Research

Thesis title: "Investigating Lysosomal Proteases in the Invasion and Metastasis of Pituitary Adenocarcinoma"

Thesis outline: Pituitary carcinomas are rare but highly aggressive malignancies of the pituitary gland, characterized by invasive growth and the potential to metastasize. Due to their low incidence, they remain poorly understood at the molecular level, and treatment options are limited. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the role of lysosomal cathepsins-specifically Cathepsin B, D, and L-in tumor invasion and metastasis, and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets.

Previous studies have shown that cathepsins are involved in tumor progression in various cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and colon cancer. However, their role in pituitary carcinomas is largely unexplored. By using a combination of molecular biology techniques (qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry), functional assays (invasion and migration tests, gelatin zymography), and in vivo xenograft models, the project aims to comprehensively characterize cathepsin activity in tumor development.

Clinical tissue samples and established cell lines will serve as the basis for experimental investigation. In addition, pharmacological inhibitors will be tested to assess their therapeutic potential in modulating cathepsin activity and suppressing tumor invasiveness.

This interdisciplinary research project is situated at the interface between molecular oncology and translational medicine and aims to expand the current understanding of pituitary carcinoma biology. Ultimately, the findings could contribute to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this rare but challenging cancer type.

Supervisor: Mohammed Aufy

Back