Chapuy Laboratory

Our translational research group focuses on the molecular characterization of aggressive B-cell lymphomas, including the most common form of lymph node cancer, Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), and other Large B-cell Lymphomas (LBCLs) such as Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL), Primary Testicular Lymphoma (PTL), Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma (PBML) and Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL). 

Using genome-wide tools, such as applied (epi)genomics in primary tissue and functional screens in informative model systems, we dissect molecular heterogeneity to identify actionable alterations and exploit novel cancer cell dependencies with the eventual goal to personalize treatment for lymphoma patients. Specifically, through integrative and comparative genomics, we identify unique genetic signatures and associated survival pathways for discrete LBCL subtypes, which are then modeled in vitro and in vivo to develop rational targets and novel biomarkers.

Particular Interests

Areas of particular interest include applied genomics and epigenomics, genetic screens, lymphoma modeling, enhancer biology and associated oncogenic signaling circuits, survival pathways and programmatic fates in normal and malignant lymphoid progenitors. Furthermore, we are actively working on experimental therapies for lymphoma patients, dissecting signatures of sensitivity and resistance to first-line and relapse treatment, including cellular therapies such as CAR-T-cells and studying mechanisms of immune escape with a focus on the PD-1-PD-L1/2 axis. 

Examples of our work include the discovery and characterization of five genetically-distinct DLBCL subtypes by integration of recurrent somatic mutations, somatic copy number alterations and structural variants (Chapuy et al Nat. Med. 2018).  These five DLBCL subtypes and their specific genomic signatures provided new insights into DLBCL pathogenesis, allowed outcome prediction and suggested novel rational combination therapies.

Our group

Our multi-disciplinary group consists of highly motivated post-doctoral fellows, PhD and medical students as well as computational biologists and medical doctors. Having an international group of scientist with complementary skill sets and our immanent connection to the German Lymphoma Alliance, we are well-prepared to bridge preclinical findings to the bedside and perform correlative science of clinical trials in the laboratory.

We are thankful for the gracious support of our laboratory members and research by several peer-reviewed grant instructions, including:

• German Research Foundation (DFG): https://www.dfg.de/en/
• German Ministry of Science (BMBF): https://www.bmbf.de and the e:Med Consortium: https://www.sys-med.de/en/emed/
• Else-Kröner Fresenius Stiftung: https://www.ekfs.de/en
• Deutsche Jose-Carerras Leukämiestiftung: https://www.carreras-stiftung.de/
• Gerdes Foundation.

We are always looking for passionate applicants with genuine drive to personalize lymphoma treatment and unravel the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies. Interested candidates, as well as individuals and/or foundations who want to support our research financially, please contact Prof. Dr. B. Chapuy directly via email (bjoern.chapuy(at)med.uni-goettingen.de).

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