The functional role of cytoskeletal dysregulation in activated B cell-like diffuse large B cell lymphoma (A02)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 455784452

Chronic active BCR signaling is the key survival pathway in activated B-cell-like (ABC) DLBCL. In this project we will study how cytoskeleton dynamics influence BCR signaling and lymphoma cell survival. We will particularly focus on the GTPase RhoA which is recurrently mutated in DLBCL. In ABC-DLBCL cell lines and mouse models we will study i) the molecular function of mutant RhoA including its interplay with BCR signaling, ii) the role of mutant RhoA in lymphomagenesis, and iii) the possibilities to therapeutically target mutant RhoA signaling, particularly with regard to mechanisms of non-oncogene addiction induced by altered RhoA signaling.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1530: Elucidation and targeting of pathogenic mechanisms in B cell malignancies
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas Oellerich