Prof. Dr. med. Felix Beuschlein

Area of Research

Description of Research Interest

My major scientific focus is to unravel mechanisms involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation of the adrenal cortex during development, during adaptation in the adult organism and in the context of adrenal tumorigenesis. General concepts recognized as relevant in adrenal tumors are further assessed in other endocrine tumor entities in suitable in vitro and in vivo models. Complementary to this model-based research I have performed molecular characterization and expression profiling in a variety of patients’ tumor samples and have correlated those with clinical data and outcome measures. This translational work is complemented and informed by my clinical work as a Clinical Endocrinologist at my Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition at the University Hospital in Zurich.

I was able to achieve major break-through in basic, translation and clinical oriented adrenal research. Based on national and international registries and associated biobanks of large patient cohorts with adrenal tumors and utilizing cutting-edge genetic and genomic techniques, I have discovered genetic and molecular contributors for primary aldosteronism and adrenal Cushing’s syndrome. Thereby, 50% of aldosterone producing adenomas and 30% of cortisol producing adenomas can now be defined and categorized by genetic markers, which are associated with specific clinical features. Following a similar approach, I have been involved in the elucidation of the molecula.

Special Expertise

Genetics in Primary Aldosteronism and Cushing syndrome
Mouse models for adrenal pathologies
European registries for endocrine disorders

Member of Collaborative/interdisciplinary Research Consortia

SleepLoop
Immuno-TargET (Chair)