Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms driving malignant diseases, with a focus on hematological cancers such as B-cell malignancies and acute leukemias, as well as select solid tumors like lung cancer. We specialize in studying aberrant ubiquitin-dependent signaling and other posttranslational modifications that regulate key tumor-related processes, including cell cycle control, DNA damage response, immune signaling, antigen-expression, metabolism, and programmed cell death. Additionally, we are actively advancing research in targeted protein degradation (TPD), leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system to develop innovative therapeutics like PROTACs and molecular glues to target cancer-specific vulnerabilities.

Starting from a discovery-driven approach, we integrate multi-OMIC technologies—including tumor genomics and functional proteomics—with cell biology, preclinical mouse models, and analyses of large, well-defined patient cohorts. Our primary goal is to translate new functional insights into clinical applications. To achieve this, we identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and contribute to drug development efforts, either within academia or through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. A key focus is on degrader technology, aiming to develop innovative treatment strategies that advance to early clinical trials. The Bassermann Lab’s overarching focus is also reflected by the newly funded DFG CRC387, "Functionalizing the Ubiquitin System Against Cancer – UbiQancer," where Florian Bassermann serves as the spokesperson.

• Paulmann, C., Spallek, R., Karpiuk, O., Heider, M., Schäffer, I., Zecha, J., Klaeger, S., Walzik, M., Öllinger, R., Engleitner, T., Wirth, M., Keller, U., Krönke, J., Rudelius, M., Kossatz, S., Rad, R., Kuster, B., Bassermann, F. (2022). The OTUD6B-LIN28B-MYC axis determines the proliferative state in multiple myeloma. EMBO J. 17, 41(20) DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022110871
• Stroh, J., Seckinger, A., Heider, M., Rudelius, M., Eichner, R., Schick, M., Slawska, J., Emde- Rajaratnam, M., Salwender, H., Bertsch, U., Goldschmidt, H., Weisel, K., Scheid, C., Keller, U., Hose, D., Bassermann, F. (2022). MCT1 is a predictive marker for lenalidomide maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma. Blood Adv 6, 515-520. DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005532
• Heider M, Eichner R, Stroh J, Morath V, Kuisl A, Zecha J, Lawatscheck J, Baek K, Garz AK, Rudelius M, Deuschle FC, Keller U, Lemeer S, Verbeek M, Götze KS, Skerra A, Weber WA, Buchner J, Schulman BA, Kuster B, Fernández-Sáiz V, Bassermann F. (2021) The IMiD target CRBN determines HSP90 activity toward transmembrane proteins essential in multiple myeloma. Mol Cell.   81,1170-1186, DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.046
• Dietachmayr M, Rathakrishnan A, Karpiuk O, von Zweydorf F, Engleitner T, Fernandez-Saiz V, Schenk P, Ueffing M, Rad R, Eilers M, Gloeckner CJ, Clemm von Hohenberg K, Bassermann F (2020) Antagonistic activities of CDC14B and CDK1 on USP9X regulate WT1-dependent mitotic transcription and survival. Nat Commun 11: 1268, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15059-5
• Eichner R, Heider M, Fernandez-Saiz V, van Bebber F, Garz AK, Lemeer S, Rudelius M, Targosz BS, Jacobs L, Knorn AM, Slawska J, Platzbecker U, Germing U, Langer C, Knop S, Einsele H, Peschel C, Haass C, Keller U, Schmid B, Gotze KS, Kuster B, Bassermann F (2016) Immunomodulatory drugs disrupt the cereblon-CD147-MCT1 axis to exert antitumor activity and teratogenicity. Nat Med 22: 735-43, DOI: 10.1038/nm.4128
• Engel K, Rudelius M, Slawska J, Jacobs L, Ahangarian Abhari B, Altmann B, Kurutz J, Rathakrishnan A, Fernandez-Saiz V, Brunner A, Targosz BS, Loewecke F, Gloeckner CJ, Ueffing M, Fulda S, Pfreundschuh M, Trumper L, Klapper W, Keller U, Jost PJ, Rosenwald A, Peschel C, Bassermann F (2016) USP9X stabilizes XIAP to regulate mitotic cell death and chemoresistance in aggressive B-cell lymphoma. EMBO Mol Med 8: 851-62, DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201506047
• Baumann U, Fernandez-Saiz V, Rudelius M, Lemeer S, Rad R, Knorn AM, Slawska J, Engel K, Jeremias I, Li Z, Tomiatti V, Illert AL, Targosz BS, Braun M, Perner S, Leitges M, Klapper W, Dreyling M, Miething C, Lenz G, Rosenwald A, Peschel C, Keller U, Kuster B, Bassermann F (2014) Disruption of the PRKCD-FBXO25-HAX-1 axis attenuates the apoptotic response and drives lymphomagenesis. Nat Med 20: 1401-9, DOI: 10.1038/nm.3740
• Fernandez-Saiz V, Targosz BS, Lemeer S, Eichner R, Langer C, Bullinger L, Reiter C, Slotta-Huspenina J, Schroeder S, Knorn AM, Kurutz J, Peschel C, Pagano M, Kuster B, Bassermann F (2013) SCFFbxo9 and CK2 direct the cellular response to growth factor withdrawal via Tel2/Tti1 degradation and promote survival in multiple myeloma. Nat Cell Biol 15: 72-81, DOI: 10.1038/ncb2651
• Bassermann F, Frescas D, Guardavaccaro D, Busino L, Peschiaroli A, Pagano M (2008) The Cdc14B-Cdh1-Plk1 axis controls the G2 DNA-damage-response checkpoint. Cell 134: 256-67, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.05.043
• Bassermann F, von Klitzing C, Munch S, Bai RY, Kawaguchi H, Morris SW, Peschel C, Duyster J (2005) NIPA defines an SCF-type mammalian E3 ligase that regulates mitotic entry. Cell 122: 45-57, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2005.04.034

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To apply for a PhD, medical doctorate or postdoc position, email your curriculum vitae and bibliography, along with a cover letter describing your background and career objectives to florian.bassermann@tum.de and jobs.med3@mri.tum.de.