Table of Contents

Projects

• Tumor cells change during the malignancy process the glycosylation of their surface structures. Thus these glycan structures represent ideal targets for tumor specific diagnosis and new anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.

The aim of our group is to elucidate structure and function of cell surface- expressed glycosylated macromolecules of human normal and tumor cells and to investigate how anti-glycan specific monoclonal antibodies as well as so called natural antibodies can be applied to detect and possibly destroy human tumor cells (in cooperation with industrial partners and the NCT). We define and classify both categories of anti-glycan antibodies with regard to their specificity, cellular expression and functional impact.

• Tumor cells modify their surrounding environment according to their specific needs which includes tumor-induced angiogenesis. Neovascularisation is an important factor during the pathogenesis of solid tumors but also of haematological malignancies. The process is regulated by complex interaction between endothelial cells and tumor cells and the balance between angiogenesis inducing and inhibitory factors.

Understanding this process will lead to the development of inhibitory interventions which may finally lead to the design of new drugs. We found that distinct glycans expressed on vascular endothelial cells are involved in angiogenesis. Blockade of their synthesis at various levels results in an inhibition of blood vessel formation induced by soluble tumor factors. The ultimate goal will be to improve early diagnosis of malignant tumors by detection of tumor-angiogenesis and to develop new strategies for anti-angiogenic therapeutic protocols (in cooperation with the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pathology of Heidelberg University and industrial partners.