These projects have received funding
- Anne Gjøen Simonsen
Characterisation of novel mitophagy regulators in metabolic reprogramming and tumourigenesis - Karl-Johan Malmberg
Targeted NK cell therapy against cancer - Jan Terje Andersen
Design of innovative antibodies tailored for targeted cancer therapy
The projects have each received eight million Norwegian kroner. Below, you can read about the projects.
Understanding the role of mitophagy in cancer development
Our cells have the ability to break down and recycle damaged or unnecessary components through a process known as autophagy. For cancer cells, autophagy can be both beneficial and detrimental.
Autophagy can prevent cancer by removing damaged components, such as mitochondria. This is a type of autophagy known as mitophagy. However, autophagy can also help cancer cells survive when exposed to chemotherapy.
"The therapeutic modulation of autophagy holds great potential for cancer treatment, but we need a better understanding of the mechanisms behind autophagy to develop effective treatments," explains Professor Anne Gjøen Simonsen, Deputy Director at CanCell – Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming.
"Our project aims to understand the role of mitophagy in cancer cells that have low oxygen levels. We will look at how this affects cancer development," she explains.
The project will lead to the development of new technology and identify new targets for future scientific discoveries, potentially paving the way for new cancer treatments.
Can the body's natural killer cells be exploited in cancer treatment?
Natural killer cells are a central part of the innate immune system. They are known as NK cells. Their primary task is to identify and eliminate cancer cells and virus-infected cells.
With the project "Targeted NK cell therapy against cancer," the researchers aim to harness the full potential of the innate immune system to fight cancer and provide patients with more effective treatments.
"Thanks to the NK cells' ability to kill cancer cells, they have long been an attractive candidate for cell-based cancer therapy," says Professor Karl-Johan Malmberg, Centre Director at PRIMA – Precision Immunotherapy Alliance.
"However, despite the enormous potential of these cells, two major challenges make it difficult to use them for cancer treatment," the professor continues.
One challenge is their lack of specificity when attacking cancer cells. Additionally, they have a short lifespan in the body because another part of the immune system attacks the NK cells.
Malmberg and colleagues in his research group seek to address these challenges.
"We will develop receptors that direct NK cells to attack cancer cells. We will also design NK cells that can evade the immune system's mechanisms that prevent them from remaining in the body for extended periods," he explains.
Targeted cancer therapy with innovative antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are the fastest-growing group of pharmaceuticals. They have a significant impact on human health, including cancer treatment. Therefore, there is substantial interest in developing the next generation of tailored antibodies.
"Our goal is to design new antibodies that can work substantially better than those currently in use, by activating immune cells and attacking cancer cells more effectively," says Professor Jan Terje Andersen at PRIMA – Precision Immunotherapy Alliance.
The researchers will also adjust the duration of action and how the antibodies distribute within the body. This is crucial for achieving effective and cost-efficient treatment.
"This can potentially reduce both the dosage patients require and how often they need medication, thereby improving patients' quality of life," he explains.
Research by Andersen's group has provided unique insight into how antibodies are transported within and across cells in the body. They have also discovered how antibodies can be manipulated to bind more effectively to immune cells, triggering a targeted attack on cancer cells.
"Funding from the Norwegian Cancer Society allows us to apply our knowledge of antibody structure and function. Furthermore, we will combine this insight with biomedical technologies developed in our laboratory," says Andersen.
The Faculty of Medicine congratulates
Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation, Jan G. Bjaalie, congratulates the three project leaders and research groups.
"On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, I would like to congratulate our researchers on receiving funding from the Norwegian Cancer Society," says the vice dean.
"The research environments at both CanCell and PRIMA are at the forefront of cancer research. The projects make significant contributions to the development of new technology, pave the way for important scientific discoveries, and introduce new approaches to cancer treatment."
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Read more
- Karl-Johan Malmberg Awarded King Olav V's Cancer Research Prize
- UiO's Innovation Award goes to Professor Jan Terje Andersen
PRIMA
Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA) will develop the next generation of precision immunotherapy.
CanCell
CanCell - Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogrammings vision is to uncover the “Achilles’ heels” of cancer and target these for reprogramming cancer cells into harmless cells.