Overview

The greatest challenge in cancer research is the extraordinary ability of cancer cells to evolve into more resistant version of themselves. Our mission is to investigate how specific tumor microenvironments can rewire the epigenetic network of cancer cells to promote secondary metastasis. Ultimately, we aim to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities to reverse metastasis progression.

Current Projects

Study the mechanisms of intra-tumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer metastasis

Breast cancer is highly heterogenous at various levels. Our primary focus is to understand the mechanisms controlling this process during metastasis progression using multi-omics approaches. Ultimately, we hope to identify strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance.

Investigate the epigenetic drivers of multi-organ metastases

Most breast cancer patients exhibit a multi-organ metastasis phenotype in the advanced stages of the disease. Here, we aim to investigate the epigenetic changes underlying organ-specific adaptations of breast cancer cells originating from primary or secondary sites.

In previous studies, we have identified the FGF/EZH2 axis as a major contributor to tumor plasticity in bone (PMID: 33878299, PMID: 33878291).

Crosstalk between metastasis and tumor microenvironment

Intrinsic features of cancer cells are not the sole predictors of metastatic outcomes in breast cancer. The lab is interested in understanding the unbreakable bonds between tumor microenvironment and cancer cells and how this promotes metastasis progression.