Dr. Nelly Auersperg, a renowned cancer researcher, left an indelible mark on the field of medicine. Born in Vienna in 1928, she experienced the horrors of war, revolution, and loss, yet her resilience and determination propelled her to achieve remarkable milestones in her career.
With a lifelong dedication to cervical and ovarian cancer research, Dr. Auersperg published over 200 research papers and mentored numerous students, post-doctoral fellows, and lab technicians. Her legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking work, as she inspired a new generation of researchers and scientists. As we pay tribute to her remarkable life, we remember her unwavering commitment to her craft and her profound impact on the world of medicine.
what were some of Dr. Nelly Auersperg's most significant contributions to cancer research
- Establishment of Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Dr. Auersperg pioneered the development of the first human cervical cancer cell lines with defined differentiation. This breakthrough research contributed to the discovery of HPV as the primary cause of cervical cancer by Dr. Harald zur Hausen, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for this work.
- Ovarian Cancer Research: Dr. Auersperg shifted her focus to ovarian cancer research in the 1970s. She developed methods to culture ovarian surface epithelium, investigated its growth and differentiation, and explored the role of BRCA1 mutations. Her work on ovarian stem cells, early detection markers, and relationships between tubal and ovarian carcinogenesis further expanded our understanding of ovarian cancer biology.
- Mentorship and Awards: Dr. Auersperg was an accomplished mentor, guiding over 60 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows who went on to have successful careers in medicine, research, and biotechnology. She received numerous awards, including the Terry Fox Cancer Research Scientist Award, the Royal Society of Medicine Fellowship, and the Society for In Vitro Biology Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Nelly Auersperg Award in Women’s Health Research: In 2003, Dr. Auersperg established the Nelly Auersperg Award in Women’s Health Research at BC Women’s Hospital, which supports research that directly assists women and provides new information about women’s health care.
what were the key findings from Dr. Auersperg's research on ovarian surface epithelium
- OSE Cell Culture and Characterization: Dr. Auersperg developed methods to culture and characterize human OSE cells, which are the source of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. This work helped establish OSE as a critical component in ovarian cancer development.
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in OSE: Her research showed that HGF stimulates the growth of normal OSE cells, suggesting an autocrine regulation of OSE growth. This finding highlights the potential role of HGF in ovarian cancer development.
- Autonomy of Epithelial Phenotype: Dr. Auersperg found that increased autonomy of epithelial characteristics is an early indicator of ovarian neoplastic progression. This suggests that changes in OSE cells can be an early sign of cancer development.
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interconversions: Her research explored the role of epithelial-mesenchymal interconversions (EMT) in OSE during neoplastic transformation. This work shed light on the complex interactions between hormones, growth factors, and cytokines that contribute to ovarian cancer development.
- OSE and Ovarian Cancer: Dr. Auersperg's work emphasized the importance of OSE in ovarian cancer development and progression. Her research on OSE cell growth, differentiation, and transformation provided valuable insights into the biology of ovarian cancer.
what were the main cellular and molecular mechanisms Dr. Auersperg identified in ovarian surface epithelium
- Autonomy of Epithelial Phenotype: Dr. Auersperg found that increased autonomy of epithelial characteristics is an early indicator of ovarian neoplastic progression. This suggests that changes in OSE cells can be an early sign of cancer development.
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in OSE: Her research showed that HGF stimulates the growth of normal OSE cells, implying an autocrine regulation of OSE growth. This finding highlights the potential role of HGF in ovarian cancer development.
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interconversions (EMT): Dr. Auersperg explored the role of EMT in OSE during neoplastic transformation. This work shed light on the complex interactions between hormones, growth factors, and cytokines that contribute to ovarian cancer development.
- OSE Cell Culture and Characterization: Dr. Auersperg developed methods to culture and characterize human OSE cells, which are the source of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. This work helped establish OSE as a critical component in ovarian cancer development.
- OSE and Ovarian Cancer: Her research emphasized the importance of OSE in ovarian cancer development and progression. Dr. Auersperg's work on OSE cell growth, differentiation, and transformation provided valuable insights into the biology of ovarian cancer.
At the age of ninety-four, Dr. Nelly Auersperg passed away on 15 January.
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| Nelly's father Viktor. |
Born on 13 December 1928 at Vienna, Baroness Nelly Gutmann was the only daughter of Baron Viktor Gutmann von Gelse und Belišće (1891-1946) and Luise Bloch-Bauer (1907-1998), who wed in 1927. Nelly was later joined by a younger brother, Baron Francis Gutmann (1934-2014). Their father Viktor was an industrialist.
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| Nelly's great-aunt Adele, circa 1920. |
Nelly's paternal grandparents were Baron Alfred Gutmann von Gelse und Belišće (1857-1919) and Ottilie Pollak von Rudin (1864-1921). Her maternal grandparents were Gustav Bloch (1862–1938) and Marie Therese Bauer (1874–1961). Nelly's great-aunt was Adele Bloch-Bauer, who was painted by Gustav Klimt and whose story was told in the 2015 film The Woman in Gold, starring Helen Mirren, who portrayed Nelly's cousin Maria Altmann.
On 30 May 1955 at Vancouver, Baroness Nelly von Gutmann married Prince Johannes "John" von Auersperg (1930-2017), a son of Prince Eduard von Auersperg (1893-1948) and Countess Sofie von Clam und Gallas (1900-1980). The couple were married for sixty-two years. John and Nelly had two children: Princess Maria Elisabeth (b.1956; married David Harris) and Prince Eduard "Edward" Viktor (b.1958; married Nancy Andrews).
