New Funding for Glioblastoma Research
Novel Therapeutic Approach Under Investigation
- von Juliana Fischer
- 02.07.2026
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Even after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the tumour often returns rapidly. Researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen are therefore pursuing a new strategy: targeting the key protein Taspase1 by modulating its activity while simultaneously removing it through a natural cellular degradation pathway. The Dr Rolf M. Schwiete Foundation will support the project with funding for 24 months from October 2026.
The research focuses on the protein Taspase1, which acts like a molecular switch in cancer cells, regulating key processes involved in tumour growth. Although the importance of Taspase1 in glioblastoma has been recognised for some time, therapeutic strategies targeting this protein have so far remained largely unexplored. This is where the Functional Biochemistry Junior Research Group, led by Dr Mike Blüggel, comes in with its project TaNdem – Taspase1-Nanobody Dual Engagement Mechanism.
The project takes a novel, modular approach by combining two complementary mechanisms. A so-called nanobody – a particularly small and highly specific antibody fragment – binds to Taspase1 and modulates its activity. At the same time, the protein is removed from the cell via a natural cellular degradation pathway. “You can think of it as a two-step process: first the switch is blocked, then it is removed altogether,” explains Blüggel. A key innovation of the project is the use of a specialised degradation mechanism that has so far received little attention in this context.
Over the next two years, the researchers will evaluate the approach extensively in glioblastoma models. The aim is to determine whether combining both mechanisms can inhibit cancer cells more effectively than existing approaches. In the long term, the concept could also be applied to other cancers that remain difficult to treat.
The Dr Rolf M. Schwiete Foundation will fund the research project TaNdem – Taspase1-Nanobody Dual Engagement Mechanism for a period of 24 months from October 2026.
Further information
Junior Research Group Functional Biochemistry: https://www.uni-due.de/zmb/funding-for-innovative-approach-in-brain-tumor-research.php
Scientific Contact
Dr Mike Blüggel
University of Duisburg-Essen
Faculty of Biology / Centre for Medical Biotechnology
mike.blueggel@uni-due.de