Molecular and biological characterization of oncogenes involved in leukemia and solid tumors.

Broad research activities

• Transcription factors related to leukemia

• Regulation of gene activity, mechanisms of gene repression and gene activation 

• Post-translational modification of proteins involved in leukemia

Ongoing projects

Complete understanding of the role of specific genes (known or novel) in the progression of a disease can have a profound impact on the diagnosis, therapy, and ultimately the survival of the patients. We are in the process of identifying genes, from patient samples, that are responsible for myeloid leukemia by using different modern molecular techniques. Identified genes will be validated both quantitatively and qualitatively using patient samples. There is a genuine need for the discovery of molecular mechanisms and targeted therapeutic approaches in the field of haematologic neoplasias. The research findings may lead to targeted molecular therapies that can block specific abnormalities found in leukemic patients.

Post-translational protein modification plays an important role in multiple cellular processes including DNA repair, protein stability, nuclear translocation, protein-protein interactions, and in cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Cross-regulation of post-translational modifications is likely to be a fundamental mechanism for regulating protein function. Multiple post translational modifications on a protein constitute a complex regulatory program that transduces molecular information to and from signaling pathways. Whether the cellular mechanisms coordinating post-translational modifications of oncogene support leukemogenesis remains to be determined.