| Adjuvant | An adjuvant is an excipient that enhances the effect of a drug but has no effect itself. The adjuvants used in vaccinations are particularly well known. They are intended to enhance the body’s immune response and thus the vaccine’s effectiveness. |
| Antigens | Antigens are substances that the body recognizes as foreign and against which it produces so-called antibodies upon contact. Typical antigens are proteins on the cell surfaces of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Components of the surfaces of otherwise harmless environmental substances, such as pollen or dust mites, can also act as antigens and trigger an allergic reaction. |
| Antibodies | Antibodies are the body’s own proteins that recognize pathogens, abnormal cells, or other foreign structures and can destroy them directly or in conjunction with other immune defense mechanisms. These components of the immune system are produced by specialized blood cells (plasma cells). |
| Aptamers | Aptamers are short, single-stranded chains of DNA. Thanks to their 3D structure, they can bind to molecules that conventional DNA would not normally bind to. In this way, they can influence the function of the molecules. This makes them of interest for drug discovery. |
| AStA | The General Student Committee (AStA) of the MHH is the executive body of the Student Parliament (StuPa) and, in addition to the chair, consists of 15 other departments. It manages the affairs of the student body and is elected annually by the Student Parliament (StuPa), the highest decision-making body. The AStA represents students both internally vis-à-vis the Presidium and externally; in essence, it addresses the academic, social, and cultural concerns of the students. Further information is available here. |
| Biologics | Biologics (also known as biopharmaceuticals) are drugs that influence biological processes in the body. They are produced biotechnologically using living cells from microorganisms, animals, and plants. The goal of biologics therapy is to replace, supplement, or block the body’s own messenger substances and proteins. For example, genetically produced insulin is used to treat diabetes. |
| Biomarkers | Biomarkers are laboratory values or other measurable characteristics associated with a disease. Their determination provides information about the disease status, the likely course of the disease, or the effectiveness of treatments. Biomarkers are molecules (such as proteins, genes, gene products, enzymes, or hormones) and cells whose presence or abnormal concentration in blood, urine, saliva, or another bodily fluid indicates a disease. For example, cholesterol levels are used as biomarkers and risk indicators for diseases affecting the cardiovascular system and/or the heart. |
| Blood serum | Blood serum (serum) is the clear, cell-free liquid component of blood that remains after clotting and contains important proteins, hormones, and electrolytes. Blood values are determined from blood serum. The yellowish color of the serum is caused by bilirubin. |
| CAR-T cells | CAR-T cells are T cells (specific white blood cells that serve the immune system) that have been genetically modified. There is a therapy using CAR-T cells. In this process, T cells are taken from a person with cancer. These are genetically modified outside the body so that they produce specific proteins capable of recognizing cancer cells. These proteins are called chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). The cells are then infused back into the body to hunt down and destroy the cancer cells. This procedure works well for leukemias, for example, but is not yet effective against solid tumors. |
| Checkpoints | Checkpoints are special protein structures (receptors) on the surface of certain immune cells (T cells). They serve as control points in our body and activate or inhibit components of the immune system. Some tumors manage to influence checkpoints in such a way that immune cells—which could actually recognize and fight cancer cells—are severely inhibited. The result: tumors can grow unchecked. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are designed to prevent this inhibition and strengthen the body’s own defense against tumor cells. |
| Chromosomes | Chromosomes are structures in the cell nucleus that contain genetic information in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). They enable cell division and the inheritance of genetic traits. Deoxyribonucleic acid is wrapped around proteins. This creates a complex called chromatin. Human body cells contain 46 chromosomes, divided into 23 pairs, with one chromosome from the mother and one from the father in each pair. Each chromosome contains many genes that provide blueprints for proteins and thus determine traits such as eye color, hair color, or other individual characteristics. |
