Molecular Strategies in Pediatric Surgery

Molecular Strategies in Pediatric Surgery
 

The Molecular Strategies in Pediatric Surgery Group is an associated DBM research group located within the University Children`s Hospital Basel (UKBB).

Clinical Focus and Research Goals

At the interface of developmental biology developmental biology, translational medicine and pediatric surgery, the focus of our molecular research is fundamentally shaped by the clinical needs of our patients. Our research aims to translate molecular understanding of cell developmental processes into preclinical and clinical applications, particularly in pediatric tumors and congenital malformations. 

Key Research Areas

In the context of solid pediatric tumors and neuroblastoma, we use systems approaches by employing patient derived culture and organoid models to study neuroblastoma development and tumor dynamics, tumor cell migration, therapy response, and immune interactions. We develop test platforms and novel cell therapies approaches for pediatric solid tumors, and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives in engineering translational medicine.

We investigate molecular drivers of congenital diseases including Hirschsprung`s Disease using 3D organoid and tissue models, integrating multi-omics to study epithelial differentiation, water transport, and long-term outcomes after surgery.  We are exploring how prenatal environmental exposures impact fetal development and birth outcomes through integrative, multi-omic approaches, using both cellular models and real-world data.

Find out more: UKBB