Clinical pulmonary pathology and experimental models of lung cancer
Short description
Gene expression changes that dictate initiation, progression and metastasis of pulmonary adenocarcinomas are the focus of Levent Akyürek's research group, particularly how these alterations impact distinct histomorphological growth patterns of lung epithelial cells in their microenvironment. Histopathology using human cancer tissues, molecular analysis, cell culture studies, and experimental models are being used. In another project, we determine if altered expression and cleavage of cytoskeletal filamin proteins by calpains regulate remodeling in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction as well as tumor growth and metastasis.
Our main research areas
Clinical lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Our clinical research focuses on identifying novel molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of precancerous lesions and understanding the biological significance of distinct histomorphological phenotypes of lung cancer. We use human clinical tissues, in vitro cell culture, organoid models, and genetically modified animal models through established collaborations, primarily involving the Departments of Oncology and Thoracic Surgery and Laboratory Medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, as well as the Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research in Gothenburg. Cytological specimens from the bronchial and pleural fluid are also used to develop new approaches for addressing clinically relevant questions. We also contribute to research on non-neoplastic pulmonary diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary vascular diseases, and lung transplantation biology.
Biology of filamins
Filamins are actin-binding cytoskeletal proteins involved in tissue remodeling in cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, as well as in tumor growth and progression. Our translational research has identified novel mechanisms underlying adaptive and oncogenic angiogenesis using vascular and cancer cell models, together with genetically modified mouse models lacking specific filamins. Another focus is to investigate the biological role of filamins in neuroblastoma. These projects are conducted through collaborations between the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology and the Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research in Gothenburg, and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
Current collaborators
- Volkan Sayin, Clotilde Wiel and Per Lindahl, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg
- Sukanya Raghavan, Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
- Andreas Hallqvist, Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
- Chandrasekhar Kanduri, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg
- Martin Bergö, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Levent Akyürek
Principal Investigator
Affiliation:
Department of Laboratory Medicine,
Institute of Biomedicine
Group members
Sashidar Bandaru, Postdoctoral Fellow
Dyar Mustafa, MD, PhD Fellow
Gustaf Danielsson, MD, Resident Pathologist
Sahar Alawieh, Biomedical Analyst