Research
Research groups:
GENYO is a mixed centre with stakes
held by the Regional Ministry of Innovation,
Science and Enterprise, the Regional Ministry of
Health, the University of Granada and the
pharmaceutical company Pfizer. This centre has
been devised as a space for excellence research in genomic medicine, focusing on the
Genomic Oncology Area
comprehensive study and understanding of the genetic basis of human diseases in general,
This area focuses on research into those genetic
placing special emphasis on cancer and its
abnormalities that give rise to the process of
genetic disorders related to inheritance.
carcinogenesis and its progression. In addition to advancing in the knowledge of the bases of
GENYO was created as a multidisciplinary
disease, and in particular cancer, GENYO, due
research space, where different professionals
to its character of research centre with a clear
from the healthcare, university and business
translational vocation, should orientate part of its
areas interact, making it possible to generate
lines to development of new therapeutic issues
new systems to diagnose, prevent and treat
which respond to health problems.
diseases based on the joint and coordinated
Research groups:
application of first-rate knowledge in the different areas of genetics.
This centre is the benchmark centre of the
Andalusian Program for Research in Clinical
Genetics and Genomic Medicine, a program
which, together with those of Cel Therapy and
Regenerative Medicine, and Nanomedicine have
the main objective of supporting and fostering
translational research in Advanced Therapies.
The activities performed within these three
research programs are developed in coordination with the Andalusian Initiative for
The objective of pharmacogenomics is the
Advanced Therapies (IATA), an initiative of the
creation of drugs tailor-made for each patient
Andalusian Government promoted by the
and adapted to their genetic conditions.
Regional Ministries of Health and Innovation, Science and Enterprise.
This area has a special interest in a centre which, like GENYO, has a clear applied and
RESEARCH AREAS
translational vocation, since it is one of the pillars of so-called individualized or personalized
Human DNA Variability Area
medicine, which not only supposes adaptation to the patient of the best drugs, achieving a
The Human Variability Area of GENYO is devised
better and faster improvement or cure, but also
as a scientific production structure which will
involves a decrease in morbidity and mortality
preferably include research groups centred on
due to adverse risks, which leads to a better and
work in the area of genetic epidemiology of
more efficient management in public and private
some of the main public health problems
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY AREA
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
Marta E. Alarcón Riquelme, MD, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
TEAM LEADER
Identification of the functional genetic variants for systemic lupus
Professor in Genetic
Epidemiology of Chronic
Understand how risk variants affect cell differentiation and function.
Inflammatory Diseases
Develop assays to define patient subclasses or treatment responses based
on genetic and cellular information.
Head of the Human DNA
Develop assays to detect cellular status reliable as clinical biomarkers.
Variability Department, GENYO
Develop assays to test potential therapeutic compounds.
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Associate Member, Oklahoma
Medical Research Foundation
Delgado-Vega, A.M., Dozmorov, M.G., Bernal Quirós, M., Wu, Y.Y.,
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
Martínez-García, B., Frostegård, J., Truedsson, L., De Ramón, E., Wren,
J.D., Martin, J., Castil ejo-López, C., and Alarcón-Riquelme, M.E. Fine
Human Samples: DNA from 4000
Mapping and Conditional Analysis Identify a New Mutation in the
SLE patients genotyped and with
Autoimmunity Susceptibility Gene BLK that Leads to Reduced Half-Life of
detailed clinical information.
the BLK Protein. Ann Rheum Dis 71(7):1219-26, 2012
Castillejo-López, C., Delgado-Vega, A.M., Wojcik, J., Kozyrev, S.V.,
Available cell lines: proprietary
Sanchez, E., Thavathiru, E., Wu, Y.Y., Pöl man, D., López-Egido, J.R.,
cell lines containing mutants from
James, J.A., Merril , J.T., Kel y, J.A., Kaufman, K.M., Moser, K., Gilkeson,
various key genes, EBV cell lines of
G., Frostegård, J., Pons-Estel, B.A., D'Alfonso, S., Witte, T., Cal ejas, J.L.,
genotyped individuals.
Harley, J.B., Gaffney, P., Martin, J., Guthridge, J.M., and Alarcón-
Riquelme, M.E. Genetic and Physical Interaction of the B-cell SLE-
Associated Genes BANK1 and BLK. Ann Rheum Dis 71(1):136-42, 2012
Delgado-Vega, A.M., Sanchez, E., Löfgren, S., Castil ejo-López, C., and
Alarcón-Riquelme, M.E. Recent Advances in the Genetics of Systemic
Autoimmune Diseases. Curr Opin Immunol 22(6):698-705, 2010
SLEGEN* (*Members: John B. Harley, Carl D. Langefeld, Marta E.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Alarcón-Riquelme, Lindsey A. Criswel , Chaim O. Jacob, Robert P.
Kimberly, Kathy L. Moser, Betty P. Tsao and Timothy J. Vyse). A genome
wide association scan in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
identifies ITGAM, PXK, KIAA1542 and rs10798268 and other loci Nat Genet 40(2):204-10, 2008.
Kozyrev, S.V*., Abelson, A.K*., Wojcik, J., Zaghlool, A., Linga Reddy,
P.M.V., Sanchez, E., Yin, H., Gunnarsson, I., Svenungsson, E., Sturfelt, G., Jönsen, A., Truedsson, L., Pons-Estel, B., Witte, T., D'Alfonso, S.,
Momigliano-Richiardi, P., Danieli, M.G., Gutierrez, C., Suárez, A., Junker, P., Laustrup, H., González-Escribano, M.F., Martin, J., Abderrahim, H.,
and Alarcón-Riquelme, M.E. The B Cell Gene BANK1 is Associated
with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Through the Effect of Several
Functional Variants Nat Genet 40(2):211-6, 2008
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
NATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla
Fine Mapping and Replication of Genome-Wide Association Scans for
SLE: Towards the Identification. Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.
Hospital Virgen de las Nieves,
Period 2009-2012 (On renewal)
Dissecting Molecular Genetic B-Cell Pathway in Lupus Swedish
Research Council. Period: 2010-2013
Hospital Virgen de la Macarena,
Identification of Novel Genes and Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus. European Science Foundation. Period: 2010-2014.
Hospital Negrín, Gran Canaria
Dissecting a Novel Molecular B-Cell Pathway in Lupus. Alliance for
Lupus Research, USA. Period: 2010-2013.
Fundación Marqués de Valdecilla,
Complete Exome Sequencing of SLE Patients from Multiplex Families:
Identification of Rare Mutations and their Functional Consequences.
Fundación Ramón Areces, Spain. Period: 2012-2015.
PROJECT PROPOSALS
SLEGEN Consortium (9
SLE is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting primarily
members in Europe and the
women. Nearly 35 genes have been identified, and the group of Dr Alarcón-
Riquelme has been at the forefront of these discoveries. Despite such
BIOLUPUS network (25
success, little is known about how risk variants alter gene and cell function.
members in Europe)
Our projects aim at defining the functional genetic variants using case-control
MEMBERS OF THE RESEARCH
analyses as well as exome sequencing of family members with the disease
and analyze the effects of the genetic risk variants or the mutations in B lymphocyte and plasmacytoid dendritic cell function.
Casimiro Castillejo López, senior
The information will be used to: a) define how the variants affect gene function; b) identify cellular abnormalities that correlate with specific variation
Concepción Marañón Lizana,
to determine subgroups of patients; c) associate genetic variants with clinical
senior researcher, Miguel Servet
outcomes in the largest study of its kind in Europe, with follow-up data for
2000 European SLE cases; d) produce cell lines that contain SLE susceptibility genes in wild-type and mutated form, to analyze how variants
Ina Georg, postdoc, Sara Borrel
alter gene function or interactions with other proteins; and e) produce robust
assays that measure the protein-protein interactions that may serve as
Manuel Martínez Bueno, postdoc
biomarkers of disease progression and activity; f) identify compounds that modulate such interactions such that it leads to reduction in B or pDC cell
Manuel Bernal Quirós, PhD
activity and consequently to a reduction in antibody and interferon secretion,
Alejandro Díaz Barreiro, PhD
2 technicians
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
1.- Creation of a custom Array covering 64 lupus susceptibility loci
BIOLUPUS NETWORK
and genotyping for the BIOLUPUS follow-up study
Chairman: Marta E. Alarcón-Riquelme
Within the BIOLUPUS network that I coordinate we have performed the largest
Centers involved:
GWAS to date made for lupus. In this study we identify 25 new susceptibility genes. To date we have 65 new loci, representing a 20% of the genetic
University of Birmingham, UK
contribution to the disease. We propose to produce a new Custom Array to type
all possible European lupus patients to combine the data with our flow
University College, London, UK
cytometry analyses to identify groups of individuals that share risk variants. As
Hospital San Cecilio, Granada,
several (but not all) susceptibility genes are shared among other systemic
autoimmune diseases, this custom array will be useful to study those as well
(rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, Scleroderma). This study would also
University of Szeged, Hungary
fine map some of the loci to uncover the true genes and functional variants and use genetic data to define the impact of genetic risk variants in clinical
Ospedale San Camilo, Rome, Italy
outcomes and disease activity. Until now this study has been funded partly by
Cyprus Society of Rheumatology
the European Science Foundation until 2014. We require a more extensive
fol ow-up of the patients to cover at least 2 more years. We have 23 groups
Hospital San Antonio, Porto,
across Europe, and the study requires support for the yearly inclusion of
patients by clinical groups into a database, and database licenses. Most of the
patients have been genotyped for the GWAS, but a more targeted genotyping is
University of Brescia, Italy
required to avoid imputation data and also to homogenize the information.
University of Hannover, Germany
Genotyping of the HLA would also be necessary.
