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Scope

The LHCE carries out investigations at the interface of basic and clinical cancer research.

Our investigations focus on the molecular mechanisms that govern cell death and the cellular resistance to chemotherapy in hematological and non-hematological cancers. We carry out fundamental research projects and are also actively involved in the identification of promising therapeutic strategies, including novel combination strategies for extending patient survival. Important cell death pathways that are the focus of current studies include apoptosis and autophagy. Other lines of research also explore the mechanisms underlying the repair of DNA damage induced by anticancer drugs, and the role of DNA repair proteins in genomic stability and chromatin integrity. Recently, studies aiming to discover cancer protein and miRNA biomarkers in blood samples have been initiated and implemented in the laboratory in order to improve early diagnostic and treatment. 

Contact

Laboratory of Experimental Hemato-Oncology
Head of Research Unit: Dr. Guy Berchem
CRP-Santé, BAM
84, Val Fleuri, L-1526 Luxembourg
Tel: (+352) 44 11 20 84
Secretary: audrey.lemasson@crp-sante.lu
Phone: (+352) 26 970 320
Fax: (+352) 44 12 15
E-mail: berchem.guy@chl.lu

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THE MOLECULAR MECHANISMS AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF AUTOPHAGY IN TUMOR RESISTANCE TO THERAPY

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Overview

Autophagy is a catabolic degradation process whereby proteins, organelles and cytoplasm are sequestered in autophagosomes, delivered to lysosomes, and digested by lysosomal hydrolazes, in an attempt to sustain cellular metabolism. Autophagy can promote cell adaptation to stress microenvironment and survival, but under some conditions it leads to cell death.

Autophagy - Oncology

 

Autophagy regulates several processes, including signaling cascades that integrate cellular and environmental stress signals, and it is also important for preventing genetic instability and cancer. Increasing evidence indicates that various anticancer therapies induce autophagy in tumor cells, leading to drug resistance. Therefore, targeting the autophagy machinery represents an attractive strategy to improve cancer therapy.