| Germany Scholarship | Through the Germany Scholarship, the federal government supports talented and high-achieving students. It is also awarded at MHH. Good grades and academic performance are just as important as a willingness to take on responsibility or successfully overcoming obstacles in one’s personal and educational journey. The scholarships are initially granted for one year. Under certain conditions, continued funding is possible until the standard period of study is completed. Half of the scholarship is funded by private sponsors and half by the federal government. Further information is available here. |
| Differentiation | Differentiation (in cells) is the process by which immature cells transform into specialized cells. Cells often begin as stem cells that are not yet committed to a specific function. Through cell differentiation, they change their structure and function to perform a specific task in the body. For example, cells can develop into muscle, nerve, or blood cells. |
| DNA methylation | DNA methylation is a regulatory process that controls gene activity. It is not a genetic mutation, but rather a change in the genetic material that can be influenced by environmental factors. This change can affect protein translation. |
| ELISA | ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is an immunological detection method. It is based on an enzymatic color reaction. ELISA can be used to detect proteins (such as antibodies), viruses, hormones, or toxins in a sample (such as blood, milk, or urine). In this method, specific antibodies bind to the substance to be detected (antigen). The antibodies are previously labeled with enzymes. The reaction catalyzed by the enzyme serves as evidence of the antigen’s presence. This causes a color change. |
| EMA | The EMA (European Medicines Agency) is an agency of the European Union (EU) based in Amsterdam. It is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products and issues |
| Epigenetics | Epigenetics is a specialized field of biology. It deals with heritable changes to genes. These changes do not affect the structure and sequence of DNA, as mutations do, but rather the activity of genetic information, i.e., gene expression. This occurs, for example, through the attachment of chemical compounds. Through epigenetics, the cell nucleus can respond to environmental influences and, depending on these, regulate when and to what extent specific genes are turned on or off. Such changes also play a role in the development of cancer and represent potential targets for cancer therapies. |
| Cluster of Excellence | A Cluster of Excellence is a consortium of researchers from various disciplines and institutions who collaborate on a research project at an internationally competitive level. Clusters of Excellence are funded under the “Excellence Strategy of the Federal Government and the States” so that they can focus intensively on their research goals, train early-career researchers, and recruit top international talent. The funding period lasts seven years, which may be followed by a second funding period of equal duration. |
| Evidence | Evidence refers to scientific findings from well-conducted, high-quality scientific studies that were carefully designed to answer specific questions. Different types of scientific research methods (study designs) are best suited for different types of questions. For example, randomized controlled trials are the best way to obtain reliable evidence regarding the effectiveness of treatment interventions. “Randomized” means that assignment to a treatment group (such as drug A or B) is done at random. The study is called “controlled” because the results in the study group are compared with those of the control group. However, this type of study does not represent the best form of evidence for every conceivable question, nor does it provide the best answers for every type of question. For example, there are so-called epidemiological studies, which are very well suited to providing sound evidence regarding the spread of diseases in the population. |
| Exome sequencing | Exome sequencing, or WES (Whole Exome Sequencing) for short, is a technique used to map all regions of the genome that encode proteins. The exome comprises only about one to two percent of the entire genome and thus approximately 20,000 genes. Approximately 85 percent of known disease-causing mutations are found within the exome. |
| Genome | The genome is the totality of genetic material. It contains information for the production of vital cellular building blocks (proteins) that are necessary for maintaining cell function. An important step in the process of protein production is the reading and copying of this information from specific sections of the genome, the genes. This task is performed by the enzyme RNA polymerase II. |
| Genome editing | Genome editing is the collective term for molecular biological methods used to induce targeted changes in very specific sections of DNA. Genes can thus be turned on or off, inserted, or removed. Genome editing is also used in animal and plant breeding. |
