CYTOSKELETON AND CANCER PROGRESSION
activities
The Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression (CCP) research group explores the role of the actin cytoskeleton of tumour cells in two processes that critically promote cancer progression: metastatic spreading and resistance to the immune system, with the ultimate goal of translating its discoveries into clinical applications that benefit patients.
Cancer immune evasion is a major obstacle to effective anticancer immunotherapies and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is urgently needed. Using high resolution and quantitative cell imaging approaches, we recently established the pivotal role of the actin cytoskeleton in tumour cell resistance against cytotoxic immune effector cells. Our investigations at the tumour cell side of the immunological synapse (the cell-to-cell contact between cytotoxic lymphocytes cells and tumour cells) open new avenues for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring an effective antitumor immune response in patients.
Thomas
Projects & clinical trials
- The actin cytoskeleton at the tumour cell side of the immunological synapse. In a series of complementary projects, we explore the mechanisms by which fast polarisation of the actin cytoskeleton of tumour cells to the immunological synapse provides direct resistance against cytotoxic lymphocytes and promotes tumour immune evasion in vivo.
- The invadopodial actin cytoskeleton as a potential target to block cancer invasion and metastasis. In this project, we focus on a family of actin regulatory proteins coordinating the formation of invasive membrane protrusions (also termed invadopodia) and the upregulation of proteases involved in extracellular matrix degradation.
Partners
Featured team members
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Andrea Michela
Biolato PhD -
Liza
Filali Postdoctoral Fellow -
Céline
Hoffmann Scientist -
Takouhie
Mgrditchian Postdoctoral Fellow -
Flora
Moreau Laboratory Technician -
Elena
Ockfen PhD -
Clément
Thomas Group Leader
Scientific publications
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Measuring CTL Lytic Granule Secretion and Target Cell Membrane Repair by Fluorescent Lipophilic Dye Uptake at the Lytic Synapse – 28/04/2023
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An integrated workflow for phosphopeptide identification in natural killer cells (NK-92MI) and their targets (MDA-MB-231) during immunological synapse formation – 09/02/2023
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Ultrarapid lytic granule release from CTLs activates Ca2+-dependent synaptic resistance pathways in melanoma cells – 18/02/2022
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Tumour Immune Evasion is Promoted by Actin Cytoskeleton-Driven Polarization of Inhibitory Signals to the Immunological Synapse – 09/09/2021
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How natural killer cells avoid self-destruction when killing their targets – 01/08/2021
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Intrinsic Resistance of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells to NK Cell-Mediated Lysis Can Be Overcome In Vitro by Pharmacological Inhibition of Cdc42-Induced Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling – 24/05/2021
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Actin Cytoskeleton in Cancer Progression and Metastasis – Part C – 04/05/2021
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Illuminating the signaling enigma of Carvedilol – 01/03/2021
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The multiple roles of actin-binding proteins at invadopodia – 01/01/2021
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Higher Incidence of B Cell Malignancies in Primary Immunodeficiencies – 09/11/2020
Related News
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Think Pink Lux ‘Marian Aldred Award’ awarded to LIH researchers
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Think Pink Lux ‘Marian Aldred Award’ awarded to LIH researchers
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Excellent Thesis Award for Hannah Wurzer
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Dr Clément Thomas co-editor of 3 volumes in prestigious international book series
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Think Pink Lux ‘Marian Aldred Award’ awarded to LIH researchers
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FNR CORE scheme funds three research projects at LIH
