Arbeitsgruppe Saur

Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy

Prof. Dr. Dieter Saur

The Saur Lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that allow gastrointestinal cancers to resist therapy and evade the immune system. A central aim of the lab is to dissect the complex interplay between tumor cells and their microenvironment, with an emphasis on how distinct oncogenic signaling programs, cellular plasticity, and tumor–microenvironment interactions converge to drive disease progression, shape immune responses, and influence treatment outcomes.

We combine innovative experimental and computational technologies to achieve these insights:

Advanced models: Patient derived organoids and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) enable controlled in vitro and in vivo perturbations.
Single cell & lineage tracing: scRNA seq, multi omics, and lineage barcoding resolve heterogeneity and track clonal dynamics over time.
Functional genomics: CRISPR based in vivo screens identify context specific vulnerabilities underlying growth, immune escape, and drug resistance.
Spatial multi omics: Spatial transcriptomics and related platforms map subclone niches and cell–cell communication with immune and stromal components in the TME.
Combinatorial pharmacology and biologics: High throughput combination screens reveal synergistic therapies tailored to tumor subtype and immune context.

Future projects and goals
By integrating forward genetic screens with high‑dimensional single‑cell and spatial datasets, we reconstruct communication networks and immune landscapes across tumor subtypes. These mechanistic insights guide rational, subtype‑specific combination therapies designed to reprogram the TME, rejuvenate immune responses and overcome treatment resistance. Our work sits at the interface of precision oncology, systems immunology, and translational cancer research, advancing strategies to improve outcomes in highly treatment‑refractory cancers.