Translational Thyroid Oncology (AG Spitzweg)

Research topic

The major focus of the Laboratory for Translational Thyroid Oncology is the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), its central role in the pathogenesis of radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer, its role in extrathyroidal tissues and malignancies, such as breast cancer, as well as its emerging role as reporter and therapy gene. In addition, we have developed a major interest in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment by thyroid hormones in recent years.

• Optimization and individualization of sodium iodide symporter (NIS)-based gene therapy in glioblastoma based on characterization of tumor heterogeneity and tumor micromilieus
• image-guided, tumor-targeted radionuclide therapy in disseminated tumors and in combination with external beam radiation using the sodium iodide symporter as theranostic gene
• Optimization of the efficacy and tumor selectivity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-mediated sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene therapy through combination with regional hyperthermia: Use of NIS as theranostic gene
• Commandeering TGF-β/SMAD signaling to re-establish functional sodium iodide symporter expression in radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer using engineered mesenchymal stem as therapy vehicles
• Plasma membrane-mediated non-genomic effects of T4, T3 and thyroid hormone metabolite tetrac on the tumor microenvironment