University of Padova, Italy
2.- Perform flow cytometry measurements from whole blood to
detect abnormalities that associate with risk variants
Hospital Carlos Haya, Málaga,
We are optimizing flow cytometry measurements to detect lymphoid and myeloid cell subpopulation differences that relate to risk variants. Initially we wil
R igshospitalet, Copenhagen, DK
detect these correlating with individual risk variants, but later we will combine these to identify the groups of individuals that statistically cluster. The project
U niversity of Siena, Italy
aims at using these measurements in a way similar to those performed to
U niversité Catholique du Louvain,
detect subclasses of leukemias in hemato-oncology. Our preliminary results are
very promising, particularly for the gene BLK. We also will perform, when
required studies for the intracellular detection of cytokines and kinase
Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
activation. Correlations will be done with disease activity and ongoing therapy.
Hospital Universitario Sierral ana,
Santander , Spain
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
3.- Validation of protein-protein interaction assays in groups of SLE
patients
Odense University Hospital, DK
We have performed studies with the gene BANK1, where we have identified several proteins that interact with it, leading to the chronicity of B-cell activation
Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico,
and potentially of other non-T cells. This project aims at analyzing the status of
these interactions using a robust assay we have designed in patients and controls,
relate to their ongoing therapy and to the activity of their disease. If the assay is
Hospital Clinic, Barcelona
validated, we will then require the production of new, specific antibodies or affinity
Medical University of Vienna
reagents if the assays are to be commercialized. The assay does require optimization for its use in primary cells. We also aim at developing these using
King's College, London
Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla,
4.- Use of Cellular Assays to Validate New Compounds
We have developed cellular assays containing mutants of the genes we are
Hospital Negrín, Gran Canaria,
studying. These assays are very informative as the mutations do result in changes
in cell function and activity. We would like to validate their use in the identification
of potential new therapeutic compounds directed towards the inhibition of cel activity, cytokine production, etc. in the presence of the mutations or functional
variants. The protein-protein interaction assays can also be used as biomarkers of compound efficacy. In fact, we have optimized these assays in several cell lines.
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
Otology & Neurotology
Jos e Antonio López Escá mez, MD, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH
TEAM LEADER
GENOMICS OF VESTIBULAR DISORDERS
Member of the COST Action
Definition of novel genes and biochemical pathways associated with
European Network for the Study
Meniere's disease.
of Vestibular Disorders (in
Identification of rare allelic variants associated with familial cases of
Meniere's disease.
Member of The Spanish
Immunogenetic profile and endophenotypes in Meniere's disease as a model
Network for the study of
for autoimmune inner ear disease.
Meniere's disease (MEN)
Identification of genetic markers for hearing loss progression in Meniere's
Member of the International
Classification of Vestibular
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Disorders Committee of the Barany Society
Lopez-Escamez JA,* Saenz-Lopez P, Acosta L, Moreno A, Gazquez I, Perez-
Garrigues H, Lopez-Nevot A, Lopez-Nevot MA. Association of a functional
Vocal of the Andalusian
polymorphism of PTPN22 encoding a lymphoid protein phosphatase in
Committee for R+D+I on Health
bilateral Meniere s disease. Laryngoscope 2010; 120: 103-7. IF – Quartile
(JCR) 2.096 – Q1
Vocal of the Ethics for Research
Committee in Almeria.
Gazquez I, Lopez-Escamez JA*, Moreno A, Campbel CA, Meyer NC, Carey JP,
Minor LB, Gantz BJ, Hansen MR, Del aSantina CC, Aran I, Soto-Varela A,
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
Santos S, Batuecas A, Perez-Garrigues H, Lopez-Nevot A, Smith RJH, Lopez-
Nevot MA. Functional variants in NOS1 and NOS2A are not associated with
Human Samples: >2000 DNA
progressive hearing loss in Menière's disease in a European Caucasian
samples from European sporadic
population. DNA Cell Biol 2011 30 (9): 699-708. IF – Quartile (JCR) 2.159 –
and familial cases of Meniere's
Gazquez I, Lopez-Escamez JA*. Genetics of recurrent vertigo and vestibular
disorders. Current Genomics 2011; 12 (6): 443-50. IF (JCR) – Quartile (JCR) 2.487 – Q3
Gazquez I, Soto-Varela A, Aran I, Santos S, Batuecas A, Trinidad G, Perez-
Garrigues H, Gonzalez-Oller C, Acosta L, Lopez-Escamez JA*. High prevalence
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH
of systemic autoimmune diseases in patients with Meniere's disease. PloS
PRODUCTION (last 5 years)
ONE 2011 6(10): e26759. doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0026759. IF – Quartile
(JCR) 4.411 – Q1
Gazquez I, Moreno A, Aran I, Soto-Varela A, Santos S, Perez-Garrigues H,
Lopez-Nevot A, Requena T, Lopez-Nevot MA, Lopez-Escamez JA*. MICA-STR
A.4 is associated with slower hearing loss progression in patients with
Meniere's disease. Otol Neurotol 2012; 33 (2):223-229. IF – Quartile (JCR)
Gazquez I, Requena Y, Espinosa JM, Batuecas A, Lopez-Escamez JA*. Genetic
and clinical heterogeneity in Meniere's disease. Autoimmunity Rev 2012 (in press). IF - Quartile (JCR) 6,556 – Q1
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
Otology & Neurotology
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Role of neurotoxicity, genes regulating nitric oxide and cytokines in the
PATENT APPLICATIONS
development of hearing loss in Meniere's disease (PI). ISCI I, Code:
(Last 5 years)
PI100920. 2011-13.
Prevalence of autoimmune diseases and immunogenetic profile in
A method to obtain useful data
Meniere's disease. (AI). PI: Angel Batuecas Caletrio. Consejeria de
for diagnosis and prognosis of
Salud Castilla y León. Code: BIOSA-51-11. 2011-12.
sensorineural hearing loss.
Application number:
Identification of common and rare allelic variants at genomic level in
Meniere's disease. Programme of professional development in
Priority date: 14/12/2011
research. (PI). Fundación Progreso y Salud. Code: DP-0041-2011.
Foreign applications: Pending
CLINICAL TRIALS
An 8mg of Acetyl-leucine oral suspension efficacy and tolerance in
vestibular neuritis. A randomised double-blind placebo controlled proof-
of-concept study (AI). Pierre-Fabre Medicament. 2011-12.
Effect of V0251 in acute vertigo. A randomised doublé-blind placebo
controlled study. (PI). Pierre Fabre Medicament. Code: 2012-13.
SCIENTIFIC INTEREST AREAS
Inner ear diseases are defined by hearing loss, tinnitus and/or imbalance. Common diseases causing hearing loss are multifactorial complex diseases and the interaction of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors may determine the development of chronic otitis media, otosclerosis or age-related hearing loss. Similarly, vestibular disorders had a hereditary component that can be investigated by high throughtput genotyping and paral el massive sequencing.
Recurrent vertigo is a common health problem caused by disorders of the vestibular system in the inner ear. The most common causes are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis and Menière's disease. Among them, Menière´s disease if the most severe form of vertigo characterized by hearing loss, recurrent vertigo and tinnitus. Menière's disease occurs in young adults and it may affect both ears up to 40% of cases, causing a more severe hearing loss and chronic imbalance. The aim of our group is the discovery of genetic basis of Menière's disease and hearing loss progression.
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
Otology & Neurotology
RESEARCH PROPOSALS
1.- Genomics of sporadic Meniere's disease.
Meniere´s disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear causing vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. The
estimated prevalence of Meniere´s disease in Caucasians is 1–2 cases per 10000. The disease is multifactorial and the int eraction of several genes with the environment is probably involved. Th e goal of the proposed research is to elucidate novel genes and biochemical pathways associated with Meniere's disease,
a chronic disorder of the inner ear causing vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Specifically, we plan to develop a ge nome-wide association study (GWAS) to determine the contribution of common allelic variants for the disease across a four-year period in a large multinational cohort of 2000 patients with sporadic Meniere's disease. Candidate SNPs will be
validated in an independent cohort to define candidate genes. Bioinformatics analysis will explore gene/gene interactions an d define a network of genes and biochemical pathways. Functional in vitro studies will confirm the relevance the key of
proteins in the pathophysiology of the disease.
2.- Identification of rare allelic variants in familial Meniere's disease by whole exome sequencing.
Meniere´s disease is a complex disorder where probably genetic and environmental factors determine its d
evelopment. Although most patients with Meniere´s disease are sporadic, some of them present familial cases following
an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance. The frequency of familial disease is suggested to
be between 4% and 20% and there have been numerous reports on familial Meniere´s disease, but the estimated pr oportion of which in Spain is stil unknown. Th e objectives of the familial study are:
1. To estimate the prevalence of familial MD in Spain in a large cohort of sporadic MD. 2. To investigate the contribution of rare allelic variants to develop familial MD by whole exome sequencing in 26
families with MD. 3. To analyze the relationship among rare allelic variants and endophenotypes in MD and to define familial specific
3. - Biomarkers for autoimmune inner ear disease.
Au toimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a treatable cause of sensorineural hearing loss and it is important for patients,
physicians and audiologist professionals to recognize this entity properly for an early diagnosis and therapy. Despite of it, th ere is no biological marker for AIED and the diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. The importance of autoimmune phenomenon in the genesis of inner ear diseases is difficult to evaluate, because the clinical and biological evaluations for
autoimmune deafness has not yet been well defined.
The major goals of this project are to perform a genome-wide scan with 196,000 markers in >600 European Caucasian cases and 1500 controls as a first stage towards the identification of genes previously associated with other autoimmune
disease. Replication in a large set of independent cases and controls in a second stage will identify candidate markers and genes asso ciated with autoimmune inner ear disease.
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
Otology & Neurotology
4.- Mechanisms of hearing loss progression in Meniere's disease.
Glutamate NMDA receptors-mediated excitotoxicity and cochlear neurons apoptosis have a key role in hearing loss progression. The major goals of this project are to analyze polymorphism of cochlear neurotoxicity-related genes in Meniere's disease (SLC1A3, NOS1, NOS2, PPP3R1, NF-kB) and to monitor the levels of complement (c3, c4), circulating immunocomplexes, proinflamatory (IL-2, IL-17, INFg, TNF) and anti nflamatory (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) cytokines. Functional studies will determine the relevance of neurotrophic factors in neuron survival and hearing preservation.
