Gerald Hoefler

Gerald Hoefler is a Full Professor of Pathology at the Medical University of Graz, where he has held academic positions since 1992. His research focuses on the role of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in tumor suppression and cancer-associated cachexia. He has supervised multiple students investigating lipid metabolism’s impact on tumor growth, including projects on ATGL regulation of SREBPs and its effects on lung homeostasis.

• 1984 MD from University of Graz
• Board-certified in Laboratory Medicine (1995) and Pathology/Genetics (1997)
• Leadership roles: Chairman of Department of Pathology (2008–2024), Head of Hereditary Colon Cancer working group

Hoefler’s work highlights ATGL as a metabolic tumor suppressor, linking lipase activity to cancer progression and cachexia. His studies show ATGL downregulation correlates with tumor aggressiveness and cachexia severity in patients.

Scientific awards include the Erwin-Schrödinger Fellowship (1986–1988) and Otto Loewi Fellowship (1989–1990). He has contributed to EU working groups on genetic testing and OECD initiatives for quality assurance in molecular diagnostics.

Hoefler leads the Department of Pathology at Medical University of Graz and collaborates with international societies like the European Group for Molecular Pathology. His lab investigates mechanistic links between lipid metabolism and oncogenic processes.