Alex von Kriegsheim studied chemistry in Germany with a focus on analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry as a tool to identify proteins. Alex subsequently moved to Oxford and then to Glasgow to pursue a PhD with a focus on cell signalling and to use mass spectrometry as a tool to identify novel protein complexes. During his post-doc at the Beatson Alex then extended this and started to combine quantitative mass spectrometry and mathematical modelling to gain an understanding of how perturbations affect signalling cascades. In 2011 he set up his own group focussing on cancer initiation and progression at the Systems Biology Institute in Dublin Ireland funded by a fellowship from the Science Foundation Ireland. In 2015 Alex moved to the IGMM to head a group and manage the mass spectrometry facility.

My research group aims identify potential weaknesses in the otherwise robust signalling networks of cancer cells which can be exploited for therapeutic intervention. We specifically focus on the initiating events in cancer establishment as well as the events triggering the spread of cancer throughout the body.

We commonly use mass spectrometry methods, such as interaction, expression, exosome/secretion and PTM proteomics to initially generate signalling networks. Subsequently we use this integrated information to generate new and testable hypotheses. This unbiased data which we use in combination with mathematical modelling can explain unintuitive cellular behaviours. Currently, we are focusing on how hydoxylations can regulate tumour initiation and how the modification by ISG15, a small ubiquitin-like protein modifier, promotes tumour cell invasion and metastasis.

In addition, we collaborate with groups worldwide and across all disciplines which require accurate and quantitative mass spectrometry data sets to further their research.