Moreover, these molecules could be target to develop blocker drugs or gene therapies to reduce hearing loss progression.
5.- Development of human-based models for hearing loss using stem cells and patient-specific iPSCs.
Hearing loss progression results from nerve damage after endolymphatic hydrops. The transplantation of stem cells with the potential to produce functional differentiated cell types might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hearing loss.
We pursuit to develop a cell model of neuronal apoptosis by using iPSC obtained by transdifferentiation of human fibroblasts. Fibroblast can be reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with a combination of four transcription factors. First, we will use mRNA and several transcription factors to obtain iPSC by reprogramming fibroblasts. In a second phase, we will try to generate otic neurons from reprogrammed iPSC with the proneural genes Ascl1, Brn2 and MyT1L.
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
TEAM LEADER
Jose Luis Garcia-Perez, PhD
International Scientist, Howard
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
Hughes Medical Institute.
LINE-1 elements as epimutagens: impact on human health.
Member of the 7PM funded
Network for human embryonic
Role of LINE-1 in Fanconi Anemia, Ataxia Telangiectasia, and DiGeorge
stem cells, Eurosystem.
syndrome: looking for therapeutic alternatives.
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
ACCESS
The role of LINE-1 elements in the initiation and metastasis of: melanoma
and ovarian cancers.
Human Samples: melanoma and
ovarian cancer samples (cell lines
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
and DNA). Fanconi Anemia, Di George Syndrome and Ataxia
Morrish, T.*, García-Pérez, J.L.*, Stamato, T., Taccioli, G.E., Sekiguchi,
Telangiectasia samples (cell lines
J. and Moran J.V. "Endonuclease independent LINE-1 retrotransposition at
mammalian telomeres", Nature, 2007, 446: 208-212. * Both authors
contributed equally to this work.
Cell lines: hESCs and hiPSCs. A
panel of transformed cell lines
Coufal, N.G., Garcia-Perez, J.L., Peng, G.E., Yeo G.W., Lovci, M.T.,
(HeLa, N-Tera2D1, etc).
Morell, M., O´Shea, K.S., Moran, J.V., and Gage F.H. "L1 retrotransposition in human neural progenitor cells.", Nature, 2009, 460 (7259): 1127-1131.
García-Pérez, J.L.1 , Morell, M., Scheys, J.O., Kulpa, D.A., Morell, S.,
Carter, C.C., Hammer, G.D., Col ins, K.L., O'Shea, S., Menendez, P., and
RESEARCH SUMMARY (last 4
Moran, J.V." Epigenetic silencing of engineered L1 retrotransposition
events in human embryonic carcinoma cells", Nature 2010,
466(7307):769-73. 1, corresponding author.
Published papers: 19; Impact
Factor=229.311 (JCR-2010); More than 300
citations (excluding self).
Macia, A., Munoz-Lopez, M., Cortes, J.L., Hastings, R., Morell, S., Lucena-
Aguilar, G., Marchal, J.A., Badge, R.M., and Garcia-Perez, J.L.
Grants: PI in 8 proposals, and co-IP in 3.
"Epigenetic control of retrotransposon expression in human embryonic
Regional, National, European and International Calls.
stem cells", Mol. Cell. Biol., 2011, 31(2): 300-16.
Other: Invited Speaker in 14 International
Coufal, N.G., Garcia-Perez, J.L., Peng, G.E., Marcheto, M.C.N., Muotri,
Research Centers.
A.R., Mu, Y., Carson, C.T., Macia, A., Moran, J.V., and Gage F.H. "Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated modulates L1 retrotransposition in human neural
stem cells", Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Dec 20;108(51):20382-7.
Epub 2011 Dec 9.
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Somatic Activity of LINE-1 Elements in Humans. Marie Curie (International Reintegration Grant, FP7-PEOPLE-
2007-4-3-IRG: SOMATIC LINE-1) and Marie Curie Actions, IntraEuropean Fellowship, EU.
Biology of LINE-1 Elements. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA.
LINE-1 activity in Fanconi Anemia Patients, Health Ministry, Andalusia, Spain.
RESEARCH INTEREST and FUTURE REARCH
More than 40% of the human genome is composed of repeated DNA, and some types can be mobilized within the genome (e.g., Transposable Elements (TE)). As a result, the human genome is not static, and poses some degree of plasticity. Long Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) is the only autonomous retrotransposon (a class of TEs) in the human genome, with more than 600,000 copies per genome ( 17% of the genome). Furthermore, L1 is able to mobilize other non-autonomous TEs (Alu, SVA, U6) and cel ular mRNAs (giving rise to processed pseudogenes). Overall, L1 is responsible for a third of the human genome.
Although most L1 elements in the genome are inactive, an average human genome contains 100 active L1 retrotransposons. Its mobility has resulted in a variety of human diseases, and its activity has shaped the human genome during evolution. L1 insertions within genes can alter their function, can modulate their expression at both splicing and poly-adenylation steps, and can provide regulatory sequences to genes. In addition, L1 insertions can be accompanied by genomic instability processes (deletions, translocations, etc), adding to the myriad of ways they shape our genome. Despite their abundance, little is known about their impact on human health.
Our lab studies mobile DNA elements in humans, how they move and impact our genomes, and how the host regulates them. Pluripotent cells represent the best physiological model to study L1 biology, and due to our contributions my lab is uniquely positioned to study L1 biology and its regulation using an array of pluripotent cells (hESCs, iPSCs). We are currently using hESC/iPSC lines to infer the magnitude of the load of L1 retrotransposition in somatic tissues, using their differentiation potential. Notably, preliminary data from our and other groups indicate that the somatic activity of LINE-1s is a genetic driver for the origin and progression of most human cancers. In my lab, we are analyzing ongoing LINE-1 mobilization and the effect on the genome using human melanoma and ovarian primary/mestastasis pairs. Our long-term aim is to explore the possibility of developing chemical and biological tools to reduce the mobilization of LINE-1s in human cancers, with the ultimate goal of improving the treatment of this important human disease.
A major finding in L1 biology is the description of epigenetic mechanisms that act to control L1 retrotransposition. My lab will conduct research to decipher the mechanism that acts to silence de novo L1 insertions in pluripotent cells, as it is a completely uncharacterized cellular pathway. In addition, my lab will conduct research aimed to determine the epimutagenic potential of de novo L1 insertions in an array of pluripotent cell types. The generation of "epimutations" by TE insertions is a new concept in human biology, and likely will change the way we think about the impact of TEs in genomes at the somatic and germ line level.
Finally, data from my lab has demonstrated that L1 mobilization is de-regulated in Fanconi Anemia patients, Ataxia Telangiectasia patients, and Di George Syndrome patients. We are currently analyzing the impact of this de-regulation in these 3 human diseases, with the long term-aim of improving the treatment of these serious and incurable diseases.
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
and Cell Therapy
Francisco Martin, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
TEAM LEADER
Development of safer and more efficient gene delivery tools for the treatment
Member of European Society of
of immune-related diseases: Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrom and multiple sclerosis
Gene and Cell Therapy
Generation of human cellular model to study genetic diseases
Member of Spanish Society of
Gene and Cell Therapy
Generation of transgenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment
of autoimmune diseases
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
ACCESS
Generation of Al -In-One Doxycycline-responsive lentiviral vectors for
conditional expression in Stem Cells.
Human Samples: Umbilical cord,
MSCs, hESCs and hIPSC.
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Available cell lines: hESCs, hiPSC
Ikeda Y., Takeuchi Y., Martín F., Cosset F.L., Mitrophanous K., And Col ins
and proprietary transgenic K562WASKO
M. Continous High-Titer HIV-1 Vector Production. Nature Biotechnology
and hESCWASKO lines for modeling
; 21(5):569-72. IF. (2007)= 22.8
Animal models:
F Martín*, MG Toscano, C Frecha, M Santamaría, M Blumdel , A Thrasher
Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA);
and Ignacio J. Molina. Lentiviral Vectors Transcriptionally Targeted To
Experimental Autoimmune
Hematopoietic Cells by WASP gene proximal promoter sequences. Gene
Encephalomielitis (EAE).
Therapy 2005; 12(8):715-23 I.F (2005).= 4.8;
M Delgado, MG Toscano, K Benabdellah, M Cobo, F O' Valle, E Gonzalez-
Rey, F Martin. Artritis Gene Therpay by In Vivo delivery of Lentiviral Vectors
Expressing Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide cDNA. Arthritis & Rheumatism.
2008;58:1026-1038 I.F (2009) 7.3
Toscano M, Frecha C, Benabdellah, K, Trasher A.J., García Olivares E.,
RESEARCH ACTIVITY (Last five
Molina I, F Martin. Hematopoietic specific lentiviral vectors circunvent
potential toxicity problems caused by ectopic expression of Wiskott-Aldrich
Syndrome protein. Human gene Therapy. 2008;179-197. I.F (2009) =
Toscano MG, Benabdehal ah K, Frecha C, Cobo M, Muñoz P and Martin F.
Was cDNA sequences modulates transgene expression of Was promoter-
driven LVs. Human Gene Therapy. 2009; 20:1279-1290 I.F. (2010)=
4.8
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
and Cell Therapy
Toscano MG, Degado M, Kong W, Martin F and Doina Ganea.
Dendritic Cells Transduced With Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (Vip) Differentiate Into Vip-Secreting
PATENT APPLICATIONS (Last
Tolerogenic-Like DC. M olecular Therapy. 2010; 18(5):1035-1045
five years)
I.F. (2011)= 6.8
Benabdel ah K, Cobo M, Muñoz P, Toscano MG and Martin F*.
Vectores Lentivirales para la
identificación del linaje
Development of an all-in-one Lentiviral vector system based on the
original TetR for the easy generation of Tet-ON cell lines. Plos One.
