Cell Biology of Cancer – Staffan Strömblad's research group

All tissue cells are surrounded by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Cell-matrix interactions control cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation, all key processes in cancer development and progression. We study the nature of cell-matrix interactions and how these interactions influence key cellular functions, including cell proliferation and migration.

The group is part of the Biosciences and Nutrition Unit.

Cell-Matrix Interactions and Signalling in Cancer

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RhoA (RhoA-GTP) activity detected using a FRET biosensor in an HT1080 cell in 3D by lattice light sheet microscopy. This image was obtained by Jianjiang Hu at our 2018 visit to the Advanced imaging center at the HHMI, Janelia research campus. Red color demarcates the highest RhoA-GTP levels observed along membrane ruffles sticking up at the front edge of the cell. Image: Jianjiang Hu

Part of the ECM influence on cancer cells stems from the mechanical properties of the ECM. Stiffening of a tumour as a palpable lump is also often the first diagnostic measure of cancer; normal breast is soft, whereas breast cancer is stiffer. Increased stiffness is a physical hallmark of many solid cancers, including breast cancer, where the increased extracellular matrix stiffness contributes to oncogenic transformation, aggressiveness and poor prognosis.

We study, at the molecular level, how the mechanical properties of the ECM generate intracellular signalling in cancer cells and how these signals promote cell proliferation and migration.

Confocal image of cell in red, green and yellow
Reticular adhesions attach cells during mitotic round-up. Confocal image of a U2OS cell rounded up to undergo mitosis. The cell body is labelled by a membrane dye in red, while integrin β5 in green marks the position of reticular adhesions. From Lock et al. Nat Cell Biol 2018. Image by John Lock

Also, cancer cells attach to and can migrate within the ECM, ultimately leading to life-threatening metastasis. We study cancer cell migration with the purpose to uncover new molecular mechanisms governing this process. We are particularly interested in how local force generation and signaling of small GTPases of the Rho family coordinate their actions to produce cell migration. For this purpose, we use quantitative live cell imaging combined with advanced image analysis and modelling.

Illustration of cells and PAK4 in blue and purple
A new signalling pathway controlling the senescence barrier in breast cancer. Figure from Costa & Strömblad, Mol Cell Oncol 2020. Illustration by Tania Costa

We also investigate how the signalling component p21-activated kinase-4 (PAK4) affects cancer development and progression, in particular the control of cellular senescence, a cellular stress response that serves as an early barrier to cancer development.

Our detailed molecular studies of cancer development and progression are aimed to aid the development of urgently needed new diagnosis and therapy.

News from the group

Looking for a MSc, postdoc or PhD position?

Post-docs

Available postdoc positions are generally announced at Karolinska Institutet’s KI-jobs page. However, outstanding candidates are welcome to apply at any time; Please send an introductory letter, CV, publication list, and three letters of reference to Staffan.Stromblad@ki.se. (Considered to be outstanding candidates are those who would be competitive for prestigious external fellowships, such as the EMBO long term fellowships).

Ph.D. students

All Ph.D. student positions will be announced at KI-jobs web page when available.

Master’s thesis students

For Master’s student projects (minimal time one term), please inquire with Staffan Strömblad. Please provide, in addition to information on timing, formal requirements, etc., also a cover letter of intent, CV, a copy of your University grades and at least two letters of reference.

Internships

We are unfortunately not able to host internships.

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Worldwide Cancer Research, funding agency.

Publications

Selected publications

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Members of the LCI Facility

Staffan Strömblad is also the director of The Live Cell Imaging Core Facility (LCI). The LCI Core Facility is a light microscopy facility on the Karolinska Institutet south campus (Flemingsberg). They offer state-of-the-art microscopes and training to image cells and tissues, live or fixed, BSL1/BSL2.

Staff of the LCI Facility:

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Sylvie Le Guyader

Senior Research Infrastructure Specialist
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Gabriela Imreh

Research Infrastructure Specialist
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Jianjiang Hu

Research Infrastructure Specialist

Gisele Miranda

Affiliated to Research