Our research
Lysosomes are catabolic endosomes that break down macromolecules. Due to this function, they were historically perceived as mere “housekeeping” organelles responsible for disposing of macromolecular waste. However, over the past decade, it has become increasingly evident that lysosomes have critical roles beyond degradation, which frequently becomes dysregulated in tumors. This includes controlling the cellular synthesis of new biomolecules - processes which tumor cells need to rewire in order to grow and survive.
In our lab, we investigate how tumor-associated changes in the lysosomal pool affect tumor metabolism, aggressiveness and resistance to therapies. We are particularly interested in the fact that tumor cells often display abnormally increased levels of lysosomes, and to characterize how this drives disease progression. Our work employs cutting-edge imaging techniques, large-scale omics approaches (proteomics, metabolomics, etc.), and classical biochemical methods.
Teaching assignments
Biomedical Analytics programme.