Monocyte reprogramming in inflammation

In my research group, we focus on exploring the intriguing field of monocyte and macrophage reprogramming, specifically in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases. Our primary goal is to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie monocyte reprogramming. This includes identifying key signalling pathways and molecules, thereby identifying new therapeutic approaches, as well as understanding the interplay between monocyte reprogramming and immune cell function, notably that of regulatory T cells.  

Currently, we aim to understand how changes in monocyte metabolism and associated epigenetic modifications contribute to the progression of skin and systemic inflammation in conditions such as psoriasis and in age-related diseases, like recurrent venous thrombosis.

In our lab, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines cutting-edge techniques in flow cytometry, 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