Advanced Clinician Scientist
PD Dr. med. Anna-Luisa Luger
Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology
Research Focus: Redox stress in the glioblastoma microenvironment
Contact: luger@med.uni-frankfurt.de
Luger Lab
Glioblastoma (GB) is an incurable brain tumor characterized by profound therapy resistance. Within solid tumors, redox stress is a key challenge for tumor cells that arises both physiologically triggered by local oxygen and nutrient deprivation, as well as iatrogenically by therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the ability to adapt to redox stress is crucial for the development of therapy resistance. Dr. Luger’s research group is investigating the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent inhibition of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxifying enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). In a discovery approach, the group will also investigate global redox stress adaption programs in GB by mass spectrometry. By analyzing changes in the proteome under redox stress, they aim to identify superordinate key regulators followed by screening with chemical probe sets. Promising candidates for therapeutic application will be further investigated via genetic and pharmacological modulation to understand their role in redox stress adaption in glioblastoma.
