The Schwörer Lab is interested in understanding how cellular metabolism regulates regenerative responses in health and disease.
We are specifically interested in:
- how metabolism controls the plasticity and functions of fibroblasts and stem cells
- how metabolic rewiring in fibroblasts contributes to fibrotic disease and tumor progression
- how alterations in nutrient availability impact cell fate and function and can lead to therapeutic vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are part of the tumor microenvironment and can support tumor progression via various mechanisms. The Schwörer Lab is interested in the metabolic control of CAF function in desmoplastic tumors such as pancreatic and breast cancer. Specifically, our research aims to understand how nutrient availability and utilization regulate CAF activation, heterogeneity, and function within tumors. Ultimately, we aim to identify tumor-specific metabolic vulnerabilities in CAFs that could be targeted in combination with chemo- and immunotherapy to improve patient outcomes.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York
Postdoctoral Fellow
2022
Friedrich Schiller University
Jena
PhD
2017
Ulm University
Ulm
MSc
2013
Ulm University
Ulm
BSc
2011
Hypoxia Potentiates the Inflammatory Fibroblast Phenotype Promoted by Pancreatic Cancer Cell-Derived Cytokines.
Hypoxia Potentiates the Inflammatory Fibroblast Phenotype Promoted by Pancreatic Cancer Cell-Derived Cytokines. Cancer Res. 2023 05 15; 83(10):1596-1610.
PMID: 36912618
Fibroblast pyruvate carboxylase is required for collagen production in the tumour microenvironment.
Fibroblast pyruvate carboxylase is required for collagen production in the tumour microenvironment. Nat Metab. 2021 11; 3(11):1484-1499.
PMID: 34764457
Mitochondrial NADP(H) generation is essential for proline biosynthesis.
Mitochondrial NADP(H) generation is essential for proline biosynthesis. Science. 2021 05 28; 372(6545):968-972.
PMID: 33888598
Proline biosynthesis is a vent for TGFß-induced mitochondrial redox stress.
Proline biosynthesis is a vent for TGFß-induced mitochondrial redox stress. EMBO J. 2020 04 15; 39(8):e103334.
PMID: 32134147
Transsulfuration Activity Can Support Cell Growth upon Extracellular Cysteine Limitation.
Transsulfuration Activity Can Support Cell Growth upon Extracellular Cysteine Limitation. Cell Metab. 2019 11 05; 30(5):865-876.e5.
PMID: 31607565
Cancer Metabolism Drives a Stromal Regenerative Response.
Cancer Metabolism Drives a Stromal Regenerative Response. Cell Metab. 2019 03 05; 29(3):576-591.
PMID: 30773467
Epigenetic stress responses induce muscle stem-cell ageing by Hoxa9 developmental signals.
Epigenetic stress responses induce muscle stem-cell ageing by Hoxa9 developmental signals. Nature. 2016 12 15; 540(7633):428-432.
PMID: 27919074
Comparison of the uptake of methacrylate-based nanoparticles in static and dynamic in vitro systems as well as in vivo.
Comparison of the uptake of methacrylate-based nanoparticles in static and dynamic in vitro systems as well as in vivo. J Control Release. 2015 Oct 28; 216:158-68.
PMID: 26277064
Founders Award
American Society for Matrix Biology
2023
Young Investigator Award
Cancer Research Foundation
2023 - 2024
Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer
AGA Foundation
2023
K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
National Cancer Institute
2021 - 2025
Postdoctoral Innovation Award
Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center
2020 - 2022
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Human Frontier Science Foundation
2018 - 2021
Travel Award
German Academic Exchange Service
2017
Student scholarship
Ulm University
2008 - 2011