TGU Talk: "Molecular control of paracrine signals in the tumour niche" by Dirk Schmidt-Arras, PhD Assistant Professor of Tumour Immunology
Paracrine signals of the tumour niche control the growth of tumours, either directly or by modulation of an anti-tumour immune response. Several of these paracrine factors are produced as membrane-bound proteins and need to be released by limited proteolysis.

Members of the a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of transmembrane proteases are major mediators of cytokine and growth factor release. I will discuss the potential role of ADAM proteases in shaping a tumour permissive niche. I will provide evidence that within the tumour micro-environment the family member ADAM17 is a major promoter of primary tumour growth and metastasis through initiation of TNF-mediated necroptosis, the release of EGF receptor ligands and the induction of IL-6/GP130 trans-signalling. In this context I will discuss the controversial role of IL-6 family cytokines in the control of tumour growth. By using a novel mouse model of cell-autonomous IL-6/GP130 signalling, I will provide evidence that this might be linked to cell type-specific signalling of these cytokines. Based on our findings I will discuss potential novel therapeutic strategies.
Date: 21 April 2022, 16:30 (Thursday, 0th week, Trinity 2022)
Venue: John Radcliffe Academic, Headington OX3 9DU
Venue Details: Lecture Theatre 1
Speaker: Dirk Schmidt-Arras (Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel)
Organiser: Professor Holm Uhlig (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: michael.fitzpatrick@ndm.ox.ac.uk
Host: Prof Holm Uhlig (WIMM, HIU)
Part of: TGLU Seminars
Booking required?: Not required
Cost: FREE
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Verity Davies