Invadopodia are actin-rich membrane protrusions that facilitate tumor cell invasion through dense extracellular matrix (ECM) by recruiting transmembrane and secreted metalloproteinases (MMPs) able to catalyze ECM component degradation, and creating pores through which mesenchymal tumor cells can migrate. We recently identified CRP2 (cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 2) as a critical, cytoskeletal component of invadopodia (Hoffmann et al. 2016 Oncotarget 7: 13688-13705; Hoffmann et al. 2018 Scientific Reports 8: 10191). From a mechanistic standpoint, we found that CRP2 promotes invadopodia formation and elongation by stabilizing their actin core, which serves as a backbone of the structure. In addition, CRP2 shuttles to the nucleus where it drives expression of pro-metastatic genes, including several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family involved in ECM remodeling and which are associated with cancer cell invasion and metastasis (Brown-Clay et al. in revision).

In 2019 the LIH established the Quantitative biology unit (QBU). The QBU conducts research in different technology-driven areas and provides technology services for the LIH and the Luxembourgish research community. The QBU is involved in many multi-omics studies with LIH or research groups from other Luxembourgish partners centered on cancer, immunologic and infectious diseases. Therefore, a wide range of technologies are used including next-generation RNA and DNA sequencing, metabolomics, discovery and targeted proteomics, cytometric and mass-cytometric analysis on a single-cell basis.

The IT Software Architect/Developer is responsible for the design and implementation of IT solutions for different internal projects in the Luxembourg Institute of Health (Department of Population Health).  He/She gives also advice on IT solutions or toolsto be put in place and will ensure the maintenance of developed software.

Lecture Series Cancer Research - "MANIPULATING INFLAMMATION TO RAISE CANCER IMMUNOGENICITY"- Dr Santiago Zelenay

To assist the Research Nurse Team in its day to day activities, we are currently looking for a Clinical Research Nurse. He/She will assist the investigator and the medical team in all stages of a study; organise the research protocol and participate in data collection and management.; carry out nurse-related activities as stated in the clinical research protocol and participate in communication activities for clinical research.

LOVIT is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellowto work in the development of secondgeneration parvovirus based therapies in Luxembourg City. The candidatewill join a team of very motivated scientists in a stimulating environmentparticipating in a very promising established project.

Lecture Series Cancer Research - "EXPLORING AND EXPLOITING THE TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT"- Prof Johanna JOYCE

The GLASS Consortium, involving Prof Simone P. Niclou from LIH, aims to characterise diffuse glioma cells both before and after therapy to find out how they change and why this form of malignant brain cancer is so difficult to treat. Initial findings published in Nature in November 2019 provide a foundation for further research and the opportunity for the clinical community to predict the effectiveness of newly developed treatments.