Autophagy and Oxidative Stress Defense Group

The group of Professor Geir Bjørkøy, “The Autophagy and Oxidative Stress Defense Group”, is part of the CEMIR research centre at NTNU. The group uses different cell models to study how broken components inside the cells are identified and removed through a process called autophagy. In recent years, it has become clear that autophagy is necessary to keep our cells functioning properly.

However, we still have insufficient understanding of how this process is normally regulated and how it is utilized by cancer cells to stimulate their own survival. The group has recently described a new approach of measuring signals within cells that regulate autophagy and cancer development (PI3K) and demonstrated how this method can be used for diagnostics for targeted cancer treatment.

The group also studies how dietary components like omega-3 fatty acids can affect autophagy and reduce the risk of disease. In addition, the group of chemists at NTNU (B. Hoff and E. Sundby) collaborates to design and synthesize new targeted chemical compounds for possible future use in the treatment of cancer. All research projects are conducted in cooperation with various local, national and international partners.