Vascular Biology – PI: Jürgen Bernhagen

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Bernhagen, Principal Investigator

Read more about the PI on the next tab.

Sabrina Lukanovic, LL.M, Team assistant

After finishing my Bachelor studies in law, I was awarded a scholarship for Master studies in International Business Law at the Central European University (Hungary). Currently, I am the team assistant to Prof. Bernhagen and Dr. Gökce. When I am out of the office, I love to spend time with my two year old daughter.

Dr. Omar El Bounkari, Senior staff scientist & Technical laboratory head

Following my Biochemistry studies at the University of Hannover, I pursued my PhD degree at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Medical School of Hannover (MHH) under the supervision of Prof. Tamura-Niemann focusing on the interplay between tyrosine kinase signaling and the mRNA export machinery (THO complex). After a brief postdoc fellowship in the same group, I joined the lab of Prof. Bernhagen at RWTH Aachen University in 2010 first as a post-doc and then junior group leader, focusing on the characterization of heteromeric cytokine¬/chemokine receptor complexes MIF proteins, and their function in immune and inflammatory diseases. I followed the lab when it moved to LMU Munich in the end of 2015, where I am now a senior staff scientist, junior group, leader, and technical laboratory head. My research aims at decrypting the role of the MIF protein family and their receptors in immune cells, in particular B lymphocytes, and the related mechanisms that drive inflammatory processes in cardiovascular or autoimmune disease. In my leisure time, I like horse riding and hiking.

Dr. Dzmitry Sinitski, Postdoc

Originally from Belarus, I graduated from Belarusian State University in the field of Biology. After gaining experience in Microbiology and Molecular Biology at the same University, I worked in the field of fungal genetics at the Institute of Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. Thereafter, I did my PhD at the University of Münster in the area of vascular and infection biology. In 2016, I joined the ISD and the research group of Prof. Bernhagen. My research interests are lying particularly in the area of atherosclerosis and vascular immunity. Additionally, I´m highly interested in specific questions of the evolutionary development of immune system regulation with a focus on inter-species cross-talk between immune system elements. When I am not in the lab, I am a passionate mushroom picker.

Dr. med. Adrian Hoffmann, Metiphys clinician scientist

I am a Clinician Scientist, working in the Department of Anesthesiology (LMU University Hospital) and doing research with a focus on the diverse effects of alarmins during sterile inflammation. I studied Medicine in Frankfurt and enjoy hiking, running and after-work-Isar-swimming.

Sijia Wang, MD, PhD trainee

I am a Medical Doctor who studied Neurology in China supported by a fellowship from LMU / CSC. I joined the Bernhagen lab a year ago and work on my MD/PhD thesis in the area of role and mechanism of the MIF protein family in ischemic stroke. In my spare time, I like to play badminton and go hiking.

Chunfang Zan, MD, PhD trainee

Originally from Datong, China, I have majored in Clinical Medicine (Surgery) at Jilin University in Changchun, China. From September 2018 on, and joined the Bernhagen Lab at ISD for my PhD study, which is supported by a prestigious LMU-CSC Scholarship. I am also a candidate to be admitted to the Munich Medical Research School at LMU. My thesis topic focusses on MIF-2/D-DT-mediated recruitment mechanisms of lymphocytes in the cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling and exploring the world.

Priscila Bourilhón, M.Sc., Technical assistant

Originally from Argentina, I obtained my M.Sc. degree in Biotechnology and after working in a private company, I decided that an academic institution would be a better fit for me. I glad to now be a part of the Bernhagen lab team as a Lab Technician. I take care of organizational issues, and routine experiments, run and develop receptor-specific bacterial, yeast and mammalian assay systems, and support the group with genotyping and general biological assays.

Simona Gerra, M.Sc., Technical assistant

I am originally from Italy, where I finished my Master’s studies in Biology at the University of Milano Bicocca. Working as Environmental Educator and Hiking Guide, I had the opportunity to share the basic ecological principles and evolutionary forces that affect wildlife and their associated habitats. I developed activities about topics such as forest, stream ecology and wildlife science. In August 2018, I joined the Bernhagen research group as Laboratory Technical Assistant. I perform bacterial culturing, protein purification, cell culture and immunoassays, as well as maintaining the lab supplies and equipment. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and reading books.

Marlies Tursch, VD, doctoral student

I moved to Munich in 2005 and started an apprenticeship as a Veterinary Assistant which I passed 2 years later and then worked in a large Animal Clinic close to Munich. After some years in this job, I could started to study Veterinary Medicine at LMU Munich. I have recently concluded my curricular program and currently work on veterinary medical doctoral thesis. The focus here is on a cytokine/chemokine called D-dopachrome tautomerase or MIF-2 in the context of atherosclerotic mouse models.

