André Fischer

EDUCATION

College / University

University of Vienna; Max Perutz Laboratories

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Chemistry

Country

Austria

Lab Experience

AAV in vitro biopotency assay, cellular reprogramming, iPS cell culture, primary cell isolation, cell transfection (lipofection/electroporation), cryo-sectioning, life cell imaging, time-lapse microscopy, LSM980, ECM-derived gels, zymography, chemotaxis assay, in vitro/in vivo EdU labelling, DNA/RNA isolation, work in Clean Room C.

Projects / Research

2021: “Unravelling dynamic changes in the extracellular matrix during axolotl limb regeneration and how this intricate non-cellular network orchestrates cellular behavior” (Elly Tanaka, IMP, Austria)
2019: “Influence of the proteasome inhibitor (MG-132) in an in vitro biopotency for human Factor IX AAV gene therapy using next generation AAV8 vectors” (Prof. Rottensteiner, Gene Therapy Research Takeda, Austria)
2018: “Biochemical profiling the maturation process of the acidic lysosomal alpha-glucosidase in Glycogen Storage Disease Type II for human AAV gene therapy” (Prof. Rottensteiner, Gene Therapy Research Shire, Austria)

Scholarships / Awards

2021 – 2022:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2017 – 2021:	Scholarship from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research
2018 – 2020:	Merit-based Scholarship in Chemistry from the University of Vienna

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

Until recently, ageing was considered as an inevitable process of cell degeneration and systemic pathologies leading to various age-related diseases, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration. I am particularly interested in uncovering epigenetic alterations in aged mammals to counteract this highly conserved mechanism across species. In addition, the inability of mammals to regenerate complex parts of their body, whereas few vertebrate species such as salamanders possess highly regenerative capacities, has mesmerized me and sparked my interest towards how the extracellular matrix can guide the early regenerative response in axolotl and can we transfer these capabilities to humans to improve the regenerative outcome.