Juha Klefstrom, PhD, MSc

Juha Klefström
Adjunct Professor
Cell and Tissue Biology

The Klefström Lab investigates how oncogene-driven cancers acquire targetable vulnerabilities for precision therapy. Our research focuses on MYC-driven metabolic dependencies, particularly on mitochondrial function, as therapeutic opportunities in aggressive breast cancers and other refractory tumors. We develop pharmacological and combinatorial strategies to target these liabilities, including approaches that enhance anti-tumor immunity. In parallel, we use patient-derived tumor explant platforms to preserve the tumor microenvironment and rapidly test therapies directly in human cancer tissue.

Publications

Compressive stress-mediated p38 activation required for ERα + phenotype in breast cancer.

Nature communications

Munne PM, Martikainen L, Räty I, Bertula K, Ruuska J, Ala-Hongisto H, Peura A, Hollmann B, Euro L, Yavuz K, Patrikainen L, Salmela M, Pokki J, Kivento M, Väänänen J, Suomi T, Nevalaita L, Mutka M, Kovanen P, Leidenius M, Meretoja T, Hukkinen K, Monni O, Pouwels J, Sahu B, Mattson J, Joensuu H, Heikkilä P, Elo LL, Metcalfe C, Junttila MR, Ikkala O, Klefström J