Researcher Database
Prof. Dr. Angelika Eggert
Onkologie und Hämatologie Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Augustenburger Platz 1
13353 Berlin
Program
Exploitation of Oncogenic Mechanisms (EOM)
Summary
Eggert Lab – Systems medicine for neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma (NB), a common childhood tumor derived from the sympathetic nervous system and characterized by high mortality rates, is a genetically well-characterized model for systems-based identification of somatic abnormalities and key deranged signaling pathways occurring in individual tumors. In light of the plethora of existing molecular datasets, NB is ideally suited to serve as a model for the successful application of more sophisticated systems medicine approaches based on integrating existing molecular and medical knowledge, and aiming for precise prediction of disease course and mechanistically well-informed smart treatment choices.
We employ innovative data management strategies and systems biology modeling with its holistic approach to unravel complex interactions in networks controlling biological functions. Our approach applies systems medicine concepts to a solid base of high-throughput molecular profiling data from primary NBs and preclinical testing models generated by partners and us and gathered in Germany and European research consortia for > 10 years.
Our research activities converge towards identifying mechanistically understood network vulnerabilities in highly aggressive NBs as a common goal, and focusing on those interacting with the key major player, MYCN, that can be exploited for new diagnostic and treatment approaches. By elucidating such core mechanisms we plan to develop new therapeutic options for NB based on improved understanding of its pathogenesis and to define a rational modeling approach to deal with the pathogenic complexity in adult cancers that are influenced by the same core mechanisms.
DKTK Junior Group Leader for Cancer Systems Biology
Single-cell approaches have not only revealed a wide variety of cell states, characterized by cells exhibiting striking differences in their transcriptional profile, but have also illuminated the mechanisms underlying state transitions in health and disease. Cellular plasticity and adaptive state changes have recently emerged as a basis for therapeutic resistance in cancer, and a better understanding of how cell state transitions are regulated is critical to develop therapeutic approaches that can overcome therapy resistance.
Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms driving non-genetic cellular heterogeneity and therapy resistance in malignancy. Using novel single-cell sequencing approaches, we seek to develop new experimental and computational strategies to define altered cell states in both, cancer and immune cells. Our aim is to leverage a data driven strategy combined with single cell genomics and systems biology to address the challenges posed by heterogeneity in cancer, and to develop new strategies to overcome it, with the aim of translating laboratory-based findings into the clinic.