Markus Brandhofer, M.Sc., PhD student

Originally from the Munich area, I obtained a Bachelor and Master in Biotechnology from FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences and first joined the Bernhagen Lab – back then located at RWTH Aachen University – for my Master thesis, working on effects of the proinflammatory cytokine MIF and alarmins in liver inflammation. In 2016, I followed the lab to the ISD and returned to Munich. Here, working on my PhD, I’m interested in the role of MIF family proteins as atypical chemokines and investigate their crosstalk with classical chemokines. When I’m not busy in the lab, I enjoy visiting friends, trying different kinds of craft beer, going geocaching or just relaxing and reading a nice book.

Christine Krammer, M.Sc., PhD student

I studied Molecular Biotechnology at TU München(TUM). After finishing my masters, I joined the Bernhagen lab to start my PhD in 2017. My scientific research focuses on the structure-activity relationships and novel cellular routes of MIF family member proteins and their receptors in atherogenesis. One emphasis is on the connection between MIF proteins and B lymphocytes and their role in atherosclerosis. Outside of the lab I like to do sports, hiking and biking in the mountains, reading books and spending time with family and friends. To inspire other students for Life Sciences, I joined the ”Biotechnologische Studenteninitiative (btS)” Munich in 2015. We are organizing different local and nationwide events to connect students with industry and academia.

Lisa Schindler, M.Sc., PhD student

Originally from Magdeburg, I studied Biotechnology at the University of Applied Science in Hamburg and at the RWTH Aachen, where I joined the Bernhagen lab for my master thesis. In 2015, the Bernhagen lab moved from Aachen to Munich, where I started my PhD in the beginning of 2016 investigating the potential role of posttranslational modifications of MIF family members in cardio vascular diseases. When I´m not doing experiments for my future nature publication – I love traveling to new places, do any kind of sport, read books and searching for new adventures.

Jelena Milic, M.Sc., PhD student

I am originally from Serbia, where I finished my Master’s studies in Molecular Biology and Physiology, as well as specialist academic studies in Criminalistics and Forensic Identification. In March 2017, I joined the Bernhagen research group as a PhD student (Munich Medical Research School of LMU). After some initial training in atherosclerosis and inflammation research, I am currently holding an IRTG1123 fellowship to study the ‘atheroprotective role of the COP9 signalosome in atherogenesis’. In order to support students on the path of their professional and personal development, I am volunteering as a mentor in the Mentoring Program of LMU Munich. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing my guitar, go to a nice concert, and do sports or travel.

Tian Yuan, PhD student

Originally from Beijing, China, while working in a Neurology Department of my University Hospital, I decided that Neuroscience is what I want to be doing. And here I finally am, a PhD student focusing on neuroinflammation and stroke. I was able to obtain a 3-year LMU / CSC scholarship and got accepted as a PhD student in the Bernhagen lab and at Munich Medical Research School (MMRS) which made it possible for me to not only live my dream in the lab, but it also gives me the opportunity to enjoy exploring this beautiful city and making new friends.

Ying Gao, PhD student

I am originally from China, where in 2015, I got my Bachelor degree in Medicine from Central South University in Changsha. After that, I chose to continue my studies in the Department of Neurology affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With an enquiring mind to explore the sustainable links between basic scientific research and clinical translation and to get scientific training abroad, I applied with the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC)/LMU PhD program and got awarded a prestigious CSC/LMU fellowship to perform my PhD thesis in the Bernhagen Lab at ISD in Munich. Since October 2018, I am working on my thesis concerned with a novel class of chemokine peptide inhibitors with potential utility in cardiovascular disease and stroke. When not working at lab, I like spending time to do workout or some outdoor activities, such as traveling, climbing.

Sabrina Reichl, cand. med., MD doctoral student

Originally from Nürnberg, I am now studying Medicine at LMU Munich. I joined the Bernhagen lab in February 2018 for my medical doctoral thesis which I pursue with a FöFoLe fellowship of Munich Medical Research School (MMRS) and in which I investigate MIF-mediated recruitment mechanisms of B-lymphocytes and their impact on atherosclerosis. In my spare time, I love dancing ballet, skiing, and travelling.

Leon Zwißler, cand. med., MD doctoral student

I am a fourth year medical student at LMU and joined the Bernhagen lab in February 2018 for my MD doctoral dissertation. My research interests focus on modifications of MIF family members by neutrophil-derived oxidants in the progression of atherosclerosis. In August 2018 I was admitted into the International Research Training Group (IRTG) program of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1123 Atherosclerosis for a 6-month fellowship. During leisure time, I passionately follow and play tennis, soccer and other sports, listen to music, or enjoy spending time with friends.

