Alumni
Stephie Anbuhl – ESR 1
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Sophie Bérenger – ESR 2
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VOmolade (Ola) Otun – ESR 3
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Pietro Cocchiara – ESR 4
Project: Development of CXCR4 and CXCR7 specific chemokines and reagents
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I investigated the potential role of the non-chemokine peptide adrenomedullin and its possible interactions with CXCR4 and ACKR3. This small peptide seems to inhibit specific signalling pathways of CXCR4, for which it could act as a biased negative allosteric modulator.
Thesis: PhD defended on 17 April 2024
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ONCORNET 2.0 has been an exciting journey and a life experience I am glad I did. It burst my scientific career and helped me growing as a scientist and as an individual, thanks to all the amazing people which made this multicultural team great to work with, and the networking opportunities offered by this project.
Dehan Comez – ESR 5
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Ziming Wang – ESR 6
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Justyna Adamska – ESR 7
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Noureldine Youssef – ESR 8
Project: : Conformational signatures of CXCR4/ACKR3 activation in β-arrestin-1 and –2
Results: Using protein-protein interaction assays, we determined that ACKR3 can recruit both β-arrestin-1 and –2 when activated, while CXCR4 can only recruit β-arrestin-2. Furthermore, ACKR3 activation can induce conformational changes within β-arrestin-2, while CXCR4 activation cannot. Additionally, the two main activators of ACKR3 in the human body, CXCL11 and CXCL12, induce distinct β-arrestin-2 conformational change patterns. Small molecule and natural agonists for ACKR3 were found to replicate these distinct β-arrestin-2 conformations to various degrees.
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Quote: ONCORNET2.0 was a unique scientific and collaborative opportunity in state-of-the-art research in the molecular biology of cancer, but also a rich experience on the personal level. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and group leaders from different disciplines and backgrounds as we work on a common goal in real-time.”
Alessandro Rabbito – ESR 9
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I have characterized the effects that ephrin b1 has on CXCR4 and its oncogenic potential. Furthermore, the phosphoproteome induced by CXCR4 and ACKR3 has been deciphered, opening to new perspectives in understanding their potential oncogenic signalling.
Thesis: PhD defended on 26 June 2024
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Oncornet was an amazing life experience. I had the opportunity to do good science, meet a lot of people in GPCR field, improve my scientific skills, and have fun with new friends, all in one.
Claudia Perez – ESR 10
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Noemi Karsai – ESR 11
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Kylie Pan – ESR 12
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Viviana Marolda- ESR 13
Project: CXCR4/ACKR3/GRK2-governed networks in cancer cell migration and metastasis
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We found that CXCR4 or ACKR3 and GRK2/Lyn module participated in the migration of cancer cells. Additionally, our data on the possible functional interactions of the GRK2/Lyn module and the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness in this interaction, indicate potential implications in cancer cell invasion and reprogramming.
Quote: “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided” [Cit. from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]. This is what I learned from ONCORNET, to be united as a science community, always learn from each other, and obviously always cite the sources.
Gabriela Cuesta Margolles – ESR 14
Project: Contribution of ACKR3, the CXCL12 atypical chemokine receptor, to skin homeostasis
Results: We have shown the pattern of expression of ACKR3 in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts using 3D epithelial cultures that mimic the skin epidermis and dermis. The modulation of endogenous ACKR3 with different small molecules developed in the ONCORNET consortium showed the need for proper ACKR3 activation for epithelium development. ACKR3 in the dermal fibroblasts was shown to regulate CXCL12 availability, being this chemokine essential for their survival when exposed to external stressors, potentially via CXCR4. Taken together, our data propose ACKR3 as a key regulator of fibroblast-keratinocyte crosstalk and of the CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling axis, being essential for skin homeostasis.
Thesis: Contribution d’ACKR3, le récepteur atypique de la chimiokine CXCL12, à l’homéostasie de la peau et au contrôle du cycle de vie du papillomavirus humain
Quote: ONCORNET 2.0 was all about great scientific exchange, networking, learning, advice, support, and endless stickers. I don’t think you can offer me a better opportunity to do the PhD. Initiatives like these are what keep the European scientific community together.
Sneha Saha – ESR 15
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Christie Palmer – ESR 16
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Contact details
Please contact us at:
e.v.langemeijer@vu.nl
ONCORNET Coordinator
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
