Research in our lab focuses on the role of membrane proteins in hematological malignancies and selected solid cancer entities. Next to nutrient transporters of the solute carrier (SLC) family, we are also interested in further cancer-relevant cell surface proteins with the aim of establishing new therapeutic targets or improving current targeting approaches. Next to metabolic analyses in the context of altered nutrient transporters we are also working on posttranslational regulatory processes of SLCs and further membrane proteins. Our young and interdisciplinary group of medical and biological scientists uses various cell biological approaches, CRISPR and “omics” methods to address our scientific questions. 

Solute Carrier proteins (SLCs) are membrane transporters orchestrating the import and export of nutrients and metabolites and therefore play a key role in cellular metabolism and growth. In cancer, SLCs are frequently overexpressed to meet the increased metabolic needs of malignant cells. 

Our lab focuses primarily on cell surface SLCs in hematological malignancies, but has started also working on further relevant membrane proteins and solid entities. We are interested in understanding the regulation of SLCs in cancer as well as their impact on cancer initiation and progression. In this context, we are particularly interested in the role of post-translational modifications such as ubiquitylation and also glycosylation regarding protein function, cancer progression and therapeutic approaches. Based on mechanistic insights, we aim to establish respective SLCs (or mediators of their posttranslational modifications) as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, alone or as part of combinatorial approaches, to improve and broaden the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in cancer. 

To achieve this, we combine various approaches from genetic screens via proteomics and metabolomics analyses to imaging studies, advanced protein biochemistry and cell biological methods. Analyses of patient-derived primary material and preclinical mouse models complement the experimental spectrum and strengthen the translational impact.

