Translational and personalized oncology

Patient-Derived Tumor Assembloid Platform (PDTAP) Capturing Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity

Dr. Gabriela Rozic ,Dr. Igor Koman

This project develops patient-derived tumor models that integrate epithelial, stromal, and immune components to better reflect human tumor biology. The platform preserves tumor heterogeneity and enables more accurate prediction of therapeutic responses and personalized treatment strategies across cancer types.

β-hydroxybutyrate as a regulator of Breast Cancer cells metabolism and oncogenicity

Dr. Elemeleh Nesher ,Dr. Igor Koman

The ketogenic diet alters cancer cell metabolism by promoting ketone body utilization under low-glucose conditions. This study examines their dual role in signaling and energy supply, and their impact on breast cancer cell oncogenicity, survival, proliferation, and migration.

Metabolic Adaptation of Cancer Cells to Glucose Deprivation

Dr. Elemeleh Nesher ,Dr. Igor Koman

This project investigates how cancer cells adapt to glucose deprivation by shifting to oxidative metabolism. It focuses on metabolically flexible subpopulations, associated DNA damage and repair mechanisms, and chromatin changes that may support survival and resistance under nutrient stress conditions.

ALOS4: A Novel Cyclic Peptide with Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Dr. Elemeleh Nesher ,Prof. Albert Pinhasov

ALOS4 is a cyclic peptide with potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibits tumor growth, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulates macrophage activity, and suppresses interferon-response pathways without observed toxicity.