Fritz Aberger

Fritz Aberger is a Professor of Molecular Cancer Research at the University of Salzburg, where he serves as Head of the Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology within the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences. He leads the Molecular Cancer Biology Lab, which is part of the Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology and the Cancer Cluster Salzburg.

His research focuses on oncogenic signaling pathways, particularly Hedgehog/GLI, EGFR, HIPPO, and JAK/STAT, and their role in cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment. His work aims to develop rational combination therapies targeting both oncogenic signals and immunosuppressive pathways to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Professor Aberger's laboratory applies a combination of in vivo cancer models with cellular, molecular, spatial, and systems biology approaches to decipher signaling pathway regulation in malignant diseases.

His publications demonstrate significant trends in understanding cancer stem cell signaling, tumor microenvironment communication, and resistance mechanisms. The research spans various cancer types including hematologic malignancies, basal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer, with a consistent focus on identifying synergistic therapeutic targets.

Professor Aberger actively participates in several major research networks including the Cancer Cluster Salzburg (a consortium of 20 expert groups in cancer research), the FWF-funded international PhD Program 'Immunity in Cancer and Allergy,' and the Doctoral College PLUS 'Biomolecules in Health and Disease.'

He mentors multiple PhD and Master's students in his laboratory, contributing to the next generation of cancer researchers. His work has been covered by major media outlets including Salzburger Nachrichten, ORF Salzburg, and OE1 Dimensions, highlighting the significance of his discoveries in cancer stem cells and potential new therapies.