Albert M. Thommen

Experience

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  Biozentrum, University of Basel

  Sept 2010 - Apr 2012

  Research project for Master's Thesis

  Extensive training in various molecular biology techniques, experimental systems (in vitro and in vivo), experiment design, data analysis and data presentation. Qualification for Master's degree.Research project:Biochemical characterisation of the interaction between Neuroligin-1 and glutamate receptors in heterologous cells and in the mouse brainSignificance: Neuroligins play a key role in building functional neuronal networks in our brain. Mutations in Neuroligin genes have been implicated in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Show less

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  MPI-CBG - Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics

  Jan 2013 - May 2019

  Doctoral and postdoctoral researcher

  Management of a long-term research project and qualification for a PhD degree. Further development of research skills and fostering of interdisciplinary collaborations and team work to reach research goals. . Gaining of experience in presenting research to larger audiences and publication. Details on the project:Kleiber's law is a pivotal principle in physiology. Kleiber's law posits that larger animals exhibit a lower metabolic rate per unit body mass than smaller animals, often linked to decreased cellular metabolic rate. Yet, experimental support for this notion remains limited.With two wonderful colleagues, I embarked on unraveling Kleiber's law's intricacies in S. mediterranea, an asexual flatworm with varying body sizes. Employing diverse techniques—calorimetry, microscopy, mass spectrometry, FACS—and mathematical modelling, we revealed that flatworms' size-dependent metabolic scaling stems from energy storage variations based on size, rather than changes in cell-specific metabolic rate.This PhD experience solidified my commitment to scientific exploration and contributions to advancing our understanding of physiology in heath & disease. Show less

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  The Francis Crick Institute

  May 2019 - now

  Postdoctoral Scientist

  I lead a project investigating the complex interplay between diet, obesity and anti-cancer immunity in pre-clinical models of liver cancer. Obesity is a major risk factor for cancer and can negatively impact anti-cancer immunity. Making use of state-of-the-art in vivo experiments, I am investigating the role of pathophysiological organ cross-talk in shaping the local tumour immune environment in obesity. Furthermore, I am interested as to which extend short-term dietary intervention can synergise or antagonise already existing anti-cancer (immune) therapies. Efficient teamwork with fantastic colleagues at the Crick makes it all possible. I hope that these findings will one day contribute to novel therapeutic approaches, and will finally convince politics and society to do more against obesity to reduce rates of preventable cancer. Show less