Our research focuses on how the cytoskeleton of cancer cells regulates transcriptional rewiring during tumour growth and dissemination. We aim to understand how such rewiring affects the tumour microenvironment.
Rho GTPases control the cytoskeleton and are deregulated in cancer. We study how Rho GTPase signalling control invasion and metastasis, tumour promoting inflammation and drug responses. We are interested in understanding how cancer cells at the edge of tumours sense extracellular signals via their cytoskeleton and integrate the responses altering transcription. Moreover, we want to understand how cancer cells interact with the tumour micro-environment in those specific regions of a tumour where there is active invasion.
We have generated a molecular fingerprint of invasive and aggressive cancer cells (via transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) that we have functionally interrogated using in vitro 3D systems, together with in vivo animal models and digital pathology in patient tissues. We have identified key molecular pathways controlled by Rho GTPase signalling that drive cancer progression, metastatic potential and therapy response (1,2,3). These pathways are actionable in the clinic.
Recent key publications:
1.Rodriguez-Hernandez I, (….) and Sanz-Moreno V (2020)
WNT11-FZD7-DAAM1 signalling supports tumour initiating abilities and melanoma amoeboid invasion. Nature Communications. 11(1):5315.
2.Orgaz JL, (…) and Sanz-Moreno V (2020)
Myosin II reactivation and Cytoskeletal remodelling as a hallmark and a vulnerability in melanoma resistance. Cancer Cell. 13;37(1):85-103.e9.
3.Georgouli M, (…) and Sanz-Moreno V (2019)
Regional activation of Myosin II in cancer cells drives tumour progression via a secretory cross-talk with the immune microenvironment. Cell. 176(4):757-774.e23.