The Waaler group has the following main research objectives:
- We have established a tankyrase inhibitor (TNKSi) drug development program and have discovered highly potent small-molecule tankyrase inhibitors that block cancer-promoting WNT/β-catenin and YAP signaling activities. A comprehensive evaluation of the effect in animal models as well as pharmacokinetics/ ADME testing and safety profiling is ongoing for our preclinical candidate-stage drugs aiming for early-stage clinical testing.
- To evaluate the effect and mechanism of action for TNKSi monotherapy and combination therapies in the regulation of signaling pathways in cancer using cell culture and mouse models.
- WNT/β-catenin signaling can play a central regulatory role in immune cell homeostasis, development and function as well as in peripheral T cell activation, differentiation, and tumor cell-immune cell interplay. The objective is to assess the effect of and mechanism of action behind TNKSi/immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-cancer combination therapy and the involvement of the adaptive and innate immune system using isogenic mouse models.
