Dorota Raj secures two grants for lung cancer metastasis research
Today, there are no treatment methods specifically targeting lung cancer metastasis. Dorota Raj aims to change that. She has now received two important grants for her groundbreaking research to unravel the mysteries of metastasis.
This year, Dorota Raj has been honored with postdoctoral grants from both the Swedish Cancer Society and the Swedish Society for Medical Research. She chose to use the grant from the Swedish Society for Medical Research. This grant will provide her with 3,000,000 SEK over three years, enabling her to focus on full-time research in the Department of Surgery at the Institute of Clinical Sciences.
“The funding will enable me to pursue my research interests and establish myself as an independent researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Clotilde Wiel at the Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research,” says Dorota Raj.
The mysteries of metastasis
Dorota Raj’s research focuses on unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms behind lung cancer metastasis.
She explains, “My research seeks to advance our understanding of lung cancer metastasis and identify potential therapeutic targets. The main goal is to define how lactate and lactate-driven post-translational changes (lactylation) affect tumor metabolism, regulate tumor metastasis, and identify redox-sensitive metastatic drivers.”
This research is urgent due to the high mortality rates associated with lung cancer, primarily driven by metastasis. While significant strides have been made in understanding the roles of lactate, lactylation, and redox pathways in cancer, their comprehensive impact on lung cancer metastasis remains largely uncharted.
“Novel personalized medicine”
Dorota Raj highlights, “Therapeutics specifically targeting metastasis are currently non-existent. The overarching goal is to elucidate mechanisms driving lung cancer metastasis with the aim of bringing new therapies to the clinics, such as new adjuvant therapies and novel personalized medicine.”
By deepening the understanding of the molecular basis of lung cancer metastasis, Raj’s research holds the promise of advancing the fight against this deadly disease and improving the lives of affected patients.
“A collaborative atmosphere”
What excites you most about your upcoming postdoctoral research?
“I am excited to immerse myself in the dynamic research environment cultivated by Dr. Clotilde Wiel. Her expertise in utilizing mouse models to unravel the intricacies of lung cancer metastasis, coupled with the sophisticated metabolomics pipeline developed in her laboratory, presents an exciting prospect for my postdoctoral journey.”
The opportunity to develop her skills and expand her expertise under Wiel’s mentorship is a significant draw for Dorota Raj. She adds, “The collaborative atmosphere within the lab promises invaluable opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and collective problem-solving, which I believe will greatly enrich my research experience. Overall, I am eager to contribute to ongoing scientific advancements in lung cancer metastasis while simultaneously enhancing my own capabilities as a researcher.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg