Maria Beerbaum

Position: PhD Student

Room no.: CP-02-110

Telephone no.: +49 231 755 7053

Member of the group since: 10/2024

University Degree: M.Sc. in Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University

Expertise: organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, structure-based drug design

Off-Lab activities (hobbies): reading, baking, going on a walk with my dog, spending time with friends

Research projects:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and are primarily driven by mutations in the stem cell growth factor receptor (KIT) or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα). Targeted therapies have shown significant benefit for patients with these mutations by targeting the genetic drivers. However, a key challenge remains the development of acquired drug resistance and severe side effects that limit the long-term success of current treatments.

In my project, structure-based design, in silico modeling, and organic synthesis were used to develop a focused library of novel (covalent) inhibitors. These compounds will then be evaluated in a biochemical and cellular system to identify next-generation inhibitors that can overcome these challenges in GIST.

 

 

Earlier positions:

Bachelor studies in the group of Prof. Dr. Daniel Rauh with the topic: Synthesis of covalent-allosteric inhibitors as Akt isoform-selective probes

Research Assistant at the TU Dortmund University in the working group of Prof. Dr. Daniel Rauh

Master studies in the group of Prof. Dr. Daniel Rauh with the topic: Design, synthesis and evaluation of next-generation inhibitors for KIT and PDGFRA - Targeting acquired drug resistance in GIST