Research Unit: Signal transduction in myeloid malignancies
PI: Armin Zebisch
Focus: Myeloid leukemias are devastating hematologic cancers with a dismal prognosis in affected patients. In the experimental-translational part of our work, we aim to delineate the molecular basis of myeloid leukemia development and use this knowledge to design novel treatment approaches. We are especially interested in the role of RAS-oncogenes, an essential component of many intracellular signal transduction cascades. They are potent drivers of leukemia development and frequently mutated in human myeloid leukemia patients. In an additional part of our work, we run a large leukemia biobank, where we collect and archive high-quality specimens of patients with myeloid leukemias. These samples are then used for our experimental-translational research and shared in national and international cooperations. Finally, we perform clinical trials on myeloid leukemias and aim to bridge preclinical knowledge into the development of novel treatment approaches.
Network: We are located at the Division of Hematology, the Division of Pharmacology, and the Center for Medical Research (ZMF) for the experimental-translational part of our research. This setting enables direct interaction with both basic and clinical scientists. Moreover, the team actively collaborates with renowned national and international experts. Our research covers the whole spectrum of preclinical and clinical leukemia research, including studies in genetically engineered leukemia mouse models and leukemic cell lines, where we perform cutting-edge techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Importantly, our research also provides a strong translational aspect as we extend our work to primary human leukemia patient specimens. Another focus of our group is leukemia biobanking, where we collect and archive high-quality patient specimens of myeloid leukemias. Therefore, we are closely connected to the Med Uni Graz Biobank. Finally, we perform clinical trials on myeloid leukemias at the Division of Hematology and benefit from the clinical trial infrastructure at this department. We are also collaborating with national and international partners from academic study groups and the pharmaceutical industry.
