Christian Posch M.D. Ph.D.
Head of Dermatology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Austria
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The Posch-lab focuses on (skin) cancer biology and inflammatory skin diseases. Why the skin? Because it is accessible, easy to observe+treat, and easy to sample. The skin offers a complex immunological network, a plethora of different inflammatory diseases and a vast variety of different cancer entities. Nowhere on or in the body is the process of aging so visible and obvious - all right in front of your eyes.
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Dr. Posch is a board certified physician scientist with nearly 15 years of experience in clinical dermatology and substantial productivity in melanoma and basic cancer research. In previous studies, he has highlighted the critical role of the MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cell cycle pathways for NRAS mutant melanoma maintenance. He has also discovered novel signalling networks of the PD-1 receptor on cancer cells. His clinical responsibilities include the management of patients with different (cutaneous) neoplasms and complex dermatological diseases. He was the head of dermato-oncology at the Department for Dermatology at the Technical University of Munich (Klinikum rechts der Isar). Since 2022 he is head of dermatology at the Vienna Healthcare Group.
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The Posch-lab is convinced that the fundamental processes of cancer initiation and the biological processes of aging are heavily intertwined. What if the key to human longevity and healthspan lies in the very entity currently responsible for destroying both in so many - cancer?
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Antonia Wiala M.D. - resident in dermatology
Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Vienna
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Current clinical and study activities
Sept 2017 – Nov 2018 Study coordinator HARMONY Study (abbvie)
May 2017 – present Hidradenitis suppurativa specialized clinic
Rudolfstiftung and study coordinator
Current projects:
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Digital assessment of hidradenitits suppurativa disease activity
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Evaluation of genetic variants in new-onset hidradenitis suppurativa patients by exome sequencing
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Demographics and treatment outcome in hidradenitis suppurativa patients
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The role of senescence-escape in early melanoma develoment
Wilson Liao M.D. - dermatologist
University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
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ACADEMIC INTERESTS
Dr. Liao serves as Director of the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center and is deeply engaged in patient care, clinical trials, and basic science research. The Liao laboratory studies the genetics and environmental triggers of psoriasis, a common immune-mediated skin disease. Dr. Liao directs the UCSF Psoriasis Research Initiative and Biobank with over 1,000 subjects, which is used for genetic and translational research studies.
The Liao lab has contributed to the publication of the first two genome-wide association studies in psoriasis and has helped identify over 20 additional risk variants. His lab has identified a genetic similarity between individuals with psoriasis and individuals who have robust immunity against HIV-1. This has highlighted the role of antiviral immune responses in contributing to autoimmune susceptibility.
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Collaboration with the POSCHlab:
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Prof. Klemens Rappersberger M.D. - dermatologist
Klinik Landstrasse, Vienna, Austria
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ACADEMIC INTERESTS
Prof. Rappersberger is a distinguished dermatologist and dermato-pathologist. He just recently retired as the heads the department for Dermatology and Venereology at the Clinic Landstrasse, Vienna, Austria.
Prof. Rappersberger has contributed to over 150 scientific publications in high ranking journals. His work has made him one of the most established Austrian physicians in the treatment of complex dermatologic diseases, particularly bullous skin disorders. Like no other, he combines his profound dermato-pathologic knowledge and over 35 years of clinical experience to provide excellence in patient care and science.
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Collaboration with the POSCHlab:
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- Genetics of Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Hidradenitis suppurativa disease activity score
- The role of senescence-escape in early melanoma develoment