Natalia S. Pellegata

Prof. Dr. Natalia S. Pellegata serves as Head of the Neuroendocrinology Division at the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Munich since 2016 and holds an Adjunct Professorship at the Technical University of Munich's Faculty of Medicine since 2018. With over two decades of research experience, she leads translational studies focused on neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and cancer cachexia, leveraging unique animal models for drug discovery.

Her seminal work established CDKN1B as a tumor susceptibility gene, defining MEN4 syndrome in humans through cross-species validation using the MENX rat model. Current research identifies druggable pathways including BMP signaling in pheochromocytomas and angiopoietin/Tie2 in pituitary tumors, providing clinical rationale for dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors and anti-angiogenic therapies. Recent investigations extend into metabolic dysregulation in cancer cachexia, emphasizing lipid metabolism alterations.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on metabolic mechanisms in tumor progression, with recurring themes in lipid metabolism (ceramides, PLA2G7), stress response pathways, and metabolic enzyme targeting across neuroendocrine and breast cancers. These studies bridge preclinical models with human pathophysiology through rigorous translational frameworks.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Eleonore Trefftz Visiting Professorship for Women Scientists, Technical University of Dresden (2015)

Her laboratory operates within major collaborative networks including CRC/TRR 205 'Adrenal Research', the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENS@T), and legacy SFB824 imaging consortia, utilizing functional imaging for in vivo therapy monitoring and preclinical drug evaluation.