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.
Featured team members
Within the Luxembourg Institute of Health, qualified professionals with various expertises are working together striving for excellence. Their talent, their ability to collaborate and the complementarity of their skills are some of the key elements allowing us to create societal and economical value.
Scientific publications
LIH researchers strive to generate meaningful and disease-relevant knowledge and results for patients. Their findings are regularly published in prestigious international peer-reviewed journals, thereby extending the reach and visibility of the institute’s impact.
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