Rebalancing epigenetic and mTOR signaling in VHL-dependent clear cell renal cell carcinoma (P13)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Developmental Biology ; Nephrology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431984000

Inactivation of the VHL tumour suppressor gene is a key event in ccRCC. Cancer sequencing studies highlight the importance of second-hits in genes controlling specific epigenetic and mTOR pathways as drivers of progression. To better understand the mechanisms of ccRCC pathogenesis, P13 will characterize the molecular and cellular consequences of deregulated epigenetic control by the MLL3/4 histone methyltransferases and of hyper-activation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. Insight into the interplay of epigenetics with mTOR signaling is a central aim of this project. Towards this, we will combine cutting edge genomics and proteomics technologies, and C. elegans as model organism.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1453: Nephrogenetics (NephGen)
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Heads: Privatdozentin Dr. Elke Neumann-Haefelin; Professor Dr. Marc Timmers