Working Group of Prof. Dr Martin Pichler

Prof. Dr Martin Pichler (Group Leader)
Dr Maxim Noeparast (Postdoctoral Researcher)

• Role of Non-Coding RNA (microRNAs, lncRNAs, others) in Tumour Development in Solid and Haematological Neoplasms
• Development of Immunological and Molecular Biomarkers in Neoplasms
• Clinical Cohorts and Prognosis Model Development ("Outcome Research")

1. The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Soft tissue sarcomas are aggressive cancers with limited treatment options. This project investigates how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)—important regulators of gene expression—contribute to tumour growth and resistance. Understanding their role could uncover new therapeutic targets and improve treatment strategies.

2. Resistance Mechanisms of FGFR Inhibitors in Bladder Cancer
FGFR inhibitors have shown promise in the treatment of bladder cancer, but the therapeutic response to these drugs is often short-lived. This research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of resistance, paving the way for combination therapies or novel approaches to improve treatment efficacy.

3. Immunomodulatory Effects of Cytotoxic Drugs in Bladder Cancer and Beyond
Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of bladder cancer, yet its effects on the immune system are not fully understood. This project explores how these drugs influence immune responses, which could potentially reveal new strategies to enhance immunotherapy and improve patient treatment outcomes.

FGFR3 alterations in bladder cancer: Sensitivity and resistance to targeted therapies.
Noeraparast M, Krajina K, Pichler R, Niedersüß-Beke D, Shariat SF, Grünwald V, Ahyai S, Pichler M. Cancer Commun (Lond). 2024 Oct;44(10):1189-1208. doi: 10.1002/cac2.12602. Epub 19 Aug 2024. PMID: 39161208 

Enhancing oncogenic signalling to kill cancer cells.
Noeparast M, Timofeev O, Pichler M. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2024 Jun;45(6):475-477. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.011. Epub 10 May 2024. PMID: 38734500

Nivolumab + Ipilimumab as an Immunotherapeutic Boost in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: A Non-randomised Clinical Trial.
Grimm MO, Schostak M, Grün CB, Loidl W, Pichler M, Zimmermann U, Schmitz-Dräger B, Steiner T, Roghmann F, Niegisch G, Bolenz C, Schmitz M, Baretton G, Leucht K, Schumacher U, Foller S, Zengerling F, Meran J; TITAN-TCC Study Group. JAMA Oncol. 1 June 2024;10(6):755-764. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.0938. PMID: 38722641 Clinical Trial.                            

ERK pathway agonism for cancer therapy: evidence, insights, and a target discovery framework.
Timofeev O, Giron P, Lawo S, Pichler M, Noeparast M. NPJ Precis Oncol. 14 March 2024;8(1):70. doi: 10.1038/s41698-024-00554-5. PMID: 38485987 

Detection of recurrence through microRNA-371a-3p serum levels in a follow-up of stage I testicular germ cell tumours in the DRKS-00019223 study.
Belge G, Dumlupinar C, Nestler T, Klemke M, Törzsök P, Trenti E, Pichler R, Loidl W, Che Y, Hiester A, Matthies C, Pichler M, Paffenholz P, Kluth L, Wenzel M, Sommer J, Heinzelbecker J, Schriefer P, Winter A, Zengerling F, Kramer MW, Lengert M, Frey J, Heidenreich A, Wülfing C, Radtke A, Dieckmann KP. Clin Cancer Res. 17 January 2024;30(2):404-412. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-23-0730. PMID: 37967143

MiR-4649-5p acts as a tumour-suppressive microRNA in triple-negative breast cancer by direct interaction with PIP5K1C, thereby potentiating the growth-inhibitory effects of the AKT inhibitor capivasertib.
Jonas K, Prinz F, Ferracin M, Krajina K, Pasculli B, Deutsch A, Madl T, Rinner B, Slaby O, Klec C, Pichler M. Breast Cancer Res. 6 October 2023;25(1):119. doi: 10.1186/s13058-023-01716-2. PMID: 37803350

MicroRNA mimics can distort physiological microRNA effects on immune checkpoints by triggering an antiviral interferon response.
Prinz F, Jonas K, Balihodzic A, Klec C, Reicher A, Barth DA, Riedl J, Gerger A, Kiesslich T, Mayr C, Rinner B, Kargl J, Pichler M. RNA Biol. 2022 Jan;19(1):1305-1315. doi: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2152978. PMID: 36469564

Improved overall survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of modern tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors: results from a real-world, population-based Austrian study comprising three decades of follow-up.
Fluhrer H, Hutterer GC, Golbeck S, Stidl M, Niedrist T, Pichler R, Mischinger J, Seles M, Mannweiler S, Spiegelberg J, Bauernhofer T, Jost PJ, Ahyai S, Zigeuner R, Pichler M, Barth DA. Ther Adv Med Oncol. 19 November 2022;14:17588359221134065. doi: 10.1177/17588359221134065. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36425872

ALYREF, a novel factor involved in breast carcinogenesis, acts through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms selectively regulating the short NEAT1 isoform.
Klec C, Knutsen E, Schwarzenbacher D, Jonas K, Pasculli B, Heitzer E, Rinner B, Krajina K, Prinz F, Gottschalk B, Ulz P, Deutsch A, Prokesch A, Jahn SW, Lellahi SM, Perander M, Barbano R, Graier WF, Parrella P, Calin GA, Pichler M. Cell Mol Life Sci. 1 July 2022;79(7):391. doi: 10.1007/s00018-022-04402-2. PMID: 35776213

Non-coding RNAs and ferroptosis: potential implications for cancer therapy.
Balihodzic A, Prinz F, Dengler MA, Calin GA, Jost PJ, Pichler M. Cell Death Differ. 2022 Jun;29(6):1094-1106. doi: 10.1038/s41418-022-00998-x. Epub 2022 Apr 14. PMID: 35422492 

Trends and Patterns in Public Awareness of Palliative Care, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Decisions in 3 Central European Countries Using Big Data Analysis From Google: Retrospective Analysis.
Huemer M, Jahn-Kuch D, Hofmann G, Andritsch E, Farkas C, Schaupp W, Masel EK, Jost PJ, Pichler M. J Med Internet Res. 20 September 2021;23(9):e28635. doi: 10.2196/28635. PMID: 34542419

Full list of publications by Prof. Dr Martin Pichler