2011; e23734. I.F (2011)= 4.1
Application number: P201230449
P. Muñoz, M. Toscano, PJ Real, K. Benabdel ah, M. Cobo, C Bueno, V
Priority date: 26/03/2012
Ramos-Mejía, P Menendez, P. Anderson, F. Martin. Specific Marking
Foreign applications: Pending
of hESCs-derived hematopoieitc cells by WASP-promoter driven
lentiviral vectors. Plos One. 2012; 7(6):e39091. I.F (2011)= 4.1
Highly inducible Tet-ON vector
system.
Cobo M, P Anderson P, Benabdellah K, MG Toscano M, Muñoz P,
García-Perez A, Gutierrez I, Delgado M., Martin F*. Mesenchymal
Application number: EP11166754.9
stem cells expressing vasoactive intestinal peptide ameliorate
Priority date: 19/05/2011
symptoms in a model of chronic multiple sclerosis. Cell
Foreign applications:
Transplantation. 2012; accepted I.F. (2011) = 6.2.
PCT/EP2012/059408
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Improvement of retroviral vectors for gene therapy applications.
Science & Technology Ministry (Plan Nacional). Period: 2003-2006.
Development of safer and more efficient lentiviral vectors: applications
for gene therapy of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (FIS). Instituto de Salud Carlos II . Period: 2007-2009.
Gene Therapy for Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome: Development of a human
cellular model for preclinic studies. Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (FIS). Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Period: 2010-2012.
Gene-Cell Therapy for multiple sclerosis. Consejería de Innovación,
Ciencia y Empresa (CICE). Junta de Andalucía. Period: 2010-2013
Gene-Cell Therapy of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome through gene editing.
Consejería de Salud. Junta de Andalucía. Period: 2010-2012
HUMAN DNA VARIABILITY
and Cell Therapy
RESEARCH PROJECTS
1.- Development of safer and more efficient gene therapy strategies for the treatment of primary
immunodeficiencies: Wiskott-Aldrich Sindrome.
We have developed physiologically regulated lentiviral vectors expressing WASP, the affected gene in Wiskott-Aldrich
Syndrome. We have also developed several human cell models to study the role of WASP in cell biology and to study the
safety and efficiency of GT strategies: 1- Using Zinc Finger Nucleases technology (ZFNs), we have developed he first
human cell line WASKO to perform studies on the role of WASP on megakaryocytic development (K562WASKO) and the first human Embryonic Stem Cells WAS Ko.
Parallel project w ith potential applications outside gene therapy field. We have generated a patent on the use
of W ASP gene as a marker for early hematopoietic progenitors and the use of WASP-promoter driven lentiviral
vectors for isolation/characterization of these populations.
2.- Cell-Gene therapy strategies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
The aim of this research line is to develop a new therapeutic strategy to tackle autoimmune diseases (in particular we have been focused in Multiple sclerosis). We have been focusing in improving the delivery of therapeutic genes to
targeted tissues (inflamed CNS and lymphoid organs). We have combined the efficiency and transcriptional control of lentiviral vectors with the ability to migrate to inflammatory sites of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). In this direction we are interested on improving the migratory potential of MSC to inflamed CNS and in the development of new doxycycline-
regulated lentiviral vectors that stably and efficiently modulate gene expression in these MSCs and in its progeny.
Parallel project with potential applications outside gene therapy field. We have patented recently the first
TetR-based doxycycline-responsive ALL-IN-ONE lentiviral vector able to modulate gene expression in primary
cells without the requirement of using transactivators (rtTA or tTA). The improved generation of this Tet-ON LVs achieved transgene regulation on bulk populations of all stem cells analyzed, including human Embryonic Stem Cells. This regulation is maintained over time and after differentiating the hESCs toward different cell types.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY AREA
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
MANUEL JURAD O, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
GROUP MEMBERS
Genetic of monoclonal gammopathies: MGUS and MM.
Principal investigators:
Genomic and pharmacogenomic of acute and chronic leukemias.
Molecular basis of susceptibility to cancer-related infections: invasive fungal
Manuel Jurado Chacón, MD, PhD
Juan Sainz Pérez, PhD
Biology of mesenchimal stem cells: their use for the treatment of graft-versus-
PhD. students:
Genetic basis of immune-related disorders: rheumatoid arthritis.
Carmen Belén Lupiañez Muñoz
Genetic of solid tumors: colorectal cancer.
Luz María Canet Antequera Rafael Ríos Tamayo
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Technician:
Sainz J, Lupiañez CB, Segura-Catena J, Vazquez L, Ríos R, Oyonarte S,
Hemminki K, Försti A, Jurado M. Dectin-1 and DC-SIGN polymorphisms
Juana Segura Catena
associated with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis infection. Plos One 2012; 7:
Guest scientists:
e32784 (1-10). PMID: 22384201. Impact factor: 4.411. Quartile: Q1 (biology;
Emanuela Cosentino
journal ranking: 12 of 86)
Santiago Alvarado Jiménez
Martino A, Campa D, Jamroziak K, Reis RM, Sainz J, Buda G, García-Sanz R,
Lesueur F, Marques H, Moreno V, Jurado J, Ríos R, Szemraj-Rogucka Z, Szemraj J, Tjønneland A, Overvad K, Juul Vangsted A, Vogel U, Mikala G, Kádár K, Szombath G, Varkonyi J, Orciuolo E, Dumontet C, Gemignani F, Rossi AM, Landi S, Petrini M, Houlston RS, Hemminki K, Canzian F. Impact of polymorphic variation at 7p15.3, 3p22.1 and 2p23.3 loci on risk of multiple myeloma. British Journal of Hematology 2012 (In press). PMID: Pending. Impact factor: 4.942. Quartile: Q1 (Hematology; journal ranking: 11 of 66)
Sainz J, Lupiañez CB, Romani L, Canet LM, Segura-Catena J, Soto-Pino MJ,
RESEARCH ACTIVITY (2011-
Expósito-Ruiz M, Ferrer MA, García A, González-Utrilla A, Vallejo T, Oyonarte S,
Hemminki K, Försti A, Cáliz R. Gender-associated differences of DC-SIGN,
Dectin-2 and MCP-1 polymorphisms in the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Research and Therapy 2012 (In press). PMID: Pending. Impact factor: 4.360. Quartil: Q2 (Rheumatology; journal ranking: 8 of 29)
Cáliz R, Ferrer MA, Saenz-López P, Fernández A, Marenco JL, Raya E, Moreno
A, Sainz J, García-Sanchez A, Pérez MJ, Camacho I, González-Utrilla A, Velloso ML, Montero S, Velazquez MT, Coret V, Camacho M, Ureña I, Lopez-Nevot MA. FcgammaRII a 158 (F/V) polymorphism and response to rituximab treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology 2012 (In press). PMID:
Pending. Impact factor: 4.171. Quartile: Q2 (Rheumatology; journal ranking: 9 of 29)
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
SCIENTIFIC NETWORK
MEMBERSHIP:
Campa D, Martino A, Sainz J, Buda G, Jamroziak K, Weinhold N,
Vieira Reis RM, García-Sanz R, Jurado M, Ríos R, Szemraj-
ERA-NET Pathogenomics
Rogucka Z, Marques H, Lesuer F, Moreno V, Szemraj J, Orciuolo
Trans-European cooperation and
E, Gemignani F, Rossi AM, Dumontet C, Petrini M, Goldschmidt
coordination of genome sequencing and
H, Landi S, Canzian F. Comprehensive investigation of genetic
functional genomics of human-pathogenic
variation in the the 8q24 region and multiple myeloma risk in
the IMMEnSE (International Multiple Myeloma rESEarch)
Coordinator: Dr. Hermann Einsele
consortium. British Journal of Hematology 2012; 157: 331-338.
PMID: 22590720. Impact factor: 4.94 Quartile: Q1
(Hematology; journal ranking: 11 of 66)
EHA, SEHH and PETHEMA
Sainz J, Martino A, Buda G, Jamroziak K, Reis RM, García-Sanz
R, Jurado M, Ríos R, Szemraj-Rogucka Z, Marques H, Lesueur F,
Research networks focused on the
Moreno V, Orciuolo E, Gemignani F, Landi S, Rossi AM,
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
Dumontet C, Petrini M, Campa D, Canzian F. Genetics and
hematological malignancies.
molecular epidemiology of multiple myeloma: The rationale for the IMMEnSE consortium (Review). Int J Oncol. 2012 Mar;
40(3): 625-38. PMID: 22159523. Impact factor: 2.57. Quartile:
Spanish Network Research of Infectious
Q3 (Hematology; journal ranking: 86 of 185)
Diseases (Red Española de Investigación
Sainz J, Rudolph A, Hein R, Hoffmeister M, Frank B, Brenner H,
en Patología Infecciosa).
Chang-Claude J, Hemminki K, Försti A. Effect of type-2 diabetes
Coordinator: Jerónimo Pachón Díaz. Code:
predisposing genetic variants on colorectal cancer risk. Journal
RD 06/0008/0006.
of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2012; 97: E845-E851.
