Genetic determinants of cell sensitization to parvovirus H-1-induced activation of non-apoptotic death pathways [Elektronische Ressource] / vorgelegt von Matteo Di Piazza

INAUGURALDISSERTATION zur Erlangung der Doktorwürde der Naturwissenschaftlich-Mathematischen Gesamtfakultät der Ruprecht – Karls - Universität Heidelberg vorgelegt von Diplom Biologische Wissenschaftler Matteo Di Piazza aus Udine, Italien Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: Genetic determinants of cell sensitization to parvovirus H-1-induced activation of non-apoptotic death pathways Gutachter: PD Dr. Anne Regnier-Vigouroux Prof. Dr. Gabriele Petersen Alea iacta est. (Julius Caesar at Rubicon River January 10, 49 BC) __________________________________________________________________________________ Summary Gliomas are the most common brain cancers, characterized by an exceptionally wide cellular heterogeneity and extreme migratory features. The structural development of these neoplasms renders surgical removal of the tumoral mass almost prohibitive and inefficient. Moreover, these tumors are often resistant to chemotherapy treatments as a result of the onset of survival mechanisms occurring during astrocytes malignant transformation and counteracting the induction of apoptotic cell death. An alternative therapeutic approach relies on the use of autonomous parvoviruses. These small, non enveloped, single-stranded DNA viruses are endowed with the capacity to kill malignant cells while being non-cytopathic towards healthy tissues.