Neurochemistry

Dr. Nicole Bechmann 

Principal Investigator

                                    

                                             Dr. Susan Richter

                                                                           Co-Principal Investigator

 

Research focus

The adrenal glands are a central relay of the body building the interface between endocrine, metabolic and neuronal signals that regulate a multitude of physiological processes. Tumours arising in the adrenal cortex, the medulla or in related structures of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system cause several forms of endocrine hypertension, such as primary aldosteronism, hypercortisolism (Cushing´s syndrome) and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (catecholamine excess). Our group studies the pathophysiological processes involved in tumourigenesis and progression of these neoplasms with a special interest in the interplay between genetics, metabolism, adrenal hormones and sexual dimorphism. Through clinical investigations and basic research approaches, we aim to improve diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for adrenal tumours.

Specific expertise

• Adrenal physiology and diseases
• Catecholamine and steroid metabolism
• Tumor biology (e.g. metabolism, migration/ invasion)
• Cell line models (2D, 3D, flow-through) for pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma and adrenocortical carcinoma
• Methods for functional validation of variants of unknown significance in Krebs cycle genes
• Gene editing (transient and stable knockdowns, CRISPR/Cas9)
• Studies of small molecule inhibitors

Basic research and cell line models 

• pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma and adrenocortical carcinoma cell line models
• gene editing (transient and stable knockdowns, CRISPR/Cas9)
• tumor cell biology (metabolism, migration/ invasion)
• studies of small molecule inhibitors

Funding