PMID: 22419714. Impact factor: 6.495. Quartile: Q1
(Endocrinology & Metabolism; journal ranking: 13 of 116)
The Research Network for Inflammation
Campa D, Sainz J, Rudolph A, Pardini B, Naccarati A, Vodickova
and Rheumatic Diseases (Red de
L, Chang-Claude J, Brenner H, Novotny J, Försti A, Buch S, von
investigación en Inflamación y
Schönfels W, Hampe J, Schafmayer C, Völzke H, Hemminki K,
Enfermedades Reumáticas). It integrates 8
Vodicka P, Barale R and Canzian F. A gene-wide investigation on
basic and 8 clinical groups with important
polymorphisms in the MDR1/ABCB1 trasporter and
leadership role internationally on the
susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Plos one. 2012; 7: e32784
identification and establishment of
(1-7). PMID: 22396794. Impact factor: 4.411. Quartile: Q1
molecular bases and operating
(biology; journal ranking: 12 of 86)
mechanisms of inflammation. The
characterization and establishment of clinical cohorts and cooperative databases (genetic groups), all of them oriented to the study of connective tissue disorders, spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, among other rheumatic disease
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
IMMENSE CONSORTIM
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
IMMEnSE consortium aims to
Principal Investigator: Juan Sainz Pérez / Manuel Jurado Chacón (Genyo -
improve the understanding of
Pfizer - University of Granada - Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics &
genetic and pharmacogenetics of
Oncological Research and Hematology department. University Hospital Virgen de las
MM. The driving idea of the
Nieves, Granada, Spain). Project title: Invasive aspergillosis: Biomarkers for
IMMEnSE consortium is to join
prevention, diagnosis and treatment response. ASPBIOMICS consortium. Funding
together the efforts of different
institution: ERA-NET Pathogenomics.
research groups with the constitution of a large bio- and
Principal Investigator: Juan Sainz Pérez (Genyo - Pfizer - University of Granada -
databank to al ow more powerful
Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics & Oncological Research and Hematology
and meaningful investigation able
department. University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain). Project
to uncover the role played by
title: Pharmacogenomics in the treatment of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in
genetic variants in MM genetics, as
cancer patients. (Proyecto de Excelencia). Funding institution: Consejería de
successfully done for other
Salud de la Junta de Andalucia, Spain.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Rafael Cáliz Cáliz (Virgen de las Nieves University
MCC Spain
Hospital, Granada). Project title: Resistance to DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis
patients: the impact of g-170-MDR on the multidrug resistance. Funding
A population-based multicase-
institution: Roche Pharma
control study which aims at analyzing the influence of
Principal Investigator: Manuel Jurado Chacón (Hematology department.
environmental factors and their
University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain). Project title: Genomics
interaction with genetic factors in
of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Funding institution: Carlos III Institute (FIS,
common tumours (colorectal
Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias), Granada, Spain.
cancer, breast cancer, gastroesophageal cancer, prostate
Principal Investigator: Dr. Manuel Jurado Chacón (Hematology department.
cancer and chronic lymphocytic
Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain). Project title: Genomics
leukaemia) or tumours with
and invasive aspergillosis infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms analysis to
peculiar epidemiological predict susceptibility to invasive aspergillosis infection in cancer patients. Funding
characteristics in Spain. At
institution: Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucia, Spain.
present, the MCC-Spain study
includes 17 CIBERSP research groups.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
RESEARCH LINES
ASPBIOMICS CONSORTIUM
1.- Genetics of monoclonal gammopathies: MGUS AND MM.
AspBIOmics aims to reach the following
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a very heterogeneous hematologic malignancy
that arises from a premalignant stage, the monoclonal gammopathy of
Development of a sensitive and
undetermined significance (MGUS) or an intermediate stage called
specific nucleic acid based detection
smoldering myeloma (SMM). Despite recent progress in the understanding
of its pathogenesis, further research is warranted, as the transformation
Development of a sensitive and
from either MGUS or SMM to MM is still not preventable and the disease is
specific antigen based detection
not curable. MM occurs as consequence of the accumulation of numerous
genetic alterations such as translocations involving immunoglobulin heavy
Discriminative role of antigens /
chain (IgH) locus (11q13, 4p16, 16q23, 21q12, and 6p21), deletions at
antibodies during IA infection
Identification of cytokines and
long arm of chromosome 13, and multiple trisomies (chromosomes 3, 5, 9,
chemokines correlated with
11, 15, 19 and 21) leading to a deregulation of many genes involved in cell
development of IA
proliferation, differentiation and migration (i.e., D-type cyclins, FGFR3 and
Responses of the innate immune
MMSET among others). Several of these alterations can appear years
cells to causes of IA infection
before to the onset of MM, suggesting that additional genetic or epigenetic
Development of methods for the
alterations must contribute to the development of the disease. In this
detection of relevant biomarkers of IA
regard, recent studies carried out by our group (and others) have shown
Molecular understanding of the
that the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can
resistance to antifungals used to
potentially influence the development of the disease as well as its
progression. Thus, the main purpose of our group is to determine the
Fitness of resistant strains in vivo
genetic polymorphisms associated with MM and its progression as well as
Development of a method to survey
to identify those SNPs that can also influence on drug disposition and
resistant strains
response. This research is conducted within the context of the IMMEnSE
Functional relevance of SNPs
associated to IA
(International Multiple Myeloma rESEarch) consortium.
Association of SNP, which are
2.- Genetics of hematological malignancies.
genetically and functionally relevant
Most of the hematological malignancies are genetically characterized by
Collection and maintenance of
recurrent aneuploidies and chromosomal translocations but these
clinical specimens from haematological patients
alterations do not account for the genetic basis of these diseases,
Collection of host, clinical and
suggesting that additional genetic alterations may also confer susceptibility
mycology data from all patients
or resistance to a disease. Thereby, we aim to explore the possibility that
according to the EORTC / MSG
SNPs could be involved in susceptibility to malignant hemopathies and/or
diagnostic criteria
adverse drug reactions.
Global development of new
diagnosti c methods for IA
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
3.- CANCER-RELATED INFECTIONS: INVASIVE PULMONARY
IMMEnSE consortium members
Scientific groups agreeing to participate to
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an opportunistic and fulminant
infection caused by inhalation of Aspergillus spp. spores. The invasive stage of the disease is characterized by hyphal invasion and destruction of
Dr. Canzian, Dr. Campa, Dr. Martino,
pulmonary tissue, which are most frequently observed in patients with pre-
Genomic Epidemiology Group,
existing infections or lung damage. Despite the use of new antifungal drugs
German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.
and the development of more sophisticated methods of diagnosis, the
Dr. Gabriele Buda, Department of
incidence of IPA continues to rise. Epidemiologic studies have
Oncology, Transplants and Advanced
demonstrated that hematological patients with similar clinical conditions
Technologies, Section of Hematology,
and extrinsic risk factors vary in their susceptibility to IPA, suggesting a
possible genetic predisposition to develop the disease. Genetic factors
University, Via Roma 67, 56100,
explain, at least in part, why some people resist infection more successful y
than others, and gene disruptions can cause fatal vulnerability to specific
Dr. Felipe de Arriba de la Fuente,
Servicio de Hematología, Hospital
pathogens. Indeed, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the
Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
promoter and coding regions of cytokine genes have been associated with
Dr. Ramón García Sanz, Servicio de
changes in cytokine production or function and may therefore influence
Hematología, Hospital de
susceptibility to infections. Identification of patients who are more
Salamanca, Univesidad de
susceptible to infection could facilitate the implementation of effective
Salamanca-Consejo Superior de
prevention strategies
.In the context of an international consortium,
Investigaciones Científicas, Salamanca, Spain.
AspBIOmics, our group is focused on the identification of genetic variants
Dr. Krzystof Jamroziack, Department
associated with IPA infection in order to design and implement risk-adapted
of Hematology, Medical University of
therapeutic strategies. On the other hand, although it is now well
Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
recognized that SNPs in genes modulating immune response are likely to
Dr. Rui Manuel Vieira Reis, Life and
be determinants of host susceptibility to fungal infections, so far little is
Health Sciences Research Institute
known regarding the biological significance of these variants. For this
(ICVS), School of Health Sciences,
reason, we also aim to determine the biological consequences of genetic
University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
Dr. Herlander Marques, Life and
variations associated with IPA infection. Besides individual genetic
Health Sciences Research Institute
susceptibility of the host, with this consortium we also propose to develop
(ICVS), School of Health Sciences,
and evaluate a battery of in vitro assays for a comprehensive multimodality
University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
analysis including the detection of Aspergillus elements (RNA,
Dr. Niels Weinhold, Medizinische
polysaccharides, proteins) and host factors including cytokine profiles.
Klinik V, Universitaetsklinikum
Existing diagnostic parameters will be included in the analysis to validate
Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
the improvement of the methods under development over the existing
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Molecular Genetic
Epidemiology Group, German Cancer
ones. For a more detailed information regarding AspBIOmics consortium,
Research Center, Heidelberg,
visit our websit
Dr. Enrico Orciuolo, Department of
Oncology, Transplants and Advanced Technologies, Section of Hematology, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
4.- Biology of mesenchimal stem cells: their use for the treatment of
IMMEnSE consortium members
gr aft-versus-host-disease
Dr. Federica Gemignani, Department
Allogeneic hematopoietic ste
m cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially
of Biology, Section of Genetics,
curative therapy for patients diagnosed with hematolgical malignancies. This
University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
therapeutic approach has been associated with high toxicity levels caused by
Dr. Stefano Landi, Department of
Biology, Section of Genetics,
the development of either acute or chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD),
University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
which considerably increase morbidity and mortality rates. Within recent
Dr. Hartmut Goldschmidt,
years, the incidence of GVHD has increased significantly among al o-
Medizinische Klinik V,
transplanted patients and, although its pathogenesis, clinical presentation,
Universitaetsklinikum Heidelberg,
long-term complications (malignancies, growth disorders and nutrition) and
Heidelberg, Germany
histology have been extensively studied, so far no optimal therapy has been
Dr. Mario Petrini, Department of
Oncology, Transplants and Advanced
Due to their immunomodulatory properties, MSCs are considered to
Technologies, Section of Hematology,
be an attractive tool for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. MSCs reduce
University, Pisa, Italy
lymphocyte proliferation by interventions that specifically inhibit cell division
Dr. Charles Dumontet,INSERM
and, at least in vitro, alloantigen-mediated cytotoxic T lymphocytes activation.
U590, Laboratoire de Cytologie
Recently it has also been suggested that infused mesenchymal stem cells
Analytique, Faculte de Medecine
(MSCs) might be an optional strategy for the treatmetn of GVHD as they are a
Rockefeller, Universite Claude
component of the marrow microenvironment that, along with other cellular
Bernard Lyon I, Lyon, France.
