| This theme is aimed to obtain better insight in the oncogenesis of various tumor types, including the major killer cancer types (colon, lung, breast). For this purpose, besides isolated or in situ tumor cells, different tumor model systems are used such as knock out mice, in vitro culture systems, and tumor cell lines. Further identification of the responsible genes for hereditary components in the main tumor types are pursued and their function will be unravelled using new molecular techniques and model systems. In this respect the conditional knock out approaches including models for frequent tumor types (lung and breast tumors) are very promising. This will help to better understand the correlations between distinct genetic lesions and phenotypic characteristics of tumors Emphasis is also put on the role of exogenic factors in the genesis of tumors. Both the role and working mechanisms of certain carcinogens and the pathogenic role of viruses (Human papilloma viruses (HPV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in the genesis of certain carcinomas (cervix, anogenital, oral cavity, tonsil, head and neck carcinoma s,) and lymphomas is under study. |