Mathias Holzner, cand. med., MD doctoral student

I am originally from South Tyrol, the northernmost region of Italy lying in the middle of the Alps. I started studying medicine at the LMU in 2015 and joined the Bernhagen lab in 2019. In my doctoral thesis I focus on the MIF-family-mediated regulation of T-cell subpopulations. Growing up surrounded by mountains I love to hike and bike in the nature, as well as all kinds of kinds of winter sports. 

Eva Preuner, cand. med., MD doctoral student

I am originally from Austria, but moved to Munich in 2016 to study Medicine at LMU. I joined the AG Bernhagen in 2019 for my doctoral thesis, focusing on the characterization of novel NEDDylation inhibitors in models of atherogenic inflammation. In my free time I enjoy to spend time in nature, especially while hiking and swimming. I also love to travel, mainly to get to know other cultures and cuisines, and to spend time with my friends.

Bishan Yang, PhD student

Originally from China, I obtained my Master degree from South China University of Technology in physiology. I finished my Master thesis on the topic of cell recruitment mechanisms at the Institute of Biomechanics, and I decided to do further studies related to inflammation. In 2019, I was accepted as a PhD student in the Bernhagen lab funded by an LMU/CSC scholarship for 4 years. Now I study for my PhD thesis in which I explore the relationship between MIF proteins and B lymphocytes in atherosclerosis. In my spare time, I love playing card games with my friends as well as playing badminton. 

Larissa Langfeld, Student assistant


I completed my Bachelor of Science in "Chemistry and Biochemistry" at Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) of Munich in 2018. I am currently enrolled in the Master's program "Biochemistry" at LMU, where I selected my three major fields of study in epigenetics, neuroscience and innate immunity.
 In October 2019, I joined the Bernhagen Lab as a student assistant to support the team in various cardiovascular and neuroscience research projects. In addition to my studies and work, I organize events in the student initiative "btS - Biotechnologische Studenteninitiative e.V." and I love to do sports.

Verena Bolini, Student assistant

I am from Munich, where I went to school and finished my Bachelor degree in Biology at LMU. Currently, I am in the Biology Master program of LMU, focusing on the areas of human biology and cell biology. I previously worked as a student assistant in a molecular genetics lab for medical diagnostics and disease at the MGZ Munich. In August 2018, I joined the Bernhagen lab to support the scientific work as student assistant in various projects. I love travelling around the world and spending a lot of time outdoors. On the other hand, I also enjoy the city life in Munich with the Isar, Englischer Garten and bars and the beautiful nature around Munich with the numerous mountains and hiking opportunities.

Research News

Group photo of the LMU/CSC conference and the incoming PhD candidates.

On the LMU/CSC day on Oct 7, 2019, the 2nd year CSC students had their midterm conference and the new CSC students celebrated their successful conclusion of the introductory course at LMU. Yuan Tian from the BernhagenLab presented a poster on her PhD project “The role of the COP9 signalosome in neuroinflammation” and Bishan Yang, now a new PhD candidate in the BernhagenLab, received her introductory course certificate.

9th International MIF Symposium

16 Nov 2018 – This year’s MIF Conference - The 9th International MIF Symposium (link) - was hosted by the Bernhagen lab at ISD/LMU Großhadern Campus from
Oct 3-6.

New Team Member

14 Jun 2018 – Dr. Adrian Hoffmann, a medical doctor in the Department of Anesthesiology, obtained a prestigious Metiphys (Munich Excellence Training Initiative for Physician Scientists) Clinician Scientist fellowship of the Medical Faculty of the LMU and will pursue a two-year experimental research program in our lab focusing on alarmin-, chemokine- and Treg-mediated mechanisms in inflammatory conditions.

A novel link between the chemokine MIF and B lymphocytes in atherosclerosis

23 Mar 2018 – The Bernhagen lab uncovered a previously unrecognized connection between the atherogenic chemokine-like cytokine MIF and B cell function in atherosclerosis. Previously already implicated in controlling monocyte and T cell recruitment in atherogenesis, the current study (Schmitz et al., FASEB J. 2018) using an atherogenic ApoE-/- mouse model suggests that MIF also controls pro-atherogenic B cell activities in this disease. Mif-deficient mice which are protected from lesion development have a B cell development defect and exhibit atheroprotective natural IgM-containing antibody profile. The mechanism of generation of these anti-oxidized LDL antibodies needs to be explored in future work, the current study also supports recent evidence on a critical role for B cells in atherosclerosis. The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Institute of Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK) at LMU, RWTH Aachen University, the Peptide Biochemistry lab at WZW/TUM, Yale University, and the University of Düsseldorf.

