Nikolai Barlev

Nikolai Barlev is a Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine. His career spans decades, with a focus on molecular oncology and cancer biology. He is actively involved in mentoring PhD students and leading innovative research projects.

Research Interests center on deciphering the molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis and metastasis, particularly the role of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. His work extends to understanding ZEB1 and ZEB2 in tumor progression, cancer resistance to immunotherapies like CAR-T cells, and metabolic regulation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Recent Publications highlight trends in cancer metabolism, CAR-T therapy limitations, and transcriptional regulation via ZEB proteins. He contributes extensively to peer-reviewed journals and serves as an editor for high-impact Springer-Nature journals such as Cell Death and Disease (IF=9) and Cell Death Discovery (IF=6).

Teaching includes courses on Bioethics, Fuel Metabolism, and Immunology, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise.

Current Projects involve: (1) Molecular mechanisms of solid cancer resistance to CAR-T cytokines; (2) Validating CD320-mutant p53 correlations in lung cancer; (3) Enhancing colorectal cancer therapy with NKG2D receptors and chemokines; and (4) ZEB1 regulation of p53 during EMT in cancer. These projects underscore his commitment to translational research and novel therapeutic strategies.