General Information

The scientific strategy of this group focuses on consolidating its research into the extracellular matrix as a fundamental component of the tumor microenvironment. However, continuous advances in experimental oncology necessitate an ongoing renewal of approaches, particularly in the fields of functional genomics (SL2) and precision medicine (SL3).

In this context, the main lines of research to be developed in the coming years include:

  • Functional studies on ECM dynamism and remodeling in models of solid tumors and leukemias, focusing on their impact on tumor progression (SL2).
  • Investigation into the modulation and activation of immune populations within the tumor microenvironment through the action of extracellular proteases, with implication for diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of therapy response (SL2).
  • Identification of biomarkers in the extracellular microenvironment as novel prognostic and diagnostic tools, contributing to advances in precision medicine (SL3).

These research efforts will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, integrating bioinformatic analyses with genetic and experimental manipulation of cellular systems and relevant animal models. Crucially, the collaboration with clinical professionals will provide an applied and realistic perspective, ensuring the translational relevance of experimental findings.

Scientific and Social Impact

The group’s research on unraveling the communication between cells and their niches aligns with the rising international focus on cutting-edge studies of the tumor ECM, a field that remains underdeveloped in Andalusia and Spain. This team aspires to become a leading authority in this area in the coming years. Accordingly, the group actively participates in international forums, such as the globally renowned American Society for Matrix Biology, and contributes to European initiatives, including COST programs (Mye-InfoBank and IMMUNOmodel) and Marie Curie Actions (CRYSTAL3 and EVEREST consortiums).

The cancers under investigation include lung carcinomas, which have a notably high incidence in Western societies, and melanoma, with a particular emphasis in uveal melanoma, a rare and highly aggressive tumor with significant metastatic potential. In addition, the team is expanding its focus into leukemia, a disease intricacy tied to immune system biology. This provides a valuable framework to explore the role of the ECM in leukemia progression.

Alignment with current and future research activity at GENYO

The expertise of this group in ECM biology, combined with its proficiency in utilizing complex cellular and mouse models, significantly contributes to nourish collaborations within GENyO. These include ongoing partnerships with: D Landeira`s group, focusing on tumor models to determine the relevance of epigenetic memory, MJ Serrano’s team, working to unravel unresolved immune-tumor interactions, and P Carmona’s group, using innovative bioinformatic approaches to project RNAseq data from oncological murine models to human cancers. These collaborations highlight the multidisciplinary integration of experimental, computational, and translational research, advancing the understanding of cancer biology and driving innovation in the field.

Members

Principal Investigator - R4

Juan Carlos Rodríguez-Manzaneque

Researchers - R3

María Belén López Millán

Postdoctoral Researchers - R2

Carlos Peris

Predoctoral Researchers - R1

Rita Caracuel

Alba Rubio

Research Technician

Maria del Carmen Plaza Calonge

Projects
Publications