• Sperk A, Gabriel A, Koch D, Augsburger A, Sanchez V, Brockelt D, Öllinger R, Engleitner T, Giansanti P, Ludwig R, Auf der Maur P, Walter W, Haferlach T, Jeremias I, Rad R, Steigenberger B, Kuster B, Eichner R*, Bassermann F*. (2024). FBXL6 is a vulnerability in AML and unmasks proteolytic cleavage as a major experimental pitfall in myeloid cells. Leukemia. 2024 Jul 16. Online ahead of print. DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02345-0 *equal contribution
• Kornauth C, Pemovska T, Vladimer GI, Bayer G, Bergmann M, Eder S, Eichner R, Erl M, Esterbauer H, Exner R, Felsleitner-Hauer V, Forte M, Gaiger A, Geissler K, Greinix HT, Gstöttner W, Hacker M, Hartmann BL, Hauswirth AW, Heinemann T, Heintel D, Hoda MA, Hopfinger G, Jaeger U, Kazianka L, Kenner L, Kiesewetter B, Krall N, Krajnik G, Kubicek S, Le T, Lubowitzki S, Mayerhoefer ME, Menschel E, Merkel O, Miura K, Müllauer L, Neumeister P, Noesslinger T, Ocko K, Öhler L, Panny M, Pichler A, Porpaczy E, Prager GW, Raderer M, Ristl R, Ruckser R, Salamon J, Schiefer AI, Schmolke AS, Schwarzinger I, Selzer E, Sillaber C, Skrabs C, Sperr WR, Srndic I, Thalhammer R, Valent P, van der Kouwe E, Vanura K, Vogt S, Waldstein C, Wolf D, Zielinski CC, Zojer N, Simonitsch-Klupp I, Superti-Furga G, Snijder B, Staber PB. (2022). Functional Precision Medicine Provides Clinical Benefit in Advanced Aggressive Hematologic Cancers and Identifies Exceptional Responders. Cancer Discov. 2022 Feb;12(2):372-387. DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-21-0538 
• Stroh J, Seckinger A, Heider M, Rudelius M, Eichner R, Schick M, Slawska J, Emde-Rajaratnam M, Salwender H, Bertsch U, Goldschmidt H, Weisel K, Scheid C, Keller U, Hose D, Bassermann F. (2022). MCT1 is a predictive marker for lenalidomide maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma. Blood Adv. 2022 Jan 25;6(2):515-520. DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005532
• Heider M, Eichner R, Stroh J, Morath V, Kuisl A, Zecha J, Lawatscheck J, Baek K, Garz AK, Rudelius M, Deuschle FC, Keller U, Lemeer S, Verbeek M, Götze KS, Skerra A, Weber WA, Buchner J, Schulman BA, Kuster B, Fernández-Sáiz V, Bassermann F. (2021) The IMiD target CRBN determines HSP90 activity toward transmembrane proteins essential in multiple myeloma.  Mol Cell. 2021 Mar 18;81(6):1170-1186.e10. DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.046 
• Eichner R, Fernández-Sáiz V, Targosz BS, Bassermann F. Cross Talk Networks of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling With the Ubiquitin Proteasome System and Their Clinical Implications in Multiple Myeloma. (2019). Int Rev Cell Mol Biol. 2019;343:219-297. Review. DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.06.001
• Sedlyarov V*, Eichner R*, Girardi E, Essletzbichler P, Goldmann U, Nunes-Hasler P, Srndic I, Moskovskich A, Heinz LX, Kartnig F, Bigenzahn JW, Rebsamen M, Kovarik P, Demaurex N, Superti-Furga G. (2018). The Bicarbonate Transporter SLC4A7 Plays a Key Role in Macrophage Phagosome Acidification. Cell Host Microbe. 2018 Jun 13;23(6):766-774. DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.04.013  *equal contribution
• Hashimoto M, Girardi E, Eichner R, Superti-Furga G. (2018). Detection of Chemical Engagement of Solute Carrier Proteins by a Cellular Thermal Shift Assay. ACS Chem Biol. 2018 Jun 15;13(6):1480-1486. DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00270 
• Eichner R, Heider M, Fernández-Sáiz V, van Bebber F, Garz AK, Lemeer S, Rudelius M, Targosz BS, Jacobs L, Knorn AM, Slawska J, Platzbecker U, Germing U, Langer C, Knop S, Einsele H, Peschel C, Haass C, Keller U, Schmid B, Götze KS, Kuster B, Bassermann F. (2016). Immunomodulatory drugs disrupt the cereblon-CD147/MCT1 axis to exert antitumor activity and teratogenicity. Nat Med. 2016 Jul;22(7):735-43. DOI:10.1038/nm.4128 
• Fernández-Sáiz V, Targosz BS, Lemeer S, Eichner R, Langer C, Bullinger L, Reiter C, Slotta-Huspenina J, Schroeder S, Knorn AM, Kurutz J, Peschel C, Pagano M, Kuster B, Bassermann F. (2013). SCFFbxo9 and CK2 direct the cellular response to growth factor withdrawal via Tel2/Tti1 degradation and promote survival in multiple myeloma. Nat Cell Biol. 2013 Jan;15(1):72-81. DOI: 10.1038/ncb2651 
• Puissegur MP*, Eichner R*, Quelen C, Coyaud E, Mari B, Lebrigand K, Broccardo C, Nguyen-Khac F, Bousquet M, Brousset P. (2012). B-cell regulator of immunoglobulin heavy-chain transcription (Bright)/ARID3a is a direct target of the oncomir microRNA-125b in progenitor B-cells. Leukemia. 2012 Oct;26(10):2224-32. DOI: 10.1038/leu.2012.95  * equal contribution

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With regard to scientific positions, dissertations or internships, written applications including CV are welcome and should be forwarded by e-mail to Dr. Ruth Eichner.

We are currently looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Hematology / Cancer Research.

• FOR 5560, German Research Foundation (DFG)
• SFB/TRR 387, German Research Foundation (DFG)
• German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) 
• Deutsche José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung
• TranslaTUM Seedfund, TUM 
• Clinician Scientist Program / KKF Program, TUM School of Medicine and Health
• Translational Medicine Program, TUM School of Medicine and Health 
• Bavarian Gender Equality Scholarship