DR. Anna María Rossi, Department of
elements such as macrophages, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and osteoprogenitor
Biology, Section of Genetics,
and endothelial cells, contribute to the support of hematopoiesis and bone
University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
homeostasis. Nonetheless, there are still many issues to be clarified to
optimize their therapeutic use (number of infusions, dose of administred cells,
IMMEnSE POPULATION
possible synergism with other therapies, their role in the process of relapse or
in the occurrence of lethal infections). Based on these facts, our main
1673 multiple myleoma cases
objective is to analyze the safety and feasibility of human MSCs infusion for
2964 healthy controls
the treatment of chronic GVHD and to optimize and standardize processes to
AspBIOmics consortium members
obtain and produce these cells as well as to evaluate the effect of MSCs infusion on T cell populations and cytokine production in patients treated with
Scientific groups agreeing to participate to
this novel therapy.
5.- Genetics of solid tumors
Prof. Dr. Hermann Einsele
Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II,
In the context of both national and international research collaborations, our
University of Würzburg, Germany
group is trying to assess whether genetic factors either alone or by interaction
Dr. Juergen Löeffler Medizinische
with environmental factors may play a role in determining the most common
Klinik und Poliklinik II, University of Würzburg, Germany
kind of cancers (colorectal, breast and prostate cancer). To this end, our
Prof. Dr. Axel A. Brakhage Molecular
group is recruiting cases of different cancers and healthy controls to carry out
and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz
both candidate gene and genome-wide association (GWA) studies to reliably
Institute for Natural Product
identify genes associated with cancer.
Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöl -Institue (HKI) and
Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
6.- Genetic basis of autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis.
AspBIOmics consortium members
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic
inflammatory activity in the synovial joints often leading to progressive cartilage
Professor Jean Paul Latgé Institute
and bone destruction. RA is three times more frequent in women than men and
Pasteur, Paris, France
emerging data suggest that women are more likely to present a worse course of
Dr. Cornelia Lass-Flörl
Univ.Prof.Dr.med, Division of
the disease and to become severely disabled. Although different hypotheses
Hygiene and Medical Microbiology,
concerning sex-related differences in RA incidence and severity have been
Medical University, Innsbruck
generated, the hypothesis suggesting a sexual dimorphism in the intensity of
Dr. Agostinho Carvalho. Department
immune responses remains as one of the most probable mechanisms in
of Experimental Medicine and
promoting and establishing a different synovial membrane inflammation and,
Biochemical Sciences, University of
subsequently, different levels of cartilage and bone erosion. Women have higher
Perugia, Perugia, Italy
immunoglobulin levels than men, they show stronger Th1-type cell-mediated
Dr. Alain Troesch. Global Executive
Director – R&D Molecular Biology
immune responses and they have higher absolute numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes
bioMérieux, Centre Christophe
and a more proactive cytokine profile, which likely contribute to their increased
Mérieux, Grenoble, France
autoimmune responses. Experimental studies in rodents have also shown
Dr. Javier Yugueros. R&D Molecular
different immune responses between female and male animals and an equivalent
Biology bioMérieux, Centre
sexual dimorphism in the incidence of RA. The underlying reasons for this gender
Christophe Mérieux, Grenoble,
bias are still unknown, but studies in monozygotic twins have suggested that
genetic factors may, at least in part, account for sex-related differences in the immune responses and, consequently, in the susceptibility to autoimmune
AspBIOmics consortium
diseases. Genetic factors implicated in RA have been widely studied using both
candidate genes and whole-genome screens but, so far, only a few studies have
Dr. Asta Försti. Molecular Genetic
investigated the link between SNPs and the gender-associated differences in
Epidemiology, German Cancer
susceptibility to RA. Considering these facts, our research group is focused on the
Research Center, Heidelberg,
identification of genetic variants (tagging and potentially functional SNPs) within
immune-related genes associated with the risk to develop RA. In addition, our
Dr. Kari Hemminki. Molecular
group is studying whether gender and environmental factors interact to determine
Genetic Epidemiology, German
the risk of the disease.
Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg,
Dr. Lourdes Vazquez. Clinic Hospital
of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain)
Dr. Carlos Solano. General Hospital
Dr. Marisa Calabuig, Catalán Institute
of Oncology (ICO, Barcelona, Spain)
AspBIOmics POPULATION
1762 Acute leukemia and HSCT patients
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Paul M. Lizardi, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
TEAM LEADER
DNA methylation biomarkers for cancer risk in head and neck cancer
and cervical cancer
Professor, Department of
Pathology. Yale University
DNA methylation biomarkers for cancer risk in colon cancer
Luminescent biosensors reporting loss of silencing of Line-1
retroelements in living cells
Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation using third-generation,
single-molecule sequencing platforms
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Lizardi PM. Next-generation sequencing-by-hybridization. Nature
RESEARCH ACTIVITY (Last
Biotechnol. (2008) 26:649-650
five years)
Brandsma JL, Sun Y, Lizardi PM, Tuck DP, Zelterman D, Haines GK
3rd, Martel M, Harigopal M, Schofield K, Neapolitano M. Distinct
human papillomavirus type 16 methylomes in cervical cells at different
stages of premalignancy. Virology. 389:100-7, 2009;
Szpakowski S, Sun X, Lage JM, Dyer A, Rubinstein J, Kowalski D,
Sasaki C, Costa J, Lizardi PM. Loss of epigenetic silencing in tumors
preferentially affects primate-specific retroelements. Gene. 448:151-67, 2009
Lizardi, PM. As we bring demethylating drugs to the clinic, we better
know the DICE being cast. Comment. Oncogene. 2010 Oct 28;29(43):5772-4
Huang X, Narayanaswamy R, Fenn K, Szpakowski S, Sasaki C, Costa J,
Blancafort P, Lizardi PM. Sequence-Specific Biosensors Report Drug-Induced Changes in Epigenetic Silencing in Living Cells. DNA Cell Biol. 2012 Feb 7
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
PATENT APPLICATIONS (last
Probes for Detection of DNA. NIH. 2008-2011
five years)
Global DNA methylation profiles of head and neck cancers. NIH. 2005-
HPV DNA methylation patterns
of diagnostic or prognostic
Genetic Analysis of Amplified Genomic DNA Archives. NIH. 2003-2007
significance in cervical cancer
PROJECT PROPOSAL
screening
1.- Biomarkers for risk of colorectal cancer based on DNA
Application number:
methylation analysis of white cells from peripheral blood in
P201030217 Priority date: 16/02/2010
individuals with heritable genetic susceptibility
Foreign applications: NO
This project aims to generate biomarkers for blood-based cancer risk tests.
Long Hepitype distribution
2.- Luminescent biosensors reporting changes in the epigenetic
(LHD) longue distribution
d'épitypes
status of chromatin in living cells.
This project is designed to eventually enable automated luciferase-based
Application number: 61/332,376
screens for unwanted or nonspecific effects of epigenetics-modulatory drugs
Priority date: 07/05/2010
3.- Analysis of allele-specific gene expression states in
Foreign applications: PCT/US2011/035803
heterogeneous cell populations using third-generation DNA
sequencing and DNA methylation information.
Rolling circle replication
reporter systems
This projects aims to generate new bioinformatics tools for advanced
epigenetic analysis, at the whole genome level, of blood, solid tissues, or
Application number:
engineered tissues.
7,618,776 Priority date: 17/11/2009
Foreign applications: NO
More information about these projects can be provided under
confidentiality basis
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
José A. Lorente, M.D., Ph.D.
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
TEAM LEADER
Unravel the molecular mechanisms leading chemoresistance in breast cancer.
Full Professor – Faculty of
Medicine. Univ. of Granada
Development of in vitro 3D models for breast cancer molecular subtypes using
Chairman of the IFSA–
primary breast cancer cells.
International Forensic Strategic Alliance
Biology and clinical relevance of micrometastasis in solid tumors.
Chairman of the
Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition in breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and
prostate cancer.
Professor of International
Novel Technologies for CTCs isolation, detection and phenotypical characterization.
Training Division of the FBI
Novel Technologies for the molecular characterization of CTCs
Advisory Criminet and RECPC
Implication of cellular dormancy in metastatic process.
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
Implication of CTCs in clinical drugs development.
Role of systemic and tumor oxidative stress in chemotherapy effectiveness and
Human Samples: Breast cancer
breast cancer patient's outcome.
tissue. Tumor biopsies of solid tumor, peripheral blood from breast
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer patients.
Vera-Ramirez L, Ramirez-Tortosa MC, Lopez-Perez P, Granados-Principal S, Battino
Available cell lines: primary
M, Quiles JL. Long-term effects of systemic cancer treatment on DNA oxidative
breast cancer cell lines for cancer
damage: the potential for targeted therapies. Cancer Lett 2012. In press.
drug screening. Tumor Cells line isolated of the
Vera-Ramirez L, Sanchez-Rovira P, Ramirez-Tortosa MC, Ramirez-Tortosa CL,
peripheral blood from small cell
Granados-Principal S, Lorente JL, Quiles JL. Oxidative stress status in metastatic
breast cancer patients receiving palliative chemotherapy and its impact on survival rates. Free Radical Res. 2012;46 (1):2-10
Vera-Ramirez L,
RESUME OF GROUP ACTIVITY
chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress improve the survival rates of breast cancer
(Last 5 years)
Vera-Ramirez L, Sanchez-Rovira P, Ramirez-Tortosa CL, Quiles JL, Ramirez-Tortosa
MC, Alvarez JC, Fernandez-Navarro M, Lorente JA. Gene-expression profiles, tumor microenvironment, and cancer stem cells in breast cancer: Latest advances towards
an integrated approach. Cancer Treat Rev. 2010; 36(6):477-84.
R Rosel , MA Molina, MJ Serrano. EGFR mutations in circulating cell-free DNA.
Lancet Oncology. 2012 (in Press).
