Elisabeth Letellier

Prof. Elisabeth Letellier co-leads the Molecular Disease Mechanisms (MDM) group at the University of Luxembourg. She obtained her PhD in Molecular Biology from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, followed by postdoctoral research in collaboration with ApoGenix. Since joining the University of Luxembourg in 2010, she has established an independent research program dedicated to understanding colorectal cancer (CRC) biology.

Her research focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms driving CRC initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, with particular emphasis on the tumor microenvironment and the complex interactions between cancer cells, stromal cells, the gut microbiome, and metabolism.

Her team has made significant contributions to understanding how the tumor ecosystem shapes cancer progression. Key discoveries include identifying microbial metabolites that promote cancer stemness and invasion, uncovering immunosuppressive cancer-associated fibroblast populations that drive tumor growth, and elucidating how specific gut bacteria contribute to tumorigenesis through intestinal barrier disruption, metabolic remodeling, and DNA damage. Her research has also revealed how dietary modulation of the gut microbiome can influence tumor development, opening new avenues for microbiome-targeted interventions.

Combining patient-derived 3D organoids, tumor–stromal co-cultures, microfluidic platforms, and advanced in vivo models, her laboratory bridges fundamental cancer biology with translational research. Through strong clinical collaborations, she has established a CRC biobank comprising over 250 patient samples.

Her overarching goal is to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities within the tumor ecosystem and translate mechanistic discoveries into improved strategies for CRC prevention and treatment.