Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer
Prof. Dr. Christiane Opitz
The major goal of the division of "Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer" is to unravel how metabolites function as signaling molecules in the crosstalk between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, thereby contributing to the malignant properties of tumor cells and/ or the suppression of anti-tumor immune responses. This interaction is critically important, as it contributes not only to the malignant transformation and progression of tumor cells but also to the evasion or suppression of anti-tumor immune responses. Understanding how metabolic signaling shapes this crosstalk has the potential to uncover new vulnerabilities in cancer.
Our fundamental research has led to the mechanism-based identification of metabolic biomarkers linked to tryptophan, tryptophan catabolites, amino acids, amino acid metabolites, and ceramides that may contribute to diagnosis, risk assessment and prediction of therapy response in cancer patients. Our overarching goal is to validate these biomarkers and identify the clinical settings, in which they are most beneficial. Establishing the clinical utility of these markers will not only enhance precision medicine approaches but also pave the way for their routine implementation in diagnostic and prognostic workflows, thereby contributing to more personalized and effective cancer care.
In parallel, our research has led to the identification of novel, metabolic targets that can be leveraged for cancer immunotherapy. These metabolic regulators and enzymes, which influence immune cell function and anti-tumor immunity, represent promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. We are actively engaged in the development of small molecule inhibitors and targeted protein degraders aimed at suppressing these new targets. The drug candidates are currently being optimized for specificity, efficacy, and translational potential, with the goal of advancing them toward clinical development.
Taken together, our research program is deeply rooted in translational science, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between basic mechanistic insights and their clinical application. By focusing on cancer metabolism and immunometabolism, we aim to deliver innovative solutions that not only enhance our understanding of tumor biology but also improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer patients. Ultimately, our vision is to translate metabolic vulnerabilities into actionable strategies that support more effective and durable anti-cancer therapies.
Future projects and goals
Our future research will focus on validating metabolic biomarkers for use in cancer diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapy response prediction across diverse clinical settings. We aim to define the most effective contexts for their application to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, we will advance the development of small molecule inhibitors and degraders targeting novel immunometabolic regulators to enhance anti-tumor immunity. A key goal is to translate these discoveries into clinical tools and therapies, bridging basic research and patient care.
