Molecular Evolution of Brain Tumors

Our research focuses on the molecular changes that drive brain tumor progression, recurrence, and treatment response, with a particular interest in high-grade and recurrent gliomas. By comparing primary and recurrent tumors from patients, we study how gliomas evolve over the course of disease and identify molecular and epigenetic alterations associated with progression and treatment resistance.

A second focus is the molecular and epigenetic classification of brain tumors. Using genome-wide profiling, we identify biologically and clinically distinct tumor subtypes and markers that are not captured by conventional classification. Much of this work has focused on IDH-mutant gliomas, where we have identified novel tumor subtypes and prognostic biomarkers that help refine diagnosis and risk stratification.

Spatial Tumor Biology & Therapy-Induced Tissue Remodeling

We use spatial transcriptomics, single-cell approaches, and epigenomic profiling to study brain tumors directly in patient tissue and to understand how tumor cells are organized within and interact with their microenvironment. A particular focus is how these cellular and spatial relationships change during tumor progression, recurrence, and in response to treatment.

We are also interested in the effects of therapy on tumor cells and the surrounding brain tissue, particularly following radiotherapy. Our work on radiation necrosis has identified senescent tumor cells within areas previously considered predominantly reactive and revealed their close spatial relationship with distinct immune cell populations. These findings provide new insights into how radiotherapy reshapes both the tumor and its microenvironment.