Peter De Keizer PhD

Peter de Keizer received his PhD from Utrecht University Medical Center in 2009 for his work on FOXO transcription factors in tumour suppression. He received his postdoctoral training at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA, USA on the molecular hallmarks of cellular senescence for which in 2010, he was elected as a fellow of the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). In 2012 he joined the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam wherein 2014 he was awarded the prestigious “Talent Extraordinary Award” and is currently a group leader in “Senescence in Cancer in Aging”

His research focusses on targeting the deleterious role of senescent cells. Senescence has been causally linked to age-related diseases, including cancer progression and therapy resistance. He designed a cell-penetrating peptide, called FOXO4-DRI or Proxofim, which selectively eliminates senescent cells and thereby can counter signs of chemotoxicity and ageing in mice. This work was published in Cell in March 2017 and received numerous exposure worldwide, including coverage in TV shows and radio programs. His current focus lies on further optimizing this peptide and assessing the potential benefit such compounds may have on late-stage cancer and specific age-related diseases. His aim is to take an active stance in promoting clinical translation when the results prove to be fruitful.