Professor, Depts. of Surgery and Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Affiliated Scientist, Manitoba Institute of Child Health & Centre on Aging
University of Manitoba, Faculty of Medicine
130-745 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9
Head Office Tel.: +1 204 789 3893
Laboratory Tel.: +1 204 789 3981
FAX: +1 204 789 3920
E-mail: thomas.klonisch@med.umanitoba.ca
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
2000 Habilitation in Anatomy and Reproductive Biology
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Medicine,
Halle/Saale, Germany
1999 Board-certified „Anatomist” by the German Anatomical Society
1991 Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.; Biochemistry)
Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
1991 License as Medical Doctor (M.D.)
Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany
1989-1991 Residency in Medical Microbiology
Dept. of Medical Microbiology, University of Mainz, Germany
1982-1989 Studies in Human Medicine (Medical School)
Ruhr-University of Bochum and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
ACADEMIC AWARDS
1991-1992 Alexander-von-Humboldt Fellow
Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, Bad-Godesberg, Germany
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
1996-2004 Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Faculty of Medicine, Halle/Saale, Germany
1993-1995 Dept. of Immunology, Immuno-Bioengineering Group, University College London, London, UK
1992-1993 Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, ON, Canada
1991-1992 Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION
My main research interest is in the field of cancer research. My main research topics concern the following areas:
Cancer stem cells (CSC): identifying specific markers and study of the molecular mechanisms and pathways by which CSC can shape a tumor microenvironment which supports tumor growth, recurrence, and metastasis.
Cell migration: identifying molecular pathways connecting membrane signalling events with cytoskeletal rearrangements altering cell movement and exploring cytoskeletal inhibitors for therapeutic use.
Novel chemotherapeutic delivery systems: identifying targeted approaches using coiled coil proteins for the effective delivery of chemotherapeutics to brain cancer cells in-vitro and in-vivo.
Chemotherapeutic resistance and longevity: Exploring the nuclear events involved in radio-/chemoresistance of cancer cells. We are studying the role of non-histone chromatin binding proteins on DNA repair and telomere architecture and devise innovative new treatment strategies for cancer patients.
TEACHING DESCRIPTION
Anatomy is one of the oldest disciplines and of fundamental importance in all health-related disciplines. I teach a wide range of health professionals in all aspects of Anatomy and problem-based learning. I emphasize the close connection between structure and function from a macroscopic to the molecular level in healthy and diseased tissues and cells. I enjoy training undergraduate and graduate students and hope to inspire some students to take on the challenge of becoming a life-long researcher. I share with them my deep fascination for the complexities and intricate facets of integrating molecular pathways into cellular responses and translating this knowledge into meaningful and clinically relevant structure – function relationships aimed at creating new therapies and hope for (cancer) patients.
Public/Media non-technical Description
As an Anatomist and Cancer Researcher I am dedicated to advancing our scientific knowledge on cancer, develop new therapies in the fight against cancer, and distribute this knowledge to the next generation of health professionals. As a medical doctor and basic scientist, my emphasis is to connect the gross changes observed during the cause of cancer (growth, tissue invasion and destruction, metastasis) with the underlying molecular events down to the sub-cellular level. For many cancer types, no curative treatment is currently available and often patients suffer recurrences of even more aggressive forms of the same cancer. Tumour cell invasion into and destruction of surrounding tissues and distant metastasis are the most frequent causes of cancer patient death but little is known about the determining and controlling mechanisms. The aim of my research is to uncover and understand the mechanisms that lead to the persistence of tumour cells within the body and exploit this new knowledge for the design of novel therapeutic strategies. My work would not be possible without close collaboration with and essential input by other basic scientists and clinical colleagues. I believe that fighting a complex disease like cancer requires crossing intellectual boarders in a truly trans-disciplinary approach. I enjoy bringing people with different expertise to the table and provide attractive and unique training opportunities for dedicated students in the area of cancer research. Lessons learned from the way cancer cells exploit molecular survival mechanisms makes us realise the importance of orchestrated coordination of cellular pathways and functions that can either lead to cell/tissue renewal or cancerous disarray. The ultimate goal of my research is to provide new therapeutic treatments for patients in need.
For a list of my current PUBLICATIONS, please refer to the following link and search for "Klonisch":
