Our institution
Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
Ratsupites 1
Riga LV-1067
Latvia
E-mail: zina@biomed.lu.lv
Our group
Laboratory of Melanoma Research
Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
Ratsupites 1
Riga LV-1067
Latvia
Latvian Oncological Center
(Clinic)
Hipocrata 4
Riga LV-1038
Latvia
The Group leader
Olita Heisele, PhD
Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
Ratsupites 1
Riga LV-1067
Latvia
E-mail: olita@biomed.lu.lv
Phone: 371-67808215
Fax: 371-67442407
Group description
Laboratory of Melanoma Research is focused on two main lines of research:
1) melanoma genetic and
2) melanoma immunogenetics and immunology
1. Recently the melanoma research group has focused on genetic background in melanoma development and we are registering melanoma families in Latvia. The group is involved in screening of melanoma susceptibility genes CDKN2A/ARF and CDK4 for their mutations. We have revealed two CDK4 R24H mutation positive families and follow up studies are going on. The group is involved in the analysis of the MC1R gene as a modifier of melanoma risk. We are collaborating with the Genome Database of Latvian Population and Latvian Oncological center.
2. Our melanoma immunogenetic studies are associated with the research on melanoma associated antigen (MAA) expression obtained in surgical samples. MAA profile of definite antigens (MAGE genes, MART, tyrosinaze, gp 100) was studied in accordance with clinical and histopathological features of tumour and patients surveillance.
3. The experimental study of MAA expression pattern in melanoma cell cultures after treatment with two different biomodulators elaborated in Latvia – Lariphan and Rigvir is carried out. Lariphan is double-stranded RNA of natural origin with interferon-inducing, antiviral, antitumoral effects. Rigvir is biomodulator of viral origin with immunomodulating, antitumoral and cytolytic effects.
Related Links
Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
http://bmc.biomed.lu.lv.
The names and e-mail addresses of group members with a description of their contribution
Scientific team leader
Olita Heisele, PhD
olita@biomed.lu.lv
Clinical team leader
Ludmila Engele, PhD
ludmila.engele@gmail.com
Experienced Researchers
Dace Pjanova
dace@biomed.lu.lv
Baiba Streinerte, LOC
baiba.streinerte@aslimnica.lv
Dermatologist
Kristine Azariana
Technicians
Ingrida Desjatnikova, BMC (nurse)
ingrida@biomed.lu.lv
Vesma Matroze, LOC (nurse)
Student
Aija Ozola
Publications
Pjanova D, Heisele O, Engele L, Randerson-Moor JA, Harland M, Bishop DT, Newton Bishop JA, Taylor C, Debniak T, Lubinski J, Kleina R.
CDKN2A and CDK4 variants in Latvian melanoma patients: analysis of a clinic-based population.
Melanoma Res. 2007; 17 (3): 185-192.
Pjanova D, Heisele O, Engele L, Randerson-Moor JA, Kukalizch K, Bishop DT, Newton Bishop JA.
Analysis of Latvian melanoma families for 9p21 germline deletions by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification approach.
Acta Universitatis Latviensis. 2006; 710: 7-16.
Pjanova D, Engele L, Ignatovica V and Heisele O.
CDKN2A mutations and loss of heterozygosity in primary melanomas.
Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci. Section B. 2006; 60 (2/3): 98-100.
Pjanova D, Heisele O, Engele L, Desjatnikova I.
Tumour suppressor gene CDKN2A/p16 germline mutations in melanoma patients with additional cancer and cancer in their family history.
Acta Universitatis Latviensis. 2003, 662: 25-32.
Heisele O, Ferdats A, Engele L, Rupais A, Desjatnikova I.
Melanoma associated antigens as markers for melanoma progression and efficiacy of immunotherapy.
J.Tumour Marker Oncology. 2000, 15: 147-153.
Heisele O, Ferdats A, Engele L.
Melanoma associated antigens as additional markers of tumour progression.
J.Tumour Marker Oncology, 2000, 15: 147-153.
Pjanova D, Heisele O, Engele L, Balkovska I, Desjatnikova I, Ignatovica V.
CDKN2A/ARF and CDK4 germline alterations in sporadic cutaneous malignant melanoma patients of Latvian population.
In press.