The role of human endogenous retrovirus K as a modulator of microglial function in glioblastoma (B03)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology ; Virology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259373024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is composed of heterogeneous cell populations including glioma-associated microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages. We hypothesize that human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), specifically HERV-K(HML-2) acts as a signaling molecule in glioma-associated microglia and tumor cells, thereby contributing to GBM. We will use single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and a CASPEX approach to determine the expression and regulation of HERV-K(HML-2) and associated signaling pathways in different GBM cell populations. The potential of HERV-K(HML-2) as a biomarker for GBM will be explored through analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and serum from GBM patients.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 167: Development, function and potential of myeloid cells in the central nervous system (NeuroMac)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Seija Lehnardt; Dr. Michelle Vincendeau, since 1/2025