TGF-beta and cancer

Summary

The group consists of two principal investigators, whose lines of research have as a common link to advance in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that influence tumor cell plasticity and the tumor-stroma interactions. The group has a special interest on the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in regulating these processes, as well as on deciphering the relevance of other signaling pathways, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) or interferon (IFN) signaling. The research is mainly focused on liver, pancreatic and skin cancer, but additional models are also being worked in collaboration with other groups.

268 Publications

Strategic lines

Molecular mechanisms involved in tumour cell migration, plasticity, invasion and metastasis. Role of TGF-beta, EGF and IFN in these processes.
Exosomes and MicroRNAs as promoters of the metastatic niche: cross-talk with the TGF-beta pathway.
Role of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) family as mediator of TGF-beta effects. The TGF-beta/NOX4 axis as regulator of the cellular metabolism and redox balance.
Analysis of the tumor-stroma interaction in cancer initiation and progression.

Selected Publications

Espinosa Sotelo,R;Fuste,NP;Penuelas Haro,I;Alay,A;Pons,G;Almodovar,X;Albaladejo,J et al, Dissecting the role of the NADPH oxidase NOX4 in TGF-beta signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma, Redox Biol., 2023;65102818-102818, doi:10.1016/j.redox.2023.102818
Cazzagon,N;Gonzalez Sanchez,E;El Mourabit,H; Wendum,D; Rainteau,D; Humbert,L; Corpechot,C et al, Protective potential of the gallbladder in primary sclerosing cholangitis., JHEP Rep., 2023;5(4):100649-100649, doi:10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100649,
Calvisi,DF;Boulter,L;Vaquero,J;Saborowski,A;Fabris,L;Rodrigues,PM;Coulouarn,C et al, Criteria for preclinical models of cholangiocarcinoma: scientific and medical relevance, Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 2023;20(7):462-480, doi:10.1038/s41575-022-00739-y,
Ramos,R;Cabré,E;Vinyals,A;Lorenzo,D;Ferreres,JR;Varela,M;Gomá,M et al, Orthotopic murine xenograft model of uveal melanoma with spontaneous liver metastasis., Melanoma Res., 2023;33(1):1-11, doi:10.1097/CMR.0000000000000860,
Wiedmann,L;Rigotti,FD;Vaquero Siguero,N;Donato,E;Espinet,E;Moll,I;Alsina Sanchis,E et al, HAPLN1 potentiates peritoneal metastasis in pancreatic cancer, Nat. Commun., 2023;14(1):2353-2353, doi:10.1038/s41467-023-38064-w,

Selected Projects

MCI21045. Descifrando el papel de la NADPH oxidasa NOX4 en el carcinoma hepatocelular: relevancia en células tumorales y estroma y relación con la vía del TGF-beta. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. Budget: 344.850€. 2022-2025. PI: FABREGAT ROMERO, MARIA ISABEL.
ERA21007. Targeting ROBOs and SLIT guidance cues in the immunosuppressive stromal context of pancreatic cancer (TRanSLIT). Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC)/Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). Budget: 302.600€. 2022-2025. PI: Espinet Hernández, Elisa Maria.
AEC21009. Towards a precision medicine using TGF-ß inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC). Budget: 299.813,75€. 2021-2024. PI: FABREGAT ROMERO, MARIA ISABEL.
21PSJ005. Dissecting the role of the hepatocyte Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) pathway in the cellular interactome within the liver fibrotic niche. FUNDACIÓN RAMÓN ARECES. Budget: 112.000€. 2021-2024. PI: FABREGAT ROMERO, MARIA ISABEL.
2022-040-1. PRIMER ESTUDIO DE FASE I EN HUMANOS, SIN ENMASCARAMIENTO, DE AUMENTO ESCALONADO DE LA DOSIS PARA EVALUAR LA SEGURIDAD, LA FARMACOCINÉTICA, LA FARMACODINÁMICA Y EL PERFIL DE ACTIVIDAD CLÍNICA PRELIMINAR DEL AGENTE RO7119929 (AGONISTA DE TLR7) EN MONOTERAPIA ADMINISTRADO POR VÍA ORAL A PARTICIPANTES CON CARCINOMA HEPATOCELULAR AVANZADO IRRESECABLE O METASTÁSICO, CÁNCER DEL TRACTO BILIAR O TUMORES SÓLIDOS CON METÁSTASIS HEPÁTICAS. FORTREA INC. Budget: 193.971€. 2022- . PI: Calvo Campos, Mariona.