by Juliane Winkler
Photos by: MedUni Wien/feelimage and Juliane Winkler (private)
Most patients die from the spread of the original tumor to distant organs throughout the body, called metastasis, because these secondary tumors often develop therapy resistance and are hard to be removed by surgery. Super important to this process is our immune system, that ideally detects and eliminates malignant cells. However, the immune system doesn’t do a good job in patients that develop metastasis.
Finding ways to support the immune system to fight metastasis
In the Winker Lab we study how the immune system fails to keep the tumor cells under control and is rewired to even support tumor progression and metastasis. We developed clinically relevant disease models that preserve tumor heterogeneity and developed and apply single cell omics technologies to study the impact to of this heterogeneity on the complex process of metastasis.
In this new project we are focussing on finding ways to empower the immune system to combat metastasis by using cutting-edge single-cell and spatial omics technologies. We use clinically highly relevant disease models of metastasis and patient samples to investigate the complex interplays of tumor and immune cells in metastasis. The use of modern omics technologies makes it possible to discover new tumor immune cell interactions in metastasis that have not been described before. By studying these interactions between metastatic cancer cells and immune cells, we hope to uncover new insights that could lead to improved treatments for cancer patients.
Our interdisciplinary approach combines different expertise to tackle this complex problem including experimental and computational biology, as well as translational research. As a member of our team, you will receive training in both experimental and computational biology that are equally important skill sets for modern cancer research. You will have the opportunity to present your work at conferences and collaborate with researchers from around the world, helping you grow professionally and make valuable connections in the field.
Become an Ally in Empowering our immune system
Joining our lab means becoming part of a passionate and dynamic team, all working towards the same goal: finding ways to fight metastasis. And as part of the unique SHIELD PhD program, you'll have access to a network of experts in immunology and cancer, providing even more opportunities for learning and collaboration.
If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and make a real difference in the fight against cancer, we encourage you to apply to join our lab till 15.04.2024. Together, we can work towards a future where cancer is one day no longer a devastating diagnosis, but hopefully a manageable condition.