Julian van Duijvenvoorde

Research

My project focusses on the role of AMP activated kinase (AMPK)  in tumor-associated dendritic cells. AMPK acts as an nutrient sensor, promoting catabolic metabolism in cells upon low nutrient-availability or cellular stress. Previous work from our group has shown that AMPK activation can render dendritic cells tolerogenic. In my research, I try to unravel the impact of AMPK activation on tumor-associated dendritic cells. In collaboration with Hanna Hepp, a PhD candidate in the group of Prof. Ramon Arens from the department of immunology, we aim to better understand how the nutrient stress in the tumor microenvironment is influencing immune cell function. Using mouse models with conditional AMPK knockouts, we aim to decipher the specific role of AMPK in regulating DC function. Ultimately, we aim to improve cancer immunotherapy by targeting AMPK signaling in dendritic cells. This project is funded by the KWF.

Curriculum Vitae

I did both the bachelor’s and master’s degree in biomedical sciences at the LUMC. In my first internship I assessed the efficacy and immunostimulatory properties of different oncolytic viruses on prostate- and bladder cancers. For my second internship I went to the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam. My project there focused on identifying how two different gain-of-function point mutations in PI3K can lead to breast cancers with a very distinct tumor microenvironment. I have always been fascinated by better understanding the tumor microenvironment and during my PhD I have to opportunity to dive into the intricate link between metabolic environment and immune cell function.