Technologieangebote

70-80% of newly diagnosed breast tumors account for hormone receptor positive breast cancer (also known as luminal breast cancer). The histologic grade of luminal breast cancer is often determined by semi-quantitative methods describing morphologic features related to the differentiation states of the tumor specimen. In order to make a clear-cut classification of luminal breast cancer as either “grade 1” (= low risk) or “grade 3” (= high risk) tumors, DKFZ researchers have developed a 3-protein marker set.

By using Hall effect sensors and electromagnetic induction coils, the magnetic flux density, the change in magnetic flux density, and the change in magnetic flux can be monitored simultaneously. The compact measuring sensor is connected to the supply and data storage device via a signal cable and can be attached to any body part. A fully functional prototype has already been constructed and tested.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are promising anticancer agents and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. However, due to their unselective action, pan-HDACi exhibit dose-limiting side-effects restricting their full potential in anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, characterization of the molecular function of single HDAC isozymes is of major importance for a targeted therapy with less side-effects. We show that HDAC10 overexpression mediated cell survival and targeting of HDAC10 sensitized tumor cells for cytotoxic drug treatment and it correlates with progression or recurrence of neuroblastoma in vivo. These results demonstrate for the first time that HDAC10 induces an alternative lysosomal-mediated tumor cell death pathway, re-sensitizes cells for cytotoxic drugs and may thus be a novel strategy for neuroblastoma therapy.

This technology was achieved by a cooperation between McGill University and DKFZ. Brain tumours, such as the highly aggressive glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are currently the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity in children. Current diagnosis of brain cancers involve MRI, PET and CT scans, angiographies, followed by biopsies performed either during the resection of the tumor or as a separate procedure via a burr hole. A blood-based test would provide a more economical, i.e accessible and less invasive diagnostic tool. The GBM specific biomarker has been patented and is available for licensing i.e. for companion diagnostics.

The here presented technology provides an apparatus for 4Pi STED which allows to generate a three-dimensional light intensity distribution comprising a very steep light intensity gradient between the areas of minimum and maximum light intensity.

Labeled oligonucleotides are used in research and for diagnostic, therapeutic and industrial applications. Researchers from the DKFZ and the Heidelberg University developed a fast method for post-synthetic multiple orthogonal labeling of oligonucleotides by combining the inverse Diels-Alder reaction with the well-known copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition.