The Rauch group is headed by Alexander Rauch and focuses on understanding transcriptional networks that specify and modulate mesenchymal lineage commitment. We are particularly interested in how transcription factors and chromatin remodeling factors contribute to the initiation of lineage specific gene programs that are pivotal for cellular differentiation. We recently established our own group and contribute to the research vision of the KMEB unit with bioinformatic expertise and by exploring cellular heterogeneity of bone cells with the help of sequencing-based techniques at bulk, cellular or tissue level. From basic research perspective we want to focus on the differentiation capacity of distinct subpopulation of stromal progenitor cells and which molecular signals trigger the establishment of cellular heterogeneity. From a translational point of view we want to quantify the composition of stromal progenitor subpopulations in patients with diabetes and/or osteoporosis to predict their differentiation capacity and to pinpoint crucial cellular and molecular targets of metabolic bone diseases.
The Rauch Group
