​Research at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology

Prof. Simon's research group focuses on various aspects of wound healing research, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the analysis, risk assessment and treatment recommendation of chronic wounds. The knowledge gained is also being used to develop new applications for AI in clinical and outpatient dermatology.

In other studies funded by industry cooperations, we are working on new immunization strategies in tumor therapy.

Together with PD Dr. rer. nat. Anja Saalbach, we are investigating the relationship between the severity of inflammatory skin diseases and obesity and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the diet. We have successfully translated basic research findings into a clinical study.

We are currently investigating whether the diet we have developed can prevent the loss of efficacy of biologic therapies for psoriasis. Together with Dr. Benjamin Klein, these studies will lead to new precision medicine strategies for inflammatory skin diseases.

The Pollennet research network is also exploring new methods for predicting pollen counts using AI-based models.

Scientific Director

Prof. Dr. med. Jan C. Simon

Group leader

• Dr. rer. nat. habil. Ulf Anderegg
• PD Dr. rer. nat. habil. Anja Saalbach
• Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sandra Franz​

Topics

• ​​Significanc​e of the dermal microenvironment for inflammatory processes (Saalbach, Franz, Anderegg, Simon)​
  
• ​MeraNet
  
• PollenNet


• PsoN​utrition

The research focus of the Kunz working group is on the molecular biological basis of malignant melanoma and the immunology of psoriasis and lupus erythematosus. In addition to genetic studies on human samples and corresponding mouse models, this also includes functional cell biological analyses of melanoma cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and T cells. In particular, we have recently been using single-cell sequencing technology (single-cell RNA-seq and single-cell ATAC-seq) and spatial sequencing. The results are being incorporated into a CAR T cell project on melanoma.
 

Group leader

Prof. Dr. med. Manfred Kunz
 

PhD and MD students

• A.Stubenvoll (PhD)
• C. Schultz (PhD)
• M. Lingner Chango (PhD)
• T. Reidenbach (MD)
• A. Schönberg (MD)

Topics

• Intracellular signal transduction
• RNA interference
• Cellular heterogeneity in melanoma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus
• Receptor-ligand interactions in immune processes
• Chromatin structures in immune cells
• CAR T cells​

Selected Publications​​

• Stubenvoll A, Schmidt M, Moeller J, Chango MAL, Schultz C, Antoniadou O, Loeffler-Wirth H, Bernhart S, Große F, Thier B, Paschen A, Anderegg U, Simon JC, Ziemer M, Schoeder CT, Binder H, Kunz M. Single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics point to CD58-CD2 interaction in controlling primary melanoma growth and immunity. Cancer Commun (Lond). 2025 Jan 15. doi: 10.1002/cac2.12651.
• Karras F, Kunz M. Patient-derived melanoma models. Pathol Res Pract. 2024 Jul; 259:155231. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155231.
• Frost B, Schmidt M, Klein B, Loeffler-Wirth H, Krohn K, Reidenbach T, Binder H, Stubenvoll A, Simon JC, Saalbach A, Kunz M. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals prominent expression of IL-14, IL-18, and IL-32 in psoriasis. Eur J Immunol. 2023 Nov;53(11):e2250354. doi: 10.1002/eji.202250354.
• Klein B, Kunz M. Current concepts of photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Aug 25;9:939594. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.939594.
• Saalbach A, Kunz M. Impact of Chronic Inflammation in Psoriasis on Bone Metabolism. Front Immunol. 2022 Jun 23;13:925503. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.925503.
• Klein B, Treudler R, Dumann K, Boldt A, Schumann I, Simon JC, Kunz M. Clinical response of CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption to an anti-interleukin-17A antibody. Br J Dermatol. 2022 Sep;187(3):419-422. doi: 10.1111/bjd.21229.
• Kunz M. Melanoma development: stage-dependent cancer competence of the melanocytic lineage. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2021 Dec 20;6(1):433. doi: 10.1038/s41392-021-00854-3.
• Reschke R, Gussek P, Boldt A, Sack U, Köhl U, Lordick F, Gora T, Kreuz M, Reiche K, Simon JC, Ziemer M, Kunz M. Distinct Immune Signatures Indicative of Treatment Response and Immune-Related Adverse Events in Melanoma Patients under Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jul 27;22(15):8017. doi: 10.3390/ijms22158017
• Kunz M, Brandl M, Bhattacharya A, Nobereit-Siegel L, Ewe A, Weirauch U, Hering D, Reinert A, Kalwa H, Guzman J, Weigelt K, Wach S, Taubert H, Aigner A. Nanoparticle-complexed antimiRs for inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in prostate carcinoma and melanoma. J Nanobiotechnology. 2020 Nov 23;18(1):173. doi: 10.1186/s12951-020-00728-w.
• Kunz M, Löffler-Wirth H, Dannemann M, Willscher E, Doose G, Kelso J, Kottek T, Nickel B, Hopp L, Landsberg J, Hoffmann S, Tüting T, Zigrino P, Mauch C, Utikal J, Ziemer M, Schulze HJ, Hölzel M, Roesch A, Kneitz S, Meierjohann S, Bosserhoff A, Binder H, Schartl M. RNA-seq analysis identifies different transcriptomic types and developmental trajectories of primary melanomas. Oncogene. 2018 Nov;37(47):6136-6151. doi: 10.1038/s41388-018-0385-y.​