| Gene therapy | Gene therapy is a medical procedure in which the genetic material (DNA) of cells is specifically modified to treat or prevent diseases. The idea is to repair, replace, or supplement defective genes. This can be done in various ways: a healthy gene is introduced into the cells to replace a defective one, a disease-causing gene is specifically switched off, or cells are modified so that they can better fight a disease. Harmless viruses are often used as “carriers” to deliver the new genes into the cells. Gene therapies are primarily researched or applied for severe or previously difficult-to-treat diseases, such as certain hereditary diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis), cancer, and certain immune disorders. One example is CAR-T cell therapy, in which immune cells are genetically modified to specifically target cancer cells. |
| HannibaL | HannibaL stands for Hannover’s integrated, career-oriented, and adaptive teaching. The traditional separation of theory and practice—preclinical and the Clinical Department—does not exist in this model program, which was launched at the MHH in 2005. Students begin patient-centered instruction as early as the first semester. Interaction with patients and practical medical work are the primary focus. Additionally, the program is structured to be scientifically and research-oriented. |
| HBRS | The Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS) at MHH is the interdisciplinary graduate school for physicians (MD/PhD, MBBS, Dr. med.) and life scientists (biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, engineering, veterinary medicine, etc.). It offers international (MD)/PhD study programmes such as “Molecular Medicine,” “Infection Biology,” “Regenerative Sciences,” “Audiology,” “Epidemiology,” and “BIOMEDAS – Biomedical Data Sciences.” Students come from more than 40 different countries, and instruction is conducted in English. |
| Immune System | The immune system, often referred to as the defense system, is responsible for neutralizing pathogens that have entered the body as well as abnormal body cells (such as cancer cells). The immune system is highly complex and not yet fully understood in all its details. It is a complex system in which various organs, cell types, and molecules interact. Two components are distinguished: cellular immune defense (e.g., “phagocytes” and “killer cells”) and immune defense mediated by molecules (e.g., “antibodies”). |
| Infection | In medicine, an infection is defined as a situation in which a person has been infected with a pathogen. This pathogen can be, for example, a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or even a worm. The pathogen multiplies, spreads throughout the body, or infects only a specific organ. As long as the person shows no signs of illness, physicians refer to this as an asymptomatic infection. As soon as the body reacts to the pathogen, which manifests as symptoms of illness, it is considered a symptomatic infection. The period from the initial invasion of the body by the pathogen until the first symptoms of illness appear is called the incubation period. It can last a few hours or days, but also many years. An infection does not necessarily lead to the onset of illness in every case. |
| Interleukins | Interleukins are a group of signaling molecules (cytokines) secreted by the body’s own immune cells (leukocytes and macrophages) that help regulate the immune system. One example is interleukin-33. This signaling molecule is released by cells that detect threats in their environment. IL-33 can have positive effects by activating T cells and stimulating antibody production, but it can also promote inflammation of the lungs. |
| iPS cells | iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) are adult somatic cells that have been reprogrammed in the laboratory to a stem cell-like “pluripotent state.” This is achieved using the innovative technique of “reprogramming.” Any cell type in the human body can be derived from iPS cells. This means that these cells can multiply indefinitely and form all the cells of the body. iPS cells can benefit individual patients. |
| iPYRO Method | The iPYRO method uses novel, artificially generated immune cells to detect contaminants in medications and test the safety of medications administered parenterally via injection—that is, all injection solutions, infusions, and vaccines. The method was developed by Prof. Dr. Nico Lachmann at Hannover Medical School (MHH). It is based on human immune system cells that can be produced in the laboratory without the need for a donor. These are macrophages (scavenger cells) derived from so-called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and grown in bioreactors suitable for industrial use. |
| Cohort study | A cohort study is a study conducted using a cohort. A cohort is a group of individuals who are observed over a defined period of time, for example, to determine the incidence of a specific disease. Cohort studies can be conducted prospectively (looking forward) or retrospectively (looking back). |
| Lymph nodes | Lymph nodes are normally a few millimeters in size and oval in shape. They are part of the immune system, are located along the lymphatic vessels, and function as filter stations. They trap pathogens, cellular debris, and cancer cells. They are often the first ward where tumor cells that have broken away from the primary tumor settle and develop into metastases. Lymph nodes can swell and harden in cases of inflammation, infection, and tumor invasion. |
