Summary

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer with viral etiology. Indeed, the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is found monoclonally integrated in most of the MCC genomes, and MCPyV-positive tumor cell growth is dependent on the expression of viral oncoproteins, termed T antigens. Our group is interested in the molecular pathology of MCC and in particular in the interplay between viral and cellular proteins. Moreover, we are searching for new treatment options for MCC.

Recent Publications

Hesbacher S, Pfitzer L, Wiedorfer K, Angermeyer S, Borst A, Haferkamp S, Scholz CJ, Wobser M, Schrama D, Houben R (2016) RB1 is the crucial target of the Merkel cell polyomavirus Large T antigen in Merkel cell carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 7:32956-68.

Schrama D, Hesbacher S, Angermeyer S, Schlosser A, Haferkamp S, Aue A, Adam C, Weber A, Schmidt M, Houben R (2016) Serine 220 phosphorylation of the Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen crucially supports growth of Merkel cell carcinoma cells. International  Journal  of  Cancer   138:1153-62.

Schrama, D., S. Hesbacher, S. Angermeyer, A. Schlosser, S. Haferkamp, A. Aue, C. Adam, A. Weber, M. Schmidt, and R. Houben. 2016. Serine 220 phosphorylation of the Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen crucially supports growth of Merkel cell carcinoma cells. Int.J.Cancer.  138:1153-1162.

Houben, R., S. Angermeyer, S. Haferkamp, A. Aue, M. Goebeler, D. Schrama, and S. Hesbacher. 2015. Characterization of functional domains in the Merkel cell polyoma virus Large T antigen. Int.J.Cancer. 136:E290-E300

Adam, C., A. Baeurle, J. L. Brodsky, P. Wipf, D. Schrama, J. C. Becker, and R. Houben. 2014. The HSP70 modulator MAL3-101 inhibits Merkel cell carcinoma. PLoS.ONE. 9:e92041.