Alpaslan Tasdogan

Professor Alpaslan Tasdogan leads the Tumor Metabolism Group at the Institute for Tumor Metabolism, Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology at University Hospital Essen, which is part of the University of Duisburg-Essen's Faculty of Medicine.

His research focuses on cancer cell metabolism, particularly the metabolic changes that occur during tumor metastasis and in stem cells. The Tumor Metabolism Group investigates how cancer cells adapt their metabolism to survive the complex process of metastasis, with special attention to hematopoietic stem cells where metabolic processes are tightly regulated during regeneration.

The group employs modern mass spectrometry techniques and stable isotope-labeled nutrients to precisely analyze cellular metabolism and metabolic flux within cells. Their research spans multiple cancer types with emphasis on melanoma and stem cell metabolism.

Analysis of Dr. Tasdogan's publication record reveals a strong focus on tumor metabolism, metastasis mechanisms, and stem cell biology. His recent work spans diverse areas including purine synthesis in tumors, intestinal stem cell regulation via polyamines, and lymphatic protection of metastasizing melanoma cells from ferroptosis.

His research demonstrates significant interdisciplinary collaboration, with publications appearing in top journals including Nature, Cell, and Science, often in collaboration with prominent researchers like Morrison SJ and Schadendorf D.

The Tumor Metabolism Group's ultimate goal is to gain significant new insights into metastasis to identify metabolic adaptations, with plans to apply their metabolic testing methods to other cancer types and stem cells to examine the transferability of their findings.