​

​​Professor for Skin Regeneration

The research team at AG Franz is interested on the complexity of inflammatory and wound healing processes in the skin. We investigate the coordinated interaction of immune cells and skin cells during tissue repair and how changes in this cell-cell communication contribute to wound healing disorders in chronic wounds and skin fibrosis. In addition, we explore the influence of metabolic factors on skin tissue function and investigate how local changes in iron and metabolites influence cell growth and communication in skin homeostasis and tissue repair. Another research focus are biomaterial-based therapy strategies to support wound healing processes and skin regeneration. In interdisciplinary collaborations with materials scientists, we develop various biomaterials that can induce effective skin wound healing by modulating local immune responses and triggering repair programs in tissue cells.

Research focus Overview​

​Group leader

Scientists

Dr. Anja Saalbach's research group is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms that regulate inflammation and tissue repair processes in the skin. Their work focuses on the following questions:

Thy-1 – an anti-fibrotic factor?     

The group investigates the role of Thy-1 (CD90) in the regulation of fibrosis and inflammatory processes, as well as its importance in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Particular attention is given to the functions of Thy-1 in fibroblasts, endothelial cells, neuronal cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. 

Further information

Dermal adipose tissue – an underestimated regulator of inflammation and tissue repair?

This project explores the immune-regulatory properties of dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) and its role in controlling inflammation and tissue repair mechanisms. 

Further information

How does obesity exacerbate inflammatory processes?         

The group studies the impact of obesity on inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and tissue repair mechanisms. These findings were translated into the clinical practice. 

Further information​​

The research group of PD Dr. rer. nat. habil. Ulf Anderegg's research group focuses on the functional role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in maintaining tissue homeostasis and in pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, wound healing and tissue remodeling. We focus on HA synthesis by the three known HA synthases (HAS1-3) and investigate their specific roles using constitutive and conditional knockout mouse models. We analyze their influence on cellular differentiation (e.g. mesenchymal stem cells), inflammatory pathways and matrix dynamics in different tissues, in particular skin and bone. The results show that despite identical products, the synthases have distinct functions, e.g. in the acute cutaneous inflammatory response, in wound healing or in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix.

A second focus is the modulation of impaired wound healing processes through the development of biomimetic materials based on collagen and glycosaminoglycan. We are also successfully collaborating with interested industrial partners in the evaluation of interesting materials. These biomaterial composites are being evaluated for their interaction with dermal fibroblasts, their ability to control matrix synthesis and their function as temporary tissue substitutes. Established 2D and 3D cell culture models and an in vivo mouse model of chronic wounds will be used. The aim is to develop immunologically compatible aECM-coated materials that allow improved cell integration and tissue regeneration.

Group leader

• ​Dr. rer. nat. Ulf Anderegg (Laboratory manager)

Technical Staff

• Gwendolin Jahr ​

Third-party funding

• DFG: 59307082, Transregio-SFB TRR67, Teilprojekte B4/Z1, 2009-2021
• DFG 53182997: Funktion des Thy-1 auf mesenchymalen Stammzellen: Bedeutung für die Regulation von biologischen Prozessen wie Entzündung, Immunreaktionen, Geweberegeneration und der Hämatopoese, 2008-2019
• DFG: 5283462, Physiologische Relevanz des humanen Thy-1 für Entzündungsprozesse und die Tumormetastasierung, 2000-2007
• DFG: 276054890, Die Rolle stromaler Hyaluronsäure für das Tumorwachstum beim malignen Melanom, 2015-2019
• Industrieprojekte ​

