Prof. Michael Rehli
Head of NGS Core
Every cell in our body contains the entire human genome. But because each single cell is designated a specific task, it only requires part of this genomic information to execute its function. The selection of genes that a specific cell uses is regulated by so called ‘epigenetic’ mechanisms which modify gene expression. These operate to control and memorize the identities and functions of all the different cell types in our body. Epigenetic mechanisms are essential for life, but they are often modified by diseases such as cancer. Understanding how these mechanisms work in normal cells is important to gaining a better understanding of their contribution to human diseases. To this end, the Institute seeks to develop targeted therapies—with a specific focus on the design of more efficient cellular therapies.
Our research focuses on mechanisms of genome regulation during hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis
Our laboratory studies the processes that orchestrate cell type-specific gene regulation during cellular differentiation or transformation. In particular, the team investigate the interplay between transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation) or regulators (such as chromatin-remodeling complexes) in regulating hematopoietic lineage specification and the development of leukemia. In the past, we have made substantial contributions in the field of DNA methylation and contributed to major efforts defining promoter and enhancer landscapes across human tissues and cell types. To do this, we use omics—a term that broadly refers to a set of genomics technologies that are utilized in cellular and molecular biology to investigate molecular and epigenetics signatures.
Currently, we are focusing on the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of human monocyte differentiation, as well as the use of Tregs in therapeutic applications. In addition, we are studying epigenetic alterations in leukemia, and the role of 3D nuclear organization in these cell types. Our research relies on next-generation sequencing. And our mission at the LIT is to provide other researchers with fast and easy access to the newest sequencing technologies via our Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Core.
Please find out more about our pioneering research under ‘NGS & Data Analysis‘ and my personal research page www.ag-rehli.de.
Quote from Prof. Michael Rehli
Our mission is to provide the local research community with access to state-of-the-art sequencing technologies and to help facilitate cutting-edge omics research.
Head of Core Facility Next Generation Sequencing
Academic background and qualifications
Prof. Rehli is a chemist by background (1986–1992). He completed his PhD in Natural Sciences at the University of Regensburg, studying the biology of human macrophages (1996).
Professional career
Prof. Rehli spent his postdoc time with David Hume at the CMCB, UQ, Brisbane, Australia on a German Research Foundation (DFG) fellowship (1996–1998). Afterwards, he returned to Regensburg where he won a prestigious DFG Emmy-Noether fellowship to continue his work on gene regulation in macrophages (2000–2005). At present, he is Professor and PI at the Department for Internal Medicine III at the University Hospital Regensburg and heads the NGS Core at the LIT. Since 2007, he has been a member of the international FANTOM consortium and contributed extensively through his efforts to characterize mammalian promoters and enhancers.
Honors
Since 2021, Prof. Rehli has served as an elected member of the Committee on Scientific Instrumentation and Information Technology at the DFG. His work has been supported by grants from the DFG, The German Cancer Aid, and the EU. He has published more than 100 papers including publications in Nature and Nature Communications & Science.
Explore our NGS Core in greater depth
Get to know our team and find out more about our pioneering research.