Here is the obituary of Dr. Nelly Auersperg from the Vancouver Sun:
AUERSPERG, Nelly, MD/PhD December 13, 1928 (Vienna) - January 15, 2023 Last Sunday, after a lengthy illness, our much beloved Nelly Auersperg slipped peacefully from this life. She and her family were grateful for the opportunity to enjoy their final time together. Nelly was predeceased by her father Viktor (Gutmann), her mother Luise (nee Bloch Bauer), her brother Francis, and her husband John. She leaves behind and will be remembered by her daughter Maria (David), son Edward (Nancy), and her six grandchildren Anthony, James, Elizabeth, John, Steven and Natalie, and many others whom she touched during her incredible life. She was hugely grateful for the opportunity to hold two great-grandchildren, Ada and Henrik, and happy in the knowledge of more to come. Nelly enjoyed a privileged childhood, but also experienced the horrors of war, revolution and loss. After eventually making her way to Vancouver, she obtained her MD degree (U of Washington) and PhD (UBC). She spent six decades in cervical and ovarian cancer research; a pioneer in her field, publishing over 200 research papers, and mentoring over 60 students, post-doctoral fellows and lab technicians, all of whom she lovingly and proudly referred to as her children. She was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from SFU, UBC Lifetime Achievement Award, AMS of UBC Great Trekker Award, and had an OVCARE symposium and an award in Women's Health Research named in her honour. She was a trustee of the BC Foundation for Non-animal Research. In 2016, she travelled to Croatia, and successfully honoured her late father's final request to have his unjust death sentence imposed in 1945 overturned. Nelly continuously displayed her gratitude for the life she was able to live in Canada. She set up three charitable foundations, providing respite for families affected by autism, housing for people suffering from homelessness and mental illness in Vancouver, and cervical cancer care in Uganda. In her nineties, she still found energy to contribute to and help translate into English a Croatian economics textbook about her childhood hometown of Belisce, and also helped spearhead the campaign to acquire a Shakespeare first folio for the UBC Special Collections library. She did not live for work alone, enjoying the outdoors, skiing, sailing, gardening and reading. She also found time for family and was always there when needed, caring for her children and introducing her grandchildren to culture and the arts, Disneyland and the opportunity to travel. She and they especially treasured visits to the town she lived in Croatia, where she showed each of them something of their roots and the place where so much happened during and after the war to shape her life and their heritage. She passed away at age 94, remaining inquisitive, feisty and alive until her final hours. She even relished watching the Canucks finally win a game just hours before she left us. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mercy Tenerio and Dr. Geoffrey Edwards for so many years of kindness, dedication and patience, to staff and friends at Tapestry, to Dr. Jason Park, and to the many staff at Vancouver General Hospital for their kind and tender care. Funeral mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (2465 Crown Street, Vancouver) on Tuesday, January 24 at 12 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club from 3:30 p.m.
The University of British Columbia - Dr. Nelly Auersperg Announcement
As we conclude our tribute to Dr. Nelly Auersperg, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on the field of cancer research. Her dedication to understanding the complexities of cervical and ovarian cancer led to numerous breakthroughs and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of scientists. Dr. Auersperg's remarkable journey, marked by both adversity and triumph, serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. Her contributions to the understanding of ovarian surface epithelium and the role of HGF in OSE cell growth are just a few examples of her groundbreaking work. Her pioneering spirit and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the field of cancer research.
As we reflect on Dr. Auersperg's remarkable life, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and her passion for helping others. Her work has improved the lives of countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate those who follow in her footsteps. We are grateful for the opportunity to share her story and to honor her memory. Dr. Nelly Auersperg's remarkable contributions to cancer research will always be remembered. May her life and work serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all those who strive to make a positive impact on the world.
what were some of Dr. Auersperg's most influential research papers
- "Ovarian Surface Epithelium: Biology, Endocrinology, and Pathology" (2001) - This paper reviewed the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling normal and neoplastic OSE cell growth, differentiation, and expression of indicators of neoplastic progression.
- "E-Cadherin Induces Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition in Human Ovarian Surface Epithelium" (1999) - This study demonstrated that E-cadherin restored some normal characteristics of OSE, such as keratin, and induced epithelial-differentiation markers associated with weakly preneoplastic, metaplastic OSE and OSE-derived primary carcinomas.
- "Increased E-Cadherin Expression in Ovarian Surface Epithelium: An Early Step in Metaplasia and Dysplasia?" (1997) - This paper suggested that the morphologic variation of OSE reflects differences in E-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion, and the appearance of this adhesion molecule in columnar OSE may represent an early step in the increased commitment to epithelial phenotypes that accompanies metaplasia and neoplastic progression.
- "Constitutive and Conditional Cadherin Expression in Cultured Human Ovarian Surface Epithelium: Influence of Family History of Ovarian Cancer" (1999) - This study investigated the altered expression of E-cadherin in apparently normal OSE of women with hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes and its possible role in inducing aberrant Mullerian differentiation characteristic of epithelial ovarian carcinomas.
- "Normal Ovarian Surface Epithelium" (2002) - This paper highlighted the physiological complexity of OSE and supported the hypothesis that ovarian epithelial cancers arise from this simple epithelium.
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