Publications

• Saalbach A, Stein M, Lee S, Krügel U, Haffner-Luntzer M, Krohn K, Franz S, Simon JC, Tuckermann J, Anderegg U.  Bone quality relies on hyaluronan synthesis – Insights from mice with complete knockout of hyaluronan synthase expression. Matrix Biol. Plus. Elsevier B.V.; 2024; 24(August):100163; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mbplus.2024.100163 
• Schmaus A, Rothley M, Schreiber C, Möller S, Roßwag S, Franz S, Garvalov BK, Thiele W, Spataro S, Herskind C, Prunotto M, Anderegg U, Schnabelrauch M, Sleeman J. Sulfated hyaluronic acid inhibits the hyaluronidase CEMIP and regulates the HA metabolism, proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts. Matrix Biol. 2022 May;109:173-191. doi: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.04.001. Epub 2022 Apr 8. PMID: 35405271
• Spiller, S.; Wippold, T.; Bellmann-Sickert, K.; Franz, S.; Saalbach, A.; Anderegg, U.; Beck-Sickinger, A.G. Protease-Triggered Release of Stabilized CXCL12 From Coated Scaffolds in an Ex Vivo Wound Model. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(10), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13101597
• Anderegg U, Halfter N, Schnabelrauch M, Hintze V. Collagen/glycosaminoglycan-based matrices for controlling skin cell responses. Biol. Chem. 2021; 402(11):1325-1335. https://doi.org/10.1515/hsz-2021-0176
• Sapudom J, Mueller CD, Nguyen KT, Martin S, Anderegg U, Pompe T. Matrix Remodeling and Hyaluronan Production by Myofibroblasts and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in 3D Collagen Matrices. Gels. 2020;6(4):33. doi: 10.3390/gels6040033
• Schnauß J, Schmidt BUS, Brazel CB, Dogan S, Losert W, Anderegg U, Käs JA. Influence of Hyaluronic Acid Binding on the Actin Cortex. J Biophotonics 2020:e201960215. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201960215.
• Sapudom J,Nguyen KT, Martin S, Wippold T, Möller S, Schnabelrauch M, Anderegg U, Pompe T. Biomimetic tissue models reveal the role of hyaluronan in melanoma proliferation and invasion. Biomaterials Science, 2020, 8, 1405 – 1417, DOI: 10.1039/C9BM01636H
• Ullm F, Riedl P, Machado de Amorim A, Patzschke A, Weiß R, Hauschildt S, Franke K, Anderegg U, Pompe T. 3D scaffold-based macrophage fibroblast co-culture model reveals IL-10 dependence of wound resolution phase. Adv. Biosys. 2020, 4, https://doi.org/10.1002/adbi.201900220
• Thönes S, Kutz LM, Oehmichen S, Becher J, Heymann K, Saalbach A, Knolle W, Schnabelrauch M, Reichelt S, Anderegg U.
• New E-beam-initiated hyaluronan acrylate cryogels support growth and matrix deposition by dermal fibroblasts. Int J Biol Macromol. 2017 Jan;94(Pt A):611-620. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.10.065
• Scharnweber D, Hübner L, Rother S, Hempel U, Anderegg U, Samsonov SA, Pisabarro MT, Hofbauer L, Schnabelrauch M, Franz S, Simon J, Hintze V. Glycosaminoglycan derivatives: promising candidates for the design of functional biomaterials. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2015;26(9):232. Doi: 10.1007/s10856-015-5563-7
• Sapudom J, Rubner S, Martin S, Thoenes S, Anderegg U, Pompe T. The interplay of fibronectin functionalization and TGF-ß1 presence on fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and migration in 3D matrices. Biomaterials Science, 2015, 3, 1291 – 1301, doi: 10.1039/C5BM00140D
• Watarai A, Schirmer L, Thönes S, Freudenberg U, Werner C, Simon JS, Anderegg U. TGFβ functionalized starPEG-heparin hydrogels modulate human dermal fibroblast growth and differentiation. Acta Biomaterialia 2015, 25: 56-75. Doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.07.036
• van der Smissen A, Hoffmeister PG, Friedrich N, Watarai A, Hacker MC, Schulz-Siegmund M, Anderegg U. Artificial extracellular matrices support cell growth and matrix synthesis of human dermal fibroblasts in macroporous 3D scaffolds. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2017, 11:1390-1402 doi: 10.1002/term.2037.