| Meta-analysis | A meta-analysis is a scientific method in which the results of many individual studies on a given topic are systematically summarized and statistically evaluated together. The goal is to obtain a more reliable and accurate conclusion than would be possible from a single study. |
| Metagenomic analysis | A metagenomic analysis is a method used to examine the entire genetic material (DNA) from a sample (for example, a stool sample), i.e., all microorganisms contained within it. The genetic material is extracted, sequenced, and analyzed. This provides an overview of how many different microbes or viruses are present in a specific sample. This is important, for example, for studying the microbiome of the gut flora. |
| Metastasis | Metastasis means that cells detach from a malignant tumor and begin to migrate: The tumor cells are carried through the body via blood vessels or lymphatic channels and then settle in another location within the body. There, they multiply and form a metastasis, a secondary tumor derived from the original tumor. The ability to appear in other parts of the body is a hallmark of malignant tumors, i.e., cancer. |
| Methylation | Methylation is a chemical process in which a methyl group is attached to a molecule. In biology, this usually refers to DNA methylation. In this process, a methyl group is bound to the DNA, thereby influencing gene activity. This usually results in genes being less active without changing the DNA sequence. This mechanism is part of epigenetics. Methylation can also inactivate tumor suppressor genes, for example, which can increase the risk of cancer. |
| Multi-omics | Multi-omics refers to a research approach in which multiple “omics” levels within a cell or organism are simultaneously examined and combined to gain a more comprehensive understanding of biological systems. For example, the term genomics describes the entire DNA, including the genes. Transcriptomics encompasses all RNA molecules, reflecting the genome’s current activity; proteomics refers to the totality of proteins; and metabolomics stands for all metabolic products. Various molecular biological methods are used in the investigation. The overarching goal is to identify, describe, and quantify the biomolecules and molecular processes that contribute to the form and function of cells and tissues. This is important for better understanding complex diseases such as cancer, improving diagnoses, making more reliable prognoses, selecting therapies more precisely, and researching biological processes in detail. |
| MicroRNA | MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that play a key role in gene regulation. Gene regulation ensures that only the appropriate set of genes is active in each cell type. This is because every cell in our body contains the same genetic material. Nevertheless, different cell types, such as muscle and nerve cells, have very different properties. This is ensured by mechanisms of gene regulation that allow each cell to follow only the genetic instructions relevant to it. MicroRNAs can also respond to signals such as growth, hormones, or inflammation. As a result, gene activity dynamically adapts to changes in the body or the environment. If gene regulation goes awry, it can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders. The human genome contains the blueprints for more than 1,000 different microRNAs. |
| Neoplasia | Neoplasia refers to the formation of new body tissue. If this proliferation occurs as part of a dysregulation of cell growth, it can result in a tumor. |
| Next-Generation Sequencing | Next-generation sequencing (high-throughput sequencing) is a modern method that allows genetic information to be decoded quickly and in detail. While DNA was previously analyzed mostly piece by piece (Sanger sequencing), NGS enables the simultaneous analysis of millions of DNA fragments, allowing large amounts of data to be obtained much more quickly. A complete human genome can be sequenced within a single day. In NGS, the DNA is cut into many small fragments that are sequenced in parallel. This determines the exact sequence of the nucleotides. Computers then reassemble the numerous short sequences to obtain a complete picture of the genetic material. NGS is thus a fast, parallel method for analyzing DNA and RNA that provides extensive data for research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. |
| Natural Killer Cells | Natural killer cells (NK cells) are a special type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system. They can recognize and kill virus-infected and tumorous cells. Unlike T cells, they can target a tumor without first requiring antigen-specific activation. They thus respond to altered cells that have evaded detection by T lymphocytes. Because of this property, NK cells are considered a promising tool for the treatment of solid tumors. However, NK cell-based therapies are not yet available, although several clinical trials are currently underway. |