A second paper by the same lab gave further mechanistic insight into how MIF regulates the receptor expression on B cell. Omar El Bounkari and his team unveil a connection between the pro-proliferative activity of MIF/CD74 signaling in B cells and inflammation (Klasen et al., Cell Signal 2018) uThis study was performed in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University and the Peptide Biochemistry lab at WZW/TUM.

Dositej Obradović fellowship award

27 Nov 2017 – Jelena Milic, first year PhD student in the Bernhagen lab at ISD, was awarded the Dositej Oradovic scholarship. This prize is awarded by the Fund for Young Talents of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Serbia for the best students from Serbia at EU Member State and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) universities and the world's leading universities and it encompasses a prize money of 4,600.85,- € to stimulate the outstanding achievements of the young talents of Serbia in various fields in terms of their further theoretical and professional development. Jelena performs her PhD thesis under the supervision of Jürgen Bernhagen and in the framework of the Munich Medical Research School (MMRS) of LMU. Her thesis focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the protective role of the COP9 signalosome (CSN) signaling complex in atherosclerosis.

"MIF Family Cytokines in Innate Immunity and Homeostasis“

10 Dec 2017 – Jürgen Bernhagen, Chair of Vascular Biology at ISD, has edited a comprehensive book in the field of inflammation research. The book is titled: "MIF Family Cytokines in Innate Immunity and Homeostasis“ and was published within the Springer series "Progress in Inflammation Research“ (Progress in Inflammation Research; ISBN 978-3-319-52352-1; ISBN 978-3-319-52354-5 (eBook); DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-52354; Springer International Publishing AG 2017; Editors: J. Bernhagen, R. Bucala). Jürgen co-edited the book together with Prof. Richard Bucala, a Professor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. The book covers recent advances in our understanding on the inflammatory mechanisms of MIF family proteins and their role in various inflammatory diseases, including promising MIF-based therapeutic avenues.

Group News

Exciting science, great location and fun at 2019 ISD Retreat in Herrsching/Ammersee

Ramadan Bayram at AG Bernhagen and AG Gökce

X-ZOMES Conference

Jürgen Bernhagen and Yuan Tian attended the X-ZOMES Conference held at Akko, Israel from Feb 4-7, 2019. The biannual ZOMES conference series was initiated in 1999 as a grassroots initiative of scientists studying 3 related protein complexes, the 19S proteasome, the COP9 signalosome (CSN), and the translation initiation factor eIF3 (aka PCI complexes, the “ZOMES”). Leading international scientists from all Zomes areas met for 3-day in-depth discussions on the biochemistry, structure, function, and disease relevance of these complexes. Jürgen’s talk was on the role of the COP9 signalosome in cardiovascular diseases; Yuan’s poster on the CSN and microglial inflammation was selected for speed poster and she did a great job in delivering it in the 4 min speed format.

Lisa’s farewell

25 February 2018 – Lisa Schindler obtained a prestigious 12-month DAAD fellowship to perform part of her PhD thesis at Mark Hampton’s lab in Christchurch, NZ.

CSC-LMU fellowship awardees Chunfang Zan, Ying Gao, and Hao Ji start their PhD theses

On 1 Oct 2018, Chunfang Zan and Ying Gao joined the Bernhagen Lab. 

On 1 Oct 2018, Chunfang Zan and Ying Gao joined the Bernhagen Lab. Chunfang holds a master degree in Clinical Medicine from Jilin University, Changchun, China, and Ying holds a master in Neurology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Both received a prestigious Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC)-LMU fellowship following competitive selection among hundreds of applicants. The fellowship allows them to pursue a 3-4 year PhD project at LMU. Together with Ji Hao, another successful CSC scholar and PhD candidate in the neighboring Gokce Lab, they just successfully passed the exam concluding the LMU-CSC introductory training in September 2018. 

The photos were taken at the opening ceremony of the 2018 CSC-LMU program, which took place on 10 Oct at LMU Biomedical Center (BMC) and was led by LMU Vice President Professor van Ess, the Chinese General Consulate, LMU Vice President Prof. Conrad, and Drs. Lauterbach and Zhang from the LMU International Office. The PhD candidates were awarded their training certificates and notably, Hao delivered one of the welcome addresses.

ISD Retreat 2018

10 July 2018 – The whole group participated at this year’s ISD retreat at Lake Ammersee in Herrsching. Great science, great fun