Cancer invasion and signaling studies - from disease mechanisms to treatment
Left side: Breast cancer spheroid invading into the surrounding matrix. Right side: Ovarian cancer organoid culture.
The aim of our research is to understand cancer-induced molecular changes, especially those that regulate lysosomal activity and function leading to enhanced invasion and metastasis, in order to find novel ways to target these often still untreatable, malignant functions of cancer.
Our current work is focused on the role and function of HER2 signaling and lysosomes in aggressive and therapy resistant breast cancer and on identifying novel, personalized treatment strategies against platinum-taxane resistant ovarian cancer by targeting lysosomes. In our research, we use 3D cell cultures, breast and ovarian cancer organoids, and various cell and molecular biology approaches including high throughput microscopy,CRISPR-Cas9 technology and lentiviral gene delivery. Our laboratory is located at the Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49 (https://www.cancer.dk/research/dcrc-research-units-and-groups/cell-death-and-metabolism/invasion-and-signaling/).
The project spans three specific aims:
1. Role of lysosomes in the aggressiveness of HER2 positive breast cancer
2. Targeting treatment-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer via lysosomes
3. Targeting treatment-resistant ovarian cancer via lysosomes
In our studies we are focusing on repurposing already approved drugs as novel, lysosome targeting anti-cancer agents as well as identifying new drugs and drug targets. Our studies will be very valuable for identification of new personalized treatment options for treatment resistant breast and ovarian cancer.