, maintained and repaired following damage, and which cell types are involved in this; how unequal cell types within epithelial tissues communicate with each other; how cytoskeletal components support cellular networks of skin immune cells; which molecular mechanisms ensure skin pigmentation and responses to extrinsic factors such as extracellular matrix or signals from neighbouring cells; how cancer cells react to and shape their environment; and more. Please refer to our website to learn more about our research projects and questions.

 

Additional info & contact

Iden lab
Cell & Developmental Biology
Center for Human and Molecular Biology (ZHMB)
Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM)
Faculty of Medicine
Saarland University
Building 61.4 (Forschungsgebäude)
Kirrberger Straße
66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany

CV

 

Website

Publications