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
R Nadal, A Fernandez, P Sanchez-Rovira, M Salido, M Rodríguez, JL García-Puche, M
Macià, JM Corominas, Ml Delgado-Rodriguez, L Gonzalez, J Albanell, M Fernández, F Solé, JA Lorente, MJ Serrano. Biomarkers Characterization of Circulating Tumour Cells in Breast Cancer Patients. Breast Cancer Research 2012, 14:R71.
PATENT APPLICATIONS
R. Nadal, A. Fernández M.Salido, J.A. Lorente, M. Rodríguez-Rivera, M. Delgado-
(last 5 years)
Rodríguez, M. Macià, FG Ortega J.M. Corominas,JL García Puche, P. Sánchez-Rovira,
F. Solé, María José Serrano. CD133 expression in circulating tumor cells from breast
cancer patients: Potential role in breast cancer subtypes and resistance to
isolation of circulating
chemotherapy.Int J Cancer. 2012 (in press).
tumor cells
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Application number: P201130821
Project: "Gene expression profile in response to chemotherapy and its relationship
Priority date: 20/05/2011
with oxidative stress in breast cancer". Health Regional Ministry of Economy,
Foreign applications: No
Innovation and Science of Andalusia, Spain. 2010-2013.
Project: "Cell and microenvironment interactions: functional assays to develop novel
biological therapies against chemoresistant breast tumors". Health Research
Fund. Ministry of Health, Spain. 2012-2015.
Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in patients with
advanced colorectal cancer. Roche Pharma. 2011-2013
Isolation and Genomic analysis of Circulating tumor cells in non-small lung cancer
patients. Pangaea Biotech. Period: 2012-
Erlotinib program in NSCL cancer progression after a double platinum (and future
maintenance monodrug): sequential determination CTCS and its correlation with
response to treatment and Overall Survival. Roche Pharma. 2012-2013
AGTR1 as new predictive factor in ovarian cancer patients (2012-2013)
PROJECT PROPOSAL
1.- Breast cancer chemoresistance is driven by tumor-microenvironment
interactions
Today, it is well known that the interactions between the stromal and epithelial compartments are key determinants of oncogenesis and disease progression. This conclusion has profound implications for cancer treatment and prognosis, since tumor microenvironment cells and associated molecules are now considered as potential therapeutic targets.
In accordance with these novel concepts, our group has identified a subset of genes which is significantly and overexpressed after chemotherapy in breast showing different histopathological responses to chemotherapy. Interestingly these genes are functional y related with extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and developmental processes. Further functional validation using in vitro and in vivo models will confirm their therapeutic potential against chemoresistant and bad prognosis breast cancer.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
2.- Generation of primary breast cancer cell lines to construct a 3D in vitro model.
Tumor-microenvironment interactions cannot be studied in a conventional 2D in vitro system, given that such interactions are dependent on spatial orientation of cells and extracellular materials, cell morphology, etc. 3D co-cultures of primary breast cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts offer a more realistic in vitro model.
We are currently developing a 3D sub-model for each defined breast cancer molecular subtypes, from patients who registered good and bad histological responses to chemotherapy. The objective is to obtain an useful tool to perform functional validation assays of previous genomic data regarding chemoresistance.
3.- Impact of oxidative stress on breast cancer treatment. A variable significantly affecting patient's survival
rates.
Antineoplastic agents induce oxidative stress, leading to lipid, carbohydrate, protein and DNA damage and affecting cel structure and function. These adverse effects may fuel up the acquisition of new mutations and the development of treatment resistances and secondary malignancies.
Despite the evident potential role of free radicals in cancer treatment failure and progression, studies exploring these interactions are extremely scarce. To gain further insights in this uncovered research topic, we analyzed the level of systemic oxidative damage and antioxidant markers in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. We have shown that those patients showing increased plasma antioxidant total capacity and increased systemic DNA repair activity after chemotherapy also registered better survival rates.
4.- Genetic characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the primary tumor in breast cancer patients
and colon cancer: identification of new prognostic markers.
The identification of new prognostic factors that allow us to discriminate and stratify patients for individualized treatment is one of the most important avenues of research in this field. Among these new markers, the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is considered indicative of hematogenous spread factor with considerable potential prognostic significance in metastasis formation. Recent studies show that these cells may have stem cell characteristics, which seem to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of cancer as well as the ability to be resistant to chemotherapy treatments. The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic value of the presence of these cells in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients and colon cancer patients, genetic and phenotypic characterization, in addition to the primary tumor arising.
5. Molecular mechanisms of cell dormancy in breast cancer.
Clinical cancer dormancy is defined as an unusually long time between removal of the primary tumor and subsequent relapse in a patient who has been clinically disease-free Due to its small size and non-invasive nature, these dormant tumors are asymptomatic and, in many cases without being detected Elucidate the mechanisms regulating these processes will be instrumental in identifying new biomarkers of early cancer and may serve as a basis for the development of therapies based on tumor biology of this process.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
6. Markers of response to treatment in lung cancer
The standard treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has undergone a dramatic change with the introduction of genetic data of expression of molecules involved in carcinogenesis. So now, cancer patients with advanced non-small cell lung, that overexpress EGFR mutation of T790, should be treated with inhibitors as TIK Genfitinib or Erlotinib, rather than the standard QT schemes. This has opened a new avenue for treating this serious disease and poor survival prognosis, advanced stages. However, despite the benefits of the treatments described there are a certain percentage of patients still present these mutations not respond to treatment with inhibitors of tyrosine kinase
7. Molecular characterization of CTCs in small cell lung cancer:
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) makes up about 15 percent of all lung cancers Chemotherapy is of clear benefit in patients with small cell lung cancer. Without chemotherapy, the average survival is measured in weeks. Despite these favorable results, small cell lung cancer tends to recur or relapse within one to two years in the majority of patients, particularly those with extensive stage disease. We know that the CTCs may be useful biomarkers in the diagnosis and therapy lung cancer patients. The Molecular characterization of these CTCs in small cell lung cancer is necessary to understand the resistance mechanisms and dissemination that involved. The use and growth of Lung Cancer Cell Lines could be good tools to study these process trough molecular analyses.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Miguel Martin Hernandez, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Rational targeting of cancer
metabolism as a therapeutic strategy
Human Samples: solid tumors,
Impact of aging, chronic or therapeutically-induced oxidative stress, and
leukemia, MDS, PMF, hMSCs,
genetic alterations on the hematopoietic niche and its role in MDS and
hESCs and hIPSC.
Available cell lines: cancer cell
Role of the mitochondria in normal hematopoiesis and leukemia.
lines carrying extreme metabolic phenotypes, hMSCs, hESCs, hiPSC.
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Animal models:
Roldan, M., Menendez, P., Soria, B., Martin, M. Mitochondrial DNA
Oncogenic and antitumoral potential
depletion in human embryonic stem cells resembles an extreme
screenings by xenotransplants of
metabolic phenotype of cancer cells. Submitted
human cells in NOD/SCI mouse models
Ramos-Mejia, V., Bueno, C., Roldan, M., Sanchez, L. Ligero, G., Mendenz,
P., Martin, M. The adaptation of human embryonic stem cells to
different culture environments is accompanied by a mitochondrial
response. Stem Cells and Development 2012; 21: 1145-1155 (IF:
4.98, Q1)
Sanchez, L.1, Gutierrez-Aranda, I.1, Ligero, G.1, Martin, M., Lucena-
Aguilar, G., Ayllon, V., Real, P.J., Ramos-Mejia, V., Bueno, C., Menendez, P. Maintenance of hESCs in media conditioned by human mesenchymal
RESEARCH ACTIVITY (last five
stem cells obviates the requirement of exogenous bFGF supplementation.
Tissue Eng. Part C 2012; 18: 387-396 (IF: 4.6, Q1)
Martin, M., Menendez, P. Biological impact of human embryonic stem
cells. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 2012; 741: 217-230 (IF: 1.38)
Roldan, M., Macias, M., Garcia, R., Tinahones, F.J., Martin, M. Obesity
shortcircuits stemness gene network in human adipose multipotent stem
cells. FASEB J. 2011; 25: 4111-4126 (IF: 6.5, Q1)
Martin, M., Cho, J., Cesare, A.J., Griffith, J.D., Attardi, G. Termination
factor-mediated DNA loop between termination and initiation sites drives
mitochondrial rRNA synthesis. Cell 2005; 123: 1227-1240 (IF: 32.4, Q1)
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Mitochondrial genetics and function in human stem cell biology:
PATENT APPLICATIONS (the
development of novel protocols for cell differentiation with greater
last five years)
potential for future therapies
Andalusian Ministry of Health. Period:
Mesenteric stroma-derived
human multipotent stem cells
Alterations in stem and progenitor cell populations in patients with
Application number:
metabolic disorders. Andalusian Ministry of Health. Period: 2008-2010
P200991700000782
Priority date: 03/04/2009
Mitochondrial role in cell proliferation and differentiation during
Foreign applications: NO
embryogenesis by human embryonic stem cell models. Spanish
Ministry of Science. Period: 2007-2008.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
1.- Metabolic Reprogramming as Cancer Targeting Therapies
Our research aims at understanding how nutrient metabolism contributes to
Cancer cell models with
cancer development. Towards this goal, we are employing a
extreme metabolic phenotypes
multidisciplinary approach that includes metabolomics, biochemistry,
for high throughput drug
nanotechnology and mouse models, to elucidate molecular mechanisms
that distinguish the metabolism of tumors from that of normal tissues. Our work is strongly oriented to define principles for rational targeting of cancer
In vitro and in vivo models for
metabolism as a therapeutic strategy. In particular, we have already an
testing and validation of novel
optimized cellular platform for deep drug screening approaches to identify
antitumoral compounds
compounds which selectively kill cancer cell by blocking their metabolic
Metabolomic approaches in
features. Four compounds have been already discovered with selective
cell culture and tumor biopsies
antitumor activity, and we are now studying their mechanism of action.