| OSCE | OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is an oral-practical examination format within the medical curriculum. It assesses various aspects of medical practice and reasoning in an objective and standardized manner. This exam focuses on clinical-practical skills and communication abilities, as well as the application of theoretical knowledge in practice. It takes place at the end of the second year of study in the “Diagnostic Methods” module. |
| PCR | PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a molecular biology method used to detect very small amounts of DNA or RNA. In practice, it is frequently used to detect viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. |
| Practical Year | All students complete the Practical Year (PJ) after passing the second section of the medical exam in the sixth year of their medical studies. Placements are assigned via the PJ portal. The PJ Office is responsible for all students enrolled at a German university who wish to complete a PJ at MHH. |
| Preclinical study | A preclinical study is the phase of research in which a new drug, therapy, or medical procedure is tested before being used in humans. The goal is to assess safety, tolerability, and initial efficacy. |
| Proliferation | In biology and medicine, proliferation simply means cell division and multiplication. It thus describes the process by which cells grow and divide into new cells to increase their number. Proliferation is important for growth, tissue regeneration, and healing after injuries. In the immune system, for example, certain immune cells such as T cells or NK cells divide rapidly when they respond to pathogens or tumor cells. Uncontrolled cell division can lead to tumors or cancer. |
| Retrospective study | A retrospective study is a type of scientific investigation in which researchers analyze existing data from the past to identify correlations or patterns. For example, researchers look back to identify risk factors for a disease. |
| Review | A scientific review is a comprehensive analysis that summarizes and evaluates the current state of research on a specific topic. Unlike an original study, a review does not present new experiments but summarizes the results of many previously published studies. Its purpose is, for example, to provide an overview, identify trends, and highlight gaps in knowledge. |
| Ribonucleic acid | Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule found in all living organisms that plays a central role in heredity, protein production, and gene regulation. RNA can be understood as a kind of working copy of DNA. It contains the genetic information needed for the production of proteins. RNA consists of a sugar (ribose), phosphate groups, and four bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Unlike DNA, RNA contains uracil instead of thymine. There are various types of RNA, including: Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries the blueprints for proteins from the DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. There, the blueprint is read and the corresponding protein is produced. Transfer RNA (tRNA): Delivers the correct amino acids to the ribosomes during protein production. MicroRNA (miRNA): Short, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate the activity of specific genes. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA): Does not contain information for proteins, but controls other RNA molecules and performs various regulatory functions within the cell. |
| SkillsLAB | The MHH SkillsLAB is a 700-square-meter training area. It provides space for curricular teaching modules, exams, continuing education, tutorials, group work, and much more. Students have the opportunity to learn practical skills and techniques in various tutorials under supervision, as well as to practice independently, either on their own or in study groups. |
| StrucMed | StrucMed stands for the Structured PhD Program for Medical Students (Dr. med./Dr. med. dent.). It is aimed at motivated students (preferably from the third year of study onward) who take a full one-year break from their studies to conduct an experimental PhD thesis in selected research groups and partner institutes of the university. The goal is to produce publishable results whenever possible. It is part of the Hannover Biomedical Research School (HBRS). |
| Telomere | A telomere is a special section at the end of a chromosome consisting of repetitive DNA sequences. Telomeres act as protective caps for genetic information (genes). Without these protective regions, important sections of DNA would gradually be lost. Every time a cell divides, the telomeres become slightly shorter. People with longer telomeres tend to live longer and have a lower risk of age-related diseases than people with shorter telomeres. |
| Telomerase | Telomerase is an enzyme that plays a key role in maintaining telomeres, the “protective caps” at the ends of our DNA strands. Every time our cells divide, the telomeres shorten. Telomerase counteracts this process by adding new DNA to the end of the telomere, thereby lengthening it. This allows the cell to retain its ability to divide and prevents it from aging. For this reason, telomerase is also known as the “immortality enzyme” and is the subject of anti-aging research. In adults, this enzyme is normally inactive. Telomerase remains active only in certain cell types, such as blood stem cells. |