• Anderegg U, Simon JC, Averbeck M. More than just a filler - the role of hyaluronan for skin homeostasis. J Exp. Dermatol. 2014, 23(5):295-303, doi: 10.1111/exd.12370
• van der Smissen A, Samsonov S, Hintze V, Scharnweber D, Moeller S, Schnabelrauch M, Pisabarro MT, Anderegg U. Artificial extracellular matrix composed of collagen I and high-sulfated hyaluronan interferes with TGFβ1 signaling and prevents TGFβ1 induced myofibroblast differentiation. Acta Biomaterialia 2013, 9(8):7775-86, doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.04.023
• Müller SA, van der Smissen A, von Feilitzsch M, Anderegg U, Kalkhof S, von Bergen-Tomm M. Quantitative proteomics reveal altered expression of extracellular matrix related proteins of human primary dermal fibroblasts in response to sulfated hyaluronan and collagen applied as artificial extracellular matrix. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2012; 23(12):3053-65, doi 10.1007/s10856-012-4760-x
• Salbach J, Rachner TD, Rauner M, Hempel U, Anderegg U, Franz S, Simon JC, Hofbauer LC. Regenerative potential of glycosaminoglycans for skin and bone.  J Mol Med (Berl). 2012; 90(6):625-35, doi: 10.1007/s00109-011-0843-2
• Böhme J, Anderegg U, Nimptsch A, Nimptsch K, Hacker M, Schulz-Siegmund M, Huster D and Schiller J.  De novo biosynthesis of GAG in the extracellular matrix of skin studied by MALDI MS.  Anal Biochem. 2012 Feb 15;421(2):791-3, doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2011.11.002
• Willenberg A, Saalbach A, Simon JC, Anderegg U. Melanoma cells control hyaluronan synthesis in peritumoral fibroblasts via PDGF-AA and PDGF-CC: Impact on melanoma cell proliferation, J Invest Dermatol. 2012 Feb;132(2):385-93, doi: 10.1038/jid.2011.325
• van der Smissen A, Hintze V, Scharnweber D, Moeller S, Schnabelrauch M, Majok A, Simon JC, Anderegg U. Growth promoting substrates for human dermal fibroblasts provided by artificial extracellular matrices composed of collagen I and sulfated glycosaminoglycans.  Biomaterials. 2011;32(34):8938-46, doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.08.025
• Gebhardt C, Averbeck M, Diedenhofen N, Willenberg A, Anderegg U, Sleeman JP, Simon JC Dermal hyaluronan is rapidly reduced by topical treatment with glucocorticoids.  J Invest Dermatol 2010;130(1):141-9, doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.210
• Anderegg U, Eichenberg T, Parthaune T, Haiduk C, Saalbach A, Milkova L, Ludwig A, Grosche J, Averbeck M, Gebhardt C, Voelcker V, Sleeman JP, Simon JC: ADAM10 is the constitutive functional sheddase of CD44 in human melanoma cells. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 129:1471-1482. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.323
• Voelcker V, Gebhardt C, Averbeck M, Saalbach A, Wolf V, Weih F, Sleeman J, Anderegg U and Simon J. Hyaluronan Fragments Induce Cytokine and Metalloprotease Upregulation in Human Melanoma Cells in part by signalling via TLR4.  J. Exp. Dermatol. 2008 Feb;17(2):100-7, doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2007.00638.x
• Saalbach A, Klein C, Sleeman J, Sack U, Kauer F, Gebhardt C, Averbeck M, Anderegg U, Simon JC.  Dermal Fibroblasts Induce Maturation of Dendritic Cells.  J Immunol. 2007;178:4966-74, doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.253
• Averbeck M, Gebhardt C, Voigt S, Beilharz S, Anderegg U, Ch. Termeer, JP Sleeman, Simon JC. Differential Regulation of Hyaluronan Metabolism in the Epidermal and Dermal Compartments of Human Skin by UVB Irradiation. J Invest. Dermatol. 2007;127:687-97, doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700614
• Busse K, Averbeck M, Anderegg U, Arnold K, Simon JC, Schiller J. The signal-t-noise ratio as a measure of Hyaluronan oligomer concentration: a MALDI-TOF MS study. Carbohydr Res. 2006;341:1065-70, doi: 10.1016/j.carres.2006.03.005

SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORS

PhD Students

Technical Staff

Joint Projects: