Monocyte reprogramming in inflammation

In my research group, we are deeply engaged in unraveling the intriguing field of monocyte and macrophage reprogramming, specifically in chronic inflammatory diseases. Our primary goal is to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie monocyte reprogramming. This entails the identification of pivotal signalling and metabolic pathways, thus opening up new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Concurrently, we strive to comprehend the dynamic interplay between monocyte reprogramming and immune cell functionality, with a focus on regulatory T cells.

Currently, we aim to understand how changes in monocyte metabolism and associated epigenetic modifications contribute to systemic inflammation and the recurrence of conditions such as psoriasis and venous thrombosis.

In our lab, we employ a multidisciplinary approach combining cutting-edge flow cytometry techniques, RNA sequencing, Seahorse metabolic assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting and advanced imaging techniques. This comprehensive approach enables us to gain profound insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory conditions.

Research website

Positions held

  • Since 2022: Group leader, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, Germany
  • 2019 – 2022: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, JGU, Mainz, Germany
  • 2015 – 2019: Doctorate Candidate, Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis Mainz (CTH), University Medical Center, JGU, Mainz, Germany
  • 2014 – 2015: Research Associate, Multiphase Chemistry Departments, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany

Education

  • 2015 – 2019: PhD (Dr. rer nat), Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis Mainz (CTH), University Medical Center, JGU, Mainz, Germany
  • 2009 – 2013: MSc in Medical Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Selected publications by Fatemeh Zare-Shahneh

Shahneh F, Probst HC, Wiesmann S, Gonzales N, Ruf W, Steinbrink K, Raker V, Becker C. Inflammatory Monocyte Counts Determine Venous Blood Clot Formation and Resolution. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis,and Vascular Biology (ATVB), 2022, DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.121.317176. Link

Shahneh F, Grill A, Klein M, Bopp T, Schäfer K, Raker V, Becker C. Specialized Regulatory T Cells Control Venous Blood Clot Resolution Through SPARC. Blood, 2021. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005407. Link

Johann K*, Bohn T*, Shahneh F*, Luther N, Birke A, Jaurich H, Helm M, Klein M, Raker V, Bopp T*, Barz M*, Becker C*. Therapeutic Melanoma Inhibition by Local Micelle-Mediated Cyclic Nucleotide Repression. Nature Communication, 2021, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26269-w. (*Joint first authors) Link

Haub J, Roehrig N, Uhrin P, Schabbauer G, Eulberg D, Melchior F, Shahneh F, Probst HC, Becker C, Steinbrink K, Raker V. Intervention of Inflammatory Monocyte Activity Limits Dermal Fibrosis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2019, DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2019.04.006. Link

Luther N, Shahneh F, Brähler M, Krebs F, Kleis-Fischer B, Probst HC, Wenzel P, Schäfer K, Becker C. Innate Effector-Memory T-Cell Activation Regulates Post-Thrombotic Vein Wall Inflammation and Thrombus Resolution.Circulation Research, 2016, DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.309301 119:1286-1295. Link