In October 2018, I joined the group of Karl-Heinz Altmann at ETH Zurich as a postdoctoral fellow. Thanks to the multidisciplinary nature of the NCCR TransCure network, I have the chance to work with many different people who focus on different targets. I am involved in two projects: Firstly, I am working on the synthesis of ABCG2 inhibitors based on a natural product called tryprostatin A. ABCG2, also known as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter highly expressed in a variety of tissues, and important for absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs. Secondly, I am developing novel ligands for human L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1/SLC7A5). Overexpression in different types of human cancers suggests that inhibitors of LAT1 may be potential antitumor agents.

I am an MD-PhD student in the group of Hugues Abriel at the University of Bern. My work focuses on TRPM4, a Ca²⁺-activated nonselective ion channel permeable to monovalent cations that has been linked to cardiac disorders. My goal is to describe TRPM4’s role in cardiac physiology and pathology. The TransCure platform plays a significant part in that goal as it facilitates communication with researchers who have relevant expertise and can provide significant input. Recently, collaborations within TransCure have provided me with new TRPM4 pharmacological compounds originating from high throughput compound screening. Currently, I am characterising the functional effects of these compounds using the classic patch clamp technique in an TRPM4 heterologous expression system. These data will be useful for selecting an efficient TRPM4 inhibitor for use in vivo (mouse model) to unravel the role of this channel in cardiac function.

In 2019, I joined the group of Roch-Philippe Charles at the University of Bern as a PhD student. In the framework of the NCCR TransCure, the group is involved in the SLC7-family project, studying amino acid transporters in the context of cancer, mainly focusing on LAT1. In particular, we are interested in studying this amino acid transporter in thyroid cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma. It has been shown that LAT1 is overexpressed in different types of cancer and therefore may be a potential target for anticancer therapy. In collaboration with the Altmann group at the ETH Zurich, we are characterising new potential inhibitors that could be used as anti-cancer therapies. In addition, in collaboration with the Screening, Profiling and Analytical Facility, our group has been involved in a screening campaign at Novartis to find modulators of LAT1 activity. The TransCure network makes it possible to be part of such exciting and promising projects, providing an ideal collaborative environment.

I am currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen. There my work focuses on studying the molecular mechanism of sudden cardiac death. I was associated with the TransCure family during my first postdoctoral term with Hugues Abriel at the University of Bern. Becoming a TransCure fellow was an important step in my research career. TransCure is a great consortium of scientific experts from different fields, who supported me in broadening the technical approaches in my project. It is more than just a scientific network; it is also a community, providing intellectual support to young researchers in developing their skills as independent scientists. Receiving the TransCure Young Scientist Award was a great motivation to continue my academic research career. I thank all the PIs, admin staff and fellows for their kind support and encourage all the current young members to make the most of their time as TransCure fellows.