Cellular Dynamics in Cancer
A multidisciplinary approach to future cancer therapies
CRC 1709 combines basic, translational and clinical research to uncover cancer cell plasticity in myeloid malignancies. Using advanced technologies and AI-driven data integration, we aim to transform how these cancers are understood, diagnosed and treated.
Research
Understanding cellular plasticity from multiple angles
CRC 1709 is structured into research areas focusing on cell-intrinsic mechanisms, cell-extrinsic influences and shared technology platforms.
Cell Intrinsic Factors (Area A)
We investigate the molecular mechanisms inside cancer cells — including epigenetics, metabolism, RNA modification, and lineage identity — that drive cellular plasticity in myeloid malignancies.
Cell Extrinsic Factors (Area B)
We explore how external influences such as inflammation, therapy stress, microenvironmental cues, and immune interactions shape malignant cell states and enable resistance.
Core Projects
Our technology platforms integrate single-cell multi-omics, proteomics, AI-driven data analysis, and patient-derived xenograft models, enabling deep insights across all research areas.
Publications
Mapping cancer cell states across disease evolution
We follow leukemic stem and progenitor cells over time – from pre-malignant conditions to relapse – to understand how they switch between dormant, resistant and proliferative states. These dynamic trajectories reveal vulnerabilities that may guide innovative therapeutic strategies.
Team & Partner
Our consortium of scientists, clinicians and partners
More than 30 principal investigators from Heidelberg, Mannheim, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and partner institutes collaborate within CRC 1709. Our consortium combines basic science and clinical expertise with cutting-edge technologies to accelerate the translation of plasticity research into therapeutic innovation.
News
Latest news articles
Research in Progress Series | 2026
The Research in Progress sessions form the living core of…
Announcement: Invited Speakers Series | 2026
We are delighted to present the Invited Speaker program of…
Upcoming Lecture Series | 2026
We are pleased to announce the 2026 Lecture Series of…
Events
Advancing cancer research through collaborative events
CRC 1709 hosts seminars, workshops, and symposia that bring together experts from basic science, clinical research, computational biology, and translational oncology. These events foster interdisciplinary exchange, highlight emerging insights into cancer cell plasticity, and support the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
By decoding the plasticity of myeloid malignancies, we aim to fundamentally change how we understand and treat aggressive blood cancers.
Prof. Carsten Müller-Tidow
Spokesperson, CRC 1709 – Cellular Plasticity in Myeloid Malignancies
