Research

Broad Research Area

Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Metabolic Reprogramming, Impact of Dietary Habits on the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, Drug Discovery.

Metastasis contributes to more than 90% of cancer-related deaths as finding effective treatment is a significant clinical challenge. Although some progress has been made in recent years, there is still much to understand about the mechanisms behind metastasis. This is dedicated to discovering new targets and pathways that drive metastasis of cancer cells and developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient care. Additionally, the lab focuses on exploring the roles of cellular components like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes in cancer metastasis and understanding how metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes contribute to it. Through the integration of various research approaches, including cell lines, animal models, and multi-omics (metabolomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenomics), along with drug design and discovery tools, the lab aims to offer fresh insights and therapeutic interventions to combat metastatic cancer.

Ongoing Projects

Dissecting Metabolic Drivers of Slow Cycling and Aggressive Disseminated Tumor Cells

Metastatic relapse remains a major challenge in oncology, driven by the unpredictable fate of disseminated cancer cells. While some rapidly form aggressive secondary tumors, others persist in a dormant or slow-cycling state for years before reactivating. This project aims to uncover the factors that determine these diverse outcomes—whether driven by intrinsic properties like metabolic autonomy or influenced by cues from the surrounding microenvironment. We will investigate cancer cell metabolic dependencies, focusing on nutrient transporters, mitochondrial function, and metabolic reprogramming. Using gene perturbation, metabolomics, isotope tracing, and in vivo models, we aim to dissect how these factors shape cell behavior and fate. The insights gained could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to prevent relapse and better manage metastatic disease across cancer types.

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