" Macrophages have a critical role in the immune system, defending the host through by ‘eating’ foreign cells. Microscopic observation of this process is fascinating. However, macrophages play a double role and can also promote tumor progression, something we want to avoid. In our laboratory, we identified a strategy to inhibit this unwanted activity: blocking a specific molecule in hepatic tumors resulted in a reduction in tumor growth. This approach shows promise as a potential addition to standard treatment, although further research is required.
I also examined the relationship between metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, and cancer development. What are the effects of widely used medicines such as Ozempic? We observed lipid-laden macrophages in enlarged livers. What is their role in this context? We expect to report on these findings in the near future.
I owe the completion of my PhD is in part to the support of my group leader. During the COVID-19 pandemic I experienced self-doubt and homesickness for my native country Brazil, and she encouraged me to keep going and keep doing what I wanted to do. And she was right. I intend to stay in the Netherlands for the time being and recently started a position as a life sciences consultant at Catalyze in Amsterdam.
Daniel Taranto will defend his thesis on April 7.
Research at the Netherlands Cancer Institute is financially supported by KWF Dutch Cancer Society and the AVL Foundation.