🎓Education and Academic Background
Dr. Rainer Hubmann’s distinguished academic journey began at the University of Vienna, where he earned a Master’s degree in Biology and Genetics (1987–1996). During this time, he joined the prestigious Cell Cycle Club, led by Kim Nasmyth, sharpening his focus on cell cycle research. He pursued his Ph.D. thesis (1997–2002) at the Medical University of Vienna (MUW), investigating the Regulation of CD23 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). His postdoctoral work from 2002 to 2011 extended into pioneering studies on NOTCH2 regulation and the characterization of CLL stem cells. In 2022, he assumed the role of Group Leader and Senior Scientist at the Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, MUW, further solidifying his leadership in hematological research.
🔬 Research and Innovation
Dr. Hubmann’s research has made groundbreaking strides in NOTCH signaling and its implications in cancer. His work elucidates the central role of NOTCH2 signaling in CLL leukemogenesis, uncovering vital mechanisms of disease progression. He has identified GLIOTOXIN as a potent therapeutic NOTCH2/CSL transactivation inhibitor, presenting it as a promising alternative to conventional γ-secretase inhibitors. Furthermore, he discovered a tumor-suppressor role for NOTCH3 signaling in CLL, revealing its therapeutic potential. Dr. Hubmann’s studies have highlighted the recurring NOTCH2ΔNRR gain-of-function (GOF) mRNA deletions as potentially disease-defining genetic lesions in CLL. His innovative research also explores somatic recombination involving ancient and recent NOTCH2 gene variants, addressing hereditary, geographic, and gender-based variations.
🧪 Patents and Innovations
Dr. Hubmann’s contributions to translational medicine are protected by several patents. These include Gliotoxin for the treatment of NOTCH2-associated malignancies (WO/2006/135949; US Patent No 7,981,878) and NOTCH21A01/1a4-RFLP as a leukemia/tumor predisposition detection tool (MUW Tech-ID: 835.19). His patented innovations underscore his role in translating basic research into clinical applications.
💡 Technical Expertise
Dr. Hubmann possesses advanced technical skills pivotal to hematology and oncology research. His expertise includes gene expression and silencing techniques such as retroviral vectors and siRNA-mediated gene silencing. He is proficient in molecular analysis, including RT-PCR, Northern & Western blotting, and RNA-seq sequence analysis. His work extends to drug screening models, xenograft mouse models, and developing diagnostic tools for personalized medicine. His ability to blend bioinformatics with preclinical studies further enhances his contributions to the field.
💵 Funding and Grants
Over his career, Dr. Hubmann has secured significant funding for his research. Notable grants include FWF P15100 (2001) for studying the Regulation and Function of NOTCH2 in CLL, and ÖNB Jubiläumsfonds (2002, 2004) for exploring NOTCH2 in leukemogenesis. His work on GLIOTOXIN’s therapeutic potential was supported by Initiative Krebsforschung (2013), while his recent studies on NOTCH2ΔNRR deletions were funded by the Fellinger Krebsforschungsfonds (2022). These funding milestones reflect the impact and importance of his research.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Dr. Hubmann’s outstanding contributions to medical research have earned him numerous accolades. In 1999, he received the Aventis Stiftung Award for his work on fibroblast growth factor in Hairy Cell Leukemia. His innovative findings on interferon-alpha in Hairy Cell Leukemia earned the Erste Bank Preis in 2001. In 2005 and 2010, he was awarded the Sanofi-Aventis Prize for breakthroughs in cancer therapy and PI3-K/Akt/CK2 signaling. Additionally, the Paracelsus Medical University Award (2008) recognized his research on TGF-β in Radon therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis patients.
🏢 Professional Memberships
Dr. Hubmann is an esteemed member of the Austrian Society for Hematology and Oncology (ÖGHO). He serves as the Vice Coordinator of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna (CCC) Research Cluster, focusing on Microenvironment, Vasculature, and Metastasis, underscoring his leadership in advancing cancer research.
🎓 Teaching and Mentorship
Since 1998, Dr. Hubmann has played a pivotal role in teaching and mentoring young scientists. He leads specialized courses, including Molecular Biology in Hematology-Oncology and Clinical and Experimental Hematology, since 2001. His dedication extends to supervising Ph.D. and diploma students, nurturing the next generation of researchers and clinicians.
Publications Top Noted📚
Targeting Nuclear NOTCH2 by Gliotoxin Recovers a Tumor-Suppressor NOTCH3 Activity in CLL Cells
Authors: Rainer Hubmann
Journal: Cells
Year: 2020
UGT2B17 modifies drug response in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Rainer Hubmann
Journal: British Journal of Cancer
Year: 2020
Combined approach for characterization and quality assessment of rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells intended for gene banking
Authors: Rainer Hubmann
Journal: New Biotechnology
Year: 2020
Combined chemosensitivity and chromatin profiling prioritizes drug combinations in CLL
Authors: Rainer Hubmann
Journal: Nature Chemical Biology
Year: 2019
Critical assessment of the efficiency of CD34 and CD133 antibodies for enrichment of rabbit hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Rainer Hubmann
Journal: Biotechnology Progress
Year: 2018