General Information

The process of gene regulation contributes to increase the functional versatility of the cell and its adaptation to changing environmental conditions by generating proteins when they are needed. It is therefore one of the most important and complex processes in biology. It is currently known that changes in gene expression are key in tumor transformation through increased expression of genes that promote the development of carcinogenesis (oncogenes) and decreased expression of genes that hinder it (tumor suppressors). Non-protein-coding genes and chromatin structure play an important role in gene regulation and defects in their function contribute to the development of human pathologies, including cancer. Both regulatory elements have been the focus of the studies of this research group, especially in the context of cancer.

Our efforts are focused on the following research lines:

Implications of chromatin remodeling complexes in tumor development

The SWI/SNF complex is a chromatin remodeling complex that uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to modify chromatin structure and contribute to regulate gene expression. Recent advances in the study of genes altered in tumor development find the SWI/SNF complex functionally inactivated through mutations in some of its constituent subunits. Thus, frequent mutations of its subunits (SMARCA4, SMARCB1, ARID1A, ARID1B, PBRM1, BCL7A, etc.) have been found in different tumors. Our laboratory is contributing to these advances by studying the role of the SWI/SNF complex in different cancers, including lung cancer and lymphomas.

Implications of non-protein-coding RNAs in tumor development

Recent advances in genomics have highlighted the important functionality of the so-called non-protein-coding RNAs. These RNA elements do not codify for proteins, but some of them have found to develop key functions in pathologies, including cancer. Our laboratory is contributing to these advances by studying the role of the non-protein-coding RNAs in different cancers, including lung cancer, lymphomas and leukemias.

Scientific and social impact

Our laboratory is committed to the development of studies that have both scientific and social impact. During the last years, we have obtained results that helped to a better understanding of the molecular biology of cancer and were published in very high-impact journals (decile 1) including Molecular Cancer (IF=42), Blood (IF=25), Leukemia (IF=12), etc. Importantly, these results not only helped to advance basic science but also achieved translational results that led to 3 patents (P202030634, P202031253, P202430192) aimed at improving the prognostic diagnosis and therapy of various types of tumors.

Members
Researchers - R3
Postdoctoral Researchers - R2
Predoctoral Researchers - R1
Projects
Publications