Integrative Genomic Analyses of Primary Brain Tumors, Malignant Melanomas and Mesotheliomas

Overall aim is to identify genes and signal pathway driving aggressiveness and therapy resistance and to test their feasibility as targets for therapeutic interventions. Chromosomal regions over- or under-represented in the investigated tumors are identified by means of (array) CGH and FISH analyses and confirmation by expression arrays. In selected cases next generation sequencing approaches are used. Interesting genes/pathways are further characterised regarding their role in the malignant phenotype and their quality as therapeutic targets using diverse cell/molecular biological approaches in vitro and xenograft models in vivo. An additional focus lies on the identification of mechanisms leading to resistance against chemotherapeutic approaches but also novel targeted agents like inhibitors of oncogenic (receptor) tyrosine kinases.

CGH analysis of a glioblastoma primary cell culture established from clinical surgery material. Arrows indicate the most predominant gains (green) and losses (red) as compared to normal DNA.

Christine Pirker, Post-Doc
Daniela Lötsch, PhD

Together with:
Sabine Spiegl-Kreinecker (Wagner-Jauregg Hospital, Linz) 

Cooperation:
C. Marosi (KIMI, Department of Oncology)
H. Petzelbauer (Clinics for Dermatology)
S. Spiegl-Kreinecker, G.Wurm (Landesnervenklinik Wagner-Jauregg, Linz)
C. Caldas (University Cambridge, Department of Oncology)
R. Kiss (University of Brussels)