Metabolic nanosensors for
2.- Targeting the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche in MDS and PMF
clinical-bioimaging, sorting,
Recent evidences strikingly support that alterations on the hematopoietic
and tumor analysis
niche are involved in the development of myelodisplastic syndrome (MDS)
and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The combination of risk factors such as aging, chronic or therapeutically-induced oxidative stress, and genetic
alterations disturbing microenvironment homeostasis may induce a profound deregulation of the niche of utmost importance for disease
development. We aim to decipher how aging, oxidative stress caused by
factors such as iron overload, and metabolic alterations induced by genetic deregulation impact on the hematopoietic stem cell niche in MDS and PMF patients. To do this, we are currently recruiting and processing bone marrow (BM) biopsies from patients with MDS and PMF, in collaboration with our clinical partner Dr. Regina Garcia Delgado, from the Onco-hematology Service, University Hospital V. de la Victoria, Malaga.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Pedro Medi na, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
TEAM LEADER
MicroARNs and cancer.
Member of the RNAREG
SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and their implication in cancer.
consortium (Consolider Ingenio
del Ministerio de Ciencia e
Chromatin remodeling and Epigenetics.
Mouse models of cancer.
Member of the Royal Academy
of Medicine of Galicia. 2012.
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
Member of the Royal Academy
of Medicine of Catalonia. 2012.
Medina PP, Nolde M and Slack FJ. OncomiR addiction in an in vivo
model of microRNA-induced pre-B cel lymphoma. Nature. 2010 8th Aug.
Member of the Royal Academy
of Medicine of Valencia. 2012.
Associate member of the The
Medina PP (*), Trang P (*) , Wiggins JF, Ruffino L, Kelnar K, Omotola M,
New York Academy of Sciences,
Homer R, Brown D, Bader AG, Weidhaas JB and Slack FJ Regression of
ID: 11044979, 2008.
murine lung tumors by the let-7 microRNA. Oncogene 2009 Dec 7. (*)
Associate member of the USA
Joint First author, PMID: 19966857
National Postdoctoral Association, ID: 202080915,
Medina PP, Castil o SD, Blanco S, Sanz-Garcia M, Largo C, Alvarez S,
Yokota J, Clevers HC, Cigudosa JC, Lazo PA, Sanchez-Cespedes M. The SRY-HMG box gene, SOX4, is a target of gene amplification at chromosome 6p in lung cancer. Human Molecular Genetics 2009 Apr 1;18(7):1343-52. PMID: 19153074.
Medina PP, Slack FJ. Blocking miRNAs in vivo. Nature Methods.
December. 2008. PMID: 19116612.
Medina PP, Slack FJ. miRNAs and Cancer, an overview. Cell Cycle.
http://www.ugr.es/ pedromedina
2008 Aug. PMID: 18719380.
Medina PP, Sanchez-Cespedes M. (2008) Involvement of the chromatin-
remodel ing factor BRG1/SMARCA4 in human cancer. Epigenetics 2008, April 2008. PMID: 18437052.
Medina PP, Romero O, Kohno T, Montuenga LM, Pio R, Yokota J. and
Sanchez-Cespedes M. (2007) Frequent Brg1/Smarca4-Inactivating Mutations In Human Lung Cancer. Human Mutation 2008 Apr 3;29(5):617-622. PMID: 18386774.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Involvement of microRNAs in Lung Cancer. Entity: Hope Funds for
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL ACCESS
Cancer Research. HFCR080201. Length: 2008-2011. PI: Pedro,
Human Samples: lung
Medina & Frank Slack. Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Treating lymphoma by targeting microRNAs. Entity: Pardee Foundation.
Available cell lines: lung cancer
Length: 2011-2012. PI: Frank Slack. Yale University, New Haven, CT,
Animal models:
SWI/SNF microRNAs and cancer (ref 334-11-223). ENTITY: Karolinska
Transgenic, gene targeted mouse,
Institute 750,000 Swedish Krhone (SEK). Length 2011-2016. PI: Pedro
Immunodeficient mouse (SCID, nudes).
Medina. (Gratefully declined).
SMARCA4 inactivation in the tumor Development (CEI B20F12/6).
Campus of International Excel ence of BioHealth; Information Communications Technology (CEI-BioTic). PI: Pedro Medina •
International Leukemia Foundation Josep Carreras (FIJC 2011 F
11/01). PI: Pedro Medina.
Gene Expression Regulation and Cancer. Marie Curie Integration Grant:
FP7-PEOPLE-2012 Proposal 321926. 7th Framework Programme for
Research. EUROPEAN COMMISSION. Between the top awardees
from Europe with 95.7/100 points..
Programa Nacional de Proyectos de Investigación Fundamental no
Orientada (SWI/SNF, microARNs and cancer) SAF2012-37252 (in
RESEARCH LINE
1.- GENE EXPRESSION REGULATION increases the functional
versatility and adaptability of the cell by allowing it to express certain
proteins when needed. It is, therefore, one of the most important and complex processes of biology. Changes in the gene expression patterns are
key in cancer cell transformation, through an increase in expression of
genes that promote carcinogenesis (oncogenes) and/or a decrease in expression of genes that prevent it (tumour suppressor genes). MicroRNAs
(miRNAs) and chromatin-structure both play important roles in this process and have been found to be critical in the development of human
pathologies. Both of these regulatory elements, especially in the context of
CANCER, have been the focus of my interest during my career.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
The SWI/SNF complex is an ATP-dependent chromatin-remodelling complex that is known to regulate EPIGENETICALLY
the gene expression (Kwon, Imbalzano et al. 1994). Increasing evidence demonstrates that some components of the SWI/SNF complex ar e tumour suppressors and are involved in human cancer development. One subunit of this complex, SNF5, is
inactivated in malignant rhabdoid tumours (MRTs) and heterozygous Snf5 knockout mice develop tumours that are histological ly similar to human MRTs (Roberts, Galusha et al. 2000; Roberts, Leroux et al. 2002). BRG1 (Medina and Sanchez-Cespedes 2008), the helicase/ATPase catalytic subunits of the SWI/SNF complex, is mutated in many different cancer cel lines (Wong, Shanahan et al. 2000; Medina, Romero et al. 2008). Additional y, germline BRG1 mutations linked to a Rhabdoid Tumour Predisposition Syndrome was reported in a family, strongly suggesting that is a bona fide tumour suppressor gene (Schneppenheim, Fruhwald et al.). Recently, it has been discovered that two other subunits of the chromatin-remodelling complex, BAF250 (ARID1A) and BAF180 (PBRM1) (Jones, Wang et al. ; Wiegand, Shah et al. ; Varela, Tarpey et al. 2011; Wilson and Roberts 2011), are frequently mutated in ovarian clear cell carcinoma and renal carcinoma, respectively. All these observations support an important role of the SWI/SNF complex in cancer, however its specific function is still unclear.
2.- MiRNAs are a recently discovered class of small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional
level. Due to their small size and unusual nature, miRNAs were not discovered in humans until 2000. Today, over one
thousand miRNAs have been identified in the human genome. Aberrant biogenesis and/or expression of miRNAs have been
linked to human diseases including cancer (Medina and Slack 2008). During my training as a postdoc in this field I have
helped to reveal the critical role played by specific miRNAs in cancer. While most previous studies in the field used cell lines or
in vitro systems, we pioneered the functional study of the role of miRNAs using in vivo transgenic mouse models. We
demonstrated the therapeutic utility of let-7 microARN ectopic expression in vivo (Medina, Trang et al. 2010), and the
important of a single microARNs (miR-21) to the drive of tumor development (Medina, Nolde et al. 2010). In my recently
created group at the GenyO Center we will continue unveiling the role of the microRNAs in cancer with the hope to find novel
and useful cancer therapies.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Pablo Menéndez Buján, PhD, MBA
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
Development of human-based models for acute leukemias using neonatal
TEAM LEADER
or embryonic hematopoietic stem cells as well as patient-specific iPSCs.
Development of human sarcoma models based on the use of human
Member of The Spanish Stem
mesenchymal stem cel s.
Cell Bank Steering Committee
Generation of hematopoietic, mesenchymal and endothelial cells from
hESCs and hIPSCs
Vocal of the Spanish
Role of the mitochondria in normal hematopoiesis and leukemia.
Association of Gene and Cell
Coenzyme Q deficiency: understanding the genotype-phenotype
association and metabolic dysfunction using patient-specific iPSC.
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
R. Rubio, I. Gutierrez, A. Saez, A. Labarga, P. Menendez*, R. Rodriguez.
"The differentiation stage of p53 and Rb-deficient Mesenchymal Stem
lymphoma, umbilical cord, MSCs,
Cells imposes the phenotype of in vivo sarcoma development".
hESCs and hIPSC.
Oncogene 2012 (in press). I.F: 7.8
Available cell lines: hESCs,
MC. Chil ón, M. Gómez-Casares, C. López-Jorge, C. Rodriguez-Medina, A.
hiPSC and proprietary transformed
Molines, ME. Sarasquete, M. Alcoceba, C. Bueno, R. Montes, F. Ramos,
MSC lines for cancer drug
JN. Rodríguez, P. Giraldo, M. Ramírez, R. García-Delgado, JL. Fuster, M.
González-Díaz and P. Menéndez*. Prognostic significance of FLT3
mutational status and expression levels in MLL-AF4 and MLL-germline
Animal models:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Leukemia (in press). I.F: 9.5
Sarcoma, leukemia and reconstitution hematopoietic
R. Rodriguez, R. Rubio, I. Gutierrez-Aranda, G. Melen, J. García-Castro &
P. Menéndez*. "Expression of the FUS-CHOP fusion protein coupled to
p53 deficiency induces liposarcoma in fat-derived murine but not human
Mesenchymal Stem Cells" Stem Cells 2011; 29: 179-192. I.F: 7.8
L. Sánchez, I. Gutierrez-Aranda, G. Ligero, R. Rubio, V. Ramos-Mejía, P.
RESEACH ACTIVITY (Last five
Real, C. Bueno, M. Delgado, R. Rodríguez & P