Start-up funding: Christina Bebber & Felix C.E. Vogel

Markers of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis sensitivity in metastasis to liver and lung

Dr. Christina Bebber,
CECAD, Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research, University of Cologne

Dr. Felix C. E. Vogel,
Division of Tumour Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg

Our project addresses the critical issue of cancer metastasis, a leading cause of mortality. Focusing on breast cancer and small cell lung cancer, the study aims to identify markers of lipid peroxidation and metabolic differences influencing ferroptosis sensitivity in distant metastases to the liver and lungs. Spatially resolved MALDI-MSI enables the direct in-situ detection of peroxidized lipids in liver and lung metastases, preserving tumor heterogeneity. Further, we extend to also identify essential antioxidants and ferroptosis-related cofactors. Simultaneously, using single-cell RNA sequencing we aim to reveal transcriptional changes in cancer cells and the microenvironment, providing insights into heterogeneity and plasticity. Integration of these findings enhances the understanding of ferroptosis during metastasis and offers potential for novel translational strategies.

remaining Start-up funding projects 2021 – 2024

Deciphering the role of hepcidin in ferroptotic-mediated liver damage in hemochromatosis
Dr. Carolin Lohr,
Division for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, University Hospital Duesseldorf

Dr. Marlene leTertre,
Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelbergof Tumour Metabolism and Microenvironment, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg

Using APEX2 as a chemogenetic tool to study ferroptosis in vivo

Dr. Svenja Lorenz,
Helmholtz Munich, Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death, München

Dr. Uladzimir Barayeu,
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division of Redox Regulation, Heidelberg

Characterization of gene regulatory networks and ferroptosis sensitivity of drug-tolerant melanoma

Dr. Ancély Ferreira dos Santos,
Rudolf Virchow Zentrum (RVZ), Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg

Dr. Hamed Alborzinia,
Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) & Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg