Dr. rer. nat. Jenny Rinke (Group leader)
Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie
Klinik für Innere Medizin II
Universitätsklinikum Jena
Tel.: +49 (3641) 9-325823
Fax: +49 (3641) 9-325822
E-Mail: 

Team members

Lina Schäfer, Master’s student
Paula Röthel, Master’s student
Cornelia Jörke, MTA
Renate Zietz, MTA

Research Area

Our research focus is on the investigation of molecular markers that play a role in the development of resistance and genomic instability in tumors, as well as their impact on the effectiveness of treatment. Another central aspect of our work is the development and application of innovative technologies that support us in improving cancer diagnostics and therapy, and in gaining a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind tumor resistance and therapy response.

Digital PCR (dPCR):

With the QIAcuity system, we perform highly precise, absolute quantifications of tumor markers and resistance-associated mutations. This technique allows us to identify minimally invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS):

We analyze the genetic diversity of cancer patients, focusing on low-level mutations and patient-specific gene fusions, to better understand individual disease courses.

Nanopore Sequencing:

Using the MinION system, we aim to identify resistance mutations in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, ensuring sensitive detection.

Single-Cell Analysis:

The CellCelector allows us to precisely isolate and analyze individual cells, especially tumor-suspicious circulating epithelial-antigen-positive cells, to evaluate their suitability as predictive markers for treatment success in solid tumors.

3D Cell Models:

Another important focus of our research is the development and application of 3D cell models to improve the transferability of results from cell culture to clinical practice. Compared to classic 2D cell cultures, 3D models provide a more realistic reproduction of the tumor microenvironment. The use of these models is not only crucial for preclinical evaluation of new therapeutic approaches but also offers the possibility of studying therapy response individually in primary cells within the framework of personalized medicine.

Selection of Publications

Rinke J, Schäfer V, Schmidt M, Ziermann J, Kohlmann A, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2013. Genotyping of 25 leukemia-associated genes in a single work flow by next-generation sequencing technology with low amounts of input template DNA. Clin Chem; 59(8):1238-50.

Schmidt M*, Rinke J*, Schäfer V, Schnittger S, Kohlmann A, Obstfelder E, Kunert C, Ziermann J, Winkelmann N, Eigendorff E, Haferlach T, Haferlach C, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2014. Molecular-defined clonal evolution in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia independent of the BCR-ABL status. Leukemia; 28(12): 2292-9. *geteilte Erstautorschaft

Rinke J, Müller JP, Blaess MF, Chase A, Meggendorfer M, Schäfer V, Winkelmann N, Haferlach C, Cross NCP, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2017. Molecular characterization of EZH2-mutant patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms. Leukemia.

Rinke J, Chase A, Cross NCP, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2020. EZH2 in Myeloid Malignancies. Cells; 9(7):1639. Review

Rinke J, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2020. CML - Not only BCR-ABL1 matters. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol; 33(3):101194. Review

Midic D, Rinke J, Perner F, Müller V, Hinze A, Pester F, Landschulze J, Ernst J, Gruhn B, Matziolis G, Heidel FH, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2020. Prevalence and dynamics of clonal hematopoiesis caused by leukemia-associated mutations in elderly individuals without hematologic disorders. Leukemia; 34(8):2198-2205.

Hinze A, Rinke J, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2020. Durable remission with ruxolitinib in a chronic neutrophilic leukemia patient harboring a truncation and membrane proximal CSF3R compound mutation. Ann Hematol; 100(2):581-584.

Schönfeld L*, Rinke J*, Hinze A, Nagel SN, Schäfer V, Schenk T, Fabisch C, Brümmendorf TH, Burchert A, le Coutre P, Krause SW, Saussele S, Safizadeh F, Pfirrmann M, Hochhaus A, Ernst T. 2022. ASXL1 mutations predict inferior molecular response to nilotinib treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia; 36(9):2242-2249. *geteilte Erstautorschaft

Oliinyk D, Will A, Schneidmadel FR, Böhme M, Rinke J, Hochhaus A, Ernst T, Hahn N, Geis C, Lubeck M, Raether O, Humphrey SJ, Meier F. µPhos: a scalable and sensitive platform for high-dimensional phosphoproteomics. Mol Syst Biol. 2024 Aug;20(8):972-995.

Wickel J, Schnetzke U, Sayer-Klink A, Rinke J, Borie D, Dudziak D, Hochhaus A, Heger L, Geis C. Anti-CD19 CAR-T cells are effective in severe idiopathic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Cell Rep Med. 2024 Nov 19;5(11):101794.

Funding

Thüringer Aufbaubank
BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research)