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In this research project, entitled "Causal role, mechanistic impact and therapeutic targeting of Human Cytomegalovirus in brain cancer", Professor Jiri Bartek at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen, will investigate the molecular basis and significance for neuroscience of the emerging links between the presence of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and the development and therapy responses of brain tumours, particularly glioblastoma.

In close collaboration with researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm and the University of Turku, led by Professor Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér, the Bartek team will investigate how HCMV, a DNA virus that latently infects most people worldwide and is commonly found in brain tumours, can cause or promote progression of glioblastoma, the most frequent and highly malignant brain cancer to which no efficient treatment currently exists. 

This collaboration of groups in Denmark, Sweden and Finland will provide new insights into the molecular nature and biological impact of the HCMV variant viruses found in glioblastoma, the ways this pathogen subverts energy metabolism of brain cells and fuels their genetic instability and tumorigenic potential.

“We are very excited and grateful for this opportunity to explore the potential causal role of HCMV in glioblastoma pathogenesis, at the same time identifying targetable vulnerabilities and providing new therapeutic strategies to help combat this dreadful malignancy”, says Jiri Bartek.