Oncology

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.01.2018 – 30.06.2021

AML is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Emerging evidence suggests that immune alterations favor leukemogenesis and relapse. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are mediators of tumor immune escape. Here, we aim to decipher the interconnection between metabolic reprogramming and MDSC abundance in AML and to unravel the role of AML-derived exosomes in this context. A better understanding is key for improving immune-based therapeutic approaches in AML

Principal Investigator Dr. Regina Jitschin phone: +49 9131 85-43113 e-mail: regina.jitschin@uk-erlangen.de

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.10.2021 – 31.03.2024

The B-secretases (Bace1 and Bace2) are proteases involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, Bace1/2 can be found in tissues other than the brain, suggesting that their role goes well beyond AD. Interestingly, our preliminary data reveal that the expression of Bace1/2 is modulated in response to intestinal inflammation and during cancer development. We hypothesize that the B-secretases might have regulatory functions in the gut and the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer.

Main Research: Oncology

Term: not started yet

The metabolism of reconstituting NK cells upon autologous SCT is altered in lymphoma patients who experience an early relapse upon transplantation. We intend to decipher the underlying cellular and molecular mechanism to identify factors leading to the increased relapse risk and to reveal potential opportunities to modify them. This will lay the foundation for further projects investigating NK cell reconstitution upon allogeneic SCT and CAR-transfected NK cell expansion in tumor patients.