Understanding cancer and its tumor microenvironment

Cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease that is based on the acquisition of aberrant characteristics such as hyperproliferation, immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming. By using a combination of various state-of-the-art experimental model systems (3D, in vivo and in silico ) as well as clinical samples, the researchers investigate fundamental mechanisms that drive tumor initiation, progression and response to available treatments as well as improvement of current therapeutic options. The behaviour of cells is tightly controlled in time and space by signals they receive from their environment. Understanding molecular mechanisms that govern cellular communication and signalling in the healthy organism as well as in pathological conditions, is a prerequisite for the development of tefficient therapeutic interventions.