Cancer Research in Switzerland - Krebsliga Schweiz

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Zeller Rolf | Functional analysis of modulators of SHH
pathway activity during the formation of medulloblastomas:
A mechanistic study with clinical relevance
(OCS 02368-02-2009)
Duration: 01.01.2010 – 01.01.2013
Medulloblastomas are among the most common and aggressive
childhood brain tumours. Currently, the only
therapy involves surgery in combination with radio- and
chemotherapy. However, this often results in long-term
negative side effects, as postnatal brain development is
not yet completed at the time of treatment. The mechanisms
underlying medulloblastoma development are analyzed
using Ptch1 heterozygous mice, which are an excellent
animal model.
We showed that the protease inhibitor PN-1 is upregulated
in 95 % of all biopsies of human medulloblastoma
patients and overexpressed in mouse medulloblastomas.
Genetic reduction of PN-1 in the mouse model reduces
the tumour frequency by about two-thirds, and the remaining
medulloblastomas are less aggressive. Therefore,
we hope that our studies will not only provide insights into
tumour formation but also pave the way to molecular
therapy strategies of medulloblastomas.
Project coordinator
Prof. Dr. Rolf Zeller
Forschungsgruppe Entwicklungsgenetik
Departement Biomedizin
Universität Basel
Mattenstrasse 28
CH-4058 Basel
Phone +41 (61) 695 30 33
Fax +41 (0)61 695 30 90
rolf.zeller@unibas.ch