Mutations in epigenetic modifiers and their impact on tumorigenesis and drug response in SCLC (B03+)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 413326622

In this project M. Schweiger will dissect epigenetic means of SCLC development and drug response. The main focus will be on frequent mutations in chromatin modifiers, where cell lines and mouse models will be used for proteomic analyses and to dissect the effect on post-translational histone modifications. Based on previous data, the heat stress response will be utilized as surrogate for proteotoxic stress and model for evaluation of the therapeutic effect. B03 will collaborate closely with B04 for chemical compounds targeting mutated chromatin modifiers and to set up a chemical drug screen to optimize epigenetic drugs. Results will be transferred to human tissue samples and mouse models of SCLC will be employed to evaluate resulting new treatment options.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1399: Mechanisms of drug sensitivity and resistance in small cell lung cancer
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Michal-Ruth Schweiger