Network Science for Exploring Cellular Reprogramming and Cancer Progression
Ciência dos Circuitos para Explorar a Reprogramação Celular e a Progressão do Câncer
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): the introduction of a somatic cell into an enucleated oocyte initiates the process of reprogramming to totipotency. Despite the progress in applying SCNT cloning to biotechnology and regenerative medicine, the process remains laborious and holds low efficiencies. We apply genomics, gene editing, and Network Science to identify methods to reverse the somatic-cell state and improve nuclear reprogramming, which is the main roadblock to improving SCNT reprogramming.
Induced pluripotency: the ectopic expression of pluripotency-associated genes in somatic cells leads to their reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This revolutionary approach led to a fast-paced exploration of biomedical applications. We apply functional genomics and CRISPR screens in the context of both Network Science and Pharmacology. This technological toolbox is applied to explore the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming, with a focus on nuclear receptors.
MYC synthetic lethality: MYC is a multi-purpose transcription factor that mainly supports housekeeping processes in the cell. Upon gene translocation or amplification during cancer development and progression, MYC drives more intense cellular proliferation and other traits associated with cancer progression. We rely on genomics, gene editing tools, and Network Biology to prospect synthetic lethality genes in MYC-driven Burkitt Lymphomas.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity (EMP): carcinomas arise from a progressive accumulation of (epi)genetic mutations in epithelial cells. The activation of dormant gene expression programs during carcinoma progression is associated with the acquisition of metastatic traits and therapy resistance. EMP is one such gene expression program that allows the formation of cancer stem cells and metastatic disease. We investigate the EMP in the context of triple-negative breast cancer, with the application of genomics, genetic screens, and both Network Science and Pharmacology.
