Preventing neuroblastoma relapses by molecular characterization and targeted elimination of minimal residual disease cells (B06)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Hematology, Oncology ; Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 493872418

In this project, it is hypothesized that neuroblastoma cells that survive therapy acquire resistance and trigger relapse through phenotypic plasticity and/or genetic mutations. The goal of this project is to identify these minimal residual disease (MRD) cells in neuroblastoma mouse models and use their molecular definition to target drugs that prevent relapse. To this end, MRD cells will be analyzed by scRNA-seq and DNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and genetic switches in the relapse process. Candidate MRD-specific drugs will be tested in vitro and in vivo to see if they can prevent relapse.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1588: Decoding and Targeting Mechanisms of Neuroblastoma Evolution
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Annette Künkele-Langer; Professor Dr. Rogier Versteeg