Targeting the parenchymal and immune proto-oncogenic ER-stress/ ATF6 - axis in liver cancer (P10)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441891347

In this project we will investigate how modulating the ER stress regulator ATF6α in liver parenchymal and immune cells may be leveraged for liver cancer therapy. Using mouse models, human patient cohorts, clinical trial datasets, and in vitro systems, we will examine the transcriptional programs controlled by ATF6α and its interactions with oncogenic, tumor suppressor and other ER stress pathways (Aim 1). Furthermore, we will assess how ATF6α activity shapes the tumor immune microenvironment, including its role in hepatocytes and directly in immune cells associated with liver cancer (Aim 2).

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1479: Oncogene-driven immune escape (OncoEscape)
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Mathias Heikenwälder; Professorin Dr. Maike Hofmann