Cell death, senescence and survival & celelab

To better understand and treat glioblastoma and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Elucidating the impact of abortive cell death pathways in glioblastoma and understanding the cellular and molecular early warning signs to predict neurodegeneration.

Our research program delves into the mechanisms of cell death in two distinct contexts: glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Glioblastoma Research: 

• Line G1: DFF40/CAD - Key Player in Cell Death: we analyze the activation of DFF40/CAD, a crucial enzyme in the final stages of apoptosis, in glioblastoma cells after cytotoxic treatments. 

• Line G2: The Autophagy-Apoptosis Connection: we explore the relationship between autophagy and the final steps of apoptosis in glioblastoma. Recent research suggests these pathways interact, and understanding this link could lead to innovative therapies. 

• Line G3: Beyond Existing Treatments:  we investigate novel treatment approaches for glioblastoma by using new tools developed by ourselves 

Neurodegeneration Research: 

• Line N1: C. elegans - A Powerful Model: we leverage C. elegans, a tiny worm with a well-understood nervous system, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. This allows for rapid and cost-effective genetic screens and testing of potential therapies. 

• Line N2: Dopamine and Lipid Connection: we specifically explore the role of dopamine, a signaling molecule, in fat metabolism (lipid metabolism) within C. elegans. By understanding this connection, we might identify new therapeutic targets. 

• Line N3: Rac1 and the Pre-neurodegenerative Stage: we focus on Rac1, a protein involved in cellular communication, and study its contribution to the processes leading up to neurodegeneration. Understanding these early events triggered by Rac1 might pave the way for preventative strategies. 

By elucidating these mechanisms, we can pave the way for: 

• Identifying specific activators of DFF40/CAD or molecules regulating the autophagy-apoptosis interplay to target glioblastoma cells. 

• Manufacturing new tools for the treatment of glioblastoma 

• Translating findings from C. elegans to develop novel therapeutic targets for human neurodegenerative diseases: investigating the interaction between Rac1 and other signaling pathways in the context of neurodegeneration and understanding the role of dopamine in regulating lipid metabolism within neurons and its potential impact on neurodegeneration.