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