| Inactivated vaccines | Inactivated vaccines are vaccines that, unlike live vaccines—which contain greatly attenuated pathogens—contain killed (inactivated) pathogens (viruses or bacteria) or their components. Such vaccines can no longer replicate and do not cause disease. However, they still stimulate the body to build up protection against infection with the respective pathogen. The immune system recognizes these components as “foreign” and produces antibodies and memory cells. Most common vaccinations are now administered using inactivated vaccines. They are used, for example, against hepatitis B, influenza (some strains), and tetanus. |
| Transcriptome analyses | Transcriptome analyses are methods used to investigate which genes are currently active in which cells, how active they are, and to what extent they are utilized—that is, which sections of DNA are “transcribed” into RNA. The transcriptome comprises all RNA molecules in a cell at a specific point in time. Transcriptome analyses help us understand how cells respond to environmental stimuli, distinguish between healthy and diseased cells (for example, in cancer), or track the effects of medications. |
| T cells | T cells are immune cells that play a central role in the adaptive immune response. They are a type of white blood cell and help the body specifically combat pathogens. They recognize foreign structures by certain characteristics, known as antigens. There are different types with different functions: T helper cells regulate the immune response by activating other immune cells. They stimulate B cells via signaling molecules to produce tailored antibodies. These bind to the virus’s antigens and thereby bring about its demise. Cytotoxic T cells specifically kill infected or abnormal cells, for example in viral infections or cancer. Regulatory T cells slow down the immune response so that it does not become too strong. This is important for preventing autoimmune reactions. Memory T cells remember pathogens and ensure a faster response upon renewed contact. The name “T cells” comes from the thymus, an organ in which these cells mature and are “trained.” |
| Wearable | In research, a wearable refers to a portable electronic device that is worn directly on the body and collects data. Examples of wearables include smartwatches, fitness trackers, or special sensors embedded in clothing or patches. These devices continuously measure physical or environmental data. Researchers in the field of ubiquitous computing (also known as “pervasive computing”) focus on integrating computer technology into our environment in such a way that it is as unobtrusive, seamless, and always available as possible. |
| Cell | A cell is the smallest building block of a living organism. A cell is a system that has its own metabolism, exchanges metabolic substances with its environment, can reproduce, and can respond to stimuli. A cell is surrounded by a cell membrane and consists of a nucleus and a cytoplasm containing cellular organelles. The total number of cells in an adult human is estimated to be around 10 to 100 trillion. |
| Cell Communication | Our body consists of 100 trillion cells that communicate with one another, receive signals from the outside world, and respond to them. Receptor proteins anchored in the cell membrane—so-called receptors—play a central role in this communication network. There, they receive signals and transmit them into the cell interior, where the cell’s response is triggered. In humans, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), with around 700 different types, constitute the largest group of these receptor molecules. Such receptors can also produce signals even in the absence of an external stimulus: for some receptors, it appears to be sufficient for many of them to cluster closely together on the cell surface. |
| Cell therapy | Cell therapy is a medical treatment in which living cells are introduced into the body or modified there to cure or alleviate diseases. The cells are used as “tools” that perform a specific task in the body, such as replacing damaged tissue, strengthening the immune system, or combating pathological processes. Cell therapies are used in cancer treatment, for blood disorders, and in regenerative medicine. |
| Cytokines | Cytokines are part of the immune system. This group of peptides and proteins acts as messenger substances through which immune cells communicate with one another. In this role, cytokines can stimulate or inhibit immune responses. In this way, they control and coordinate the defense against pathogens. Cytokines are produced during an immune system response and bind to specific receptors on various immune system cells to achieve the necessary activation of the target cells. Cytokines include interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, and other polypeptides or proteins. Cytokines can act on the cell that produced them, on neighboring cells, or even on cells located far away. |