Research in the Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group
Novel therapies for cancer and rare diseases called RASopathies are urgently needed. In both cancer and RASopathy research cell proliferation is typically analysed. However, RAS also impacts on cell differentiation, which generates and repairs the various tissues we have in our bodies. We aim at elucidating the fundamental role of RAS in this process.
Our approach against RAS
We have developed several FRET- and BRET-biosensors for the detection of functional membrane anchorage of small GTPases and Src-family proteins, as well as for various interactions in the RAS pathway. Recently, we launched several drug development projects against RAS surrogate targets employing in silico screening, classical small molecules, protein-protein interface targeting small molecules and peptides/ peptidomomimetics. The lab aims at applications in cancer, RASopathies and stem cell/ regenerative biology.
Our core methodologies are:
– quantitative fluorescence methods (FRET/ BRET, FRAP etc.), confocal imaging
– molecular cell biology (cell-proliferation, -differentiation, chemo-genomics)
– biochemistry (SPR, fluorescence polarization, protein interactions)