Dr. Rene‑Filip Jackstadt is a clinician‑scientist and junior group leader at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and HI‑STEM in Heidelberg. He heads the “Cancer Progression and Metastasis” lab, where he leverages next‑generation colorectal cancer models—such as genetically engineered mice, patient‑derived organoids, and multi‑omics profiling—to unravel cellular programs that drive metastasis and therapy resistance, translating key findings rapidly into clinical trials.
His team focuses on dissecting cancer stem cell plasticity and the tumor microenvironment using single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomics, functional genomics, lineage tracing, and organoid systems. Their work includes major initiatives like the SATURN3 consortium, which maps intratumoral heterogeneity in colorectal cancer to uncover resistance and metastatic mechanisms.
Dr. Jackstadt has published influential studies, including a 2024 Cell Reports paper that explores fetal-like stem cell programs in colorectal tumors—highlighting their emergence during metastasis and potential for targeted intervention.
Based in Heidelberg, he is positioned at the forefront of metastasis and cancer stem cell research. His integrative approach unites preclinical modeling, organoid technologies, and clinical translation to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer.
Contact
Dr. Rene Jackstadt
HI‑STEM gGmbH & DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Phone: +49 6221 42 3917
Email: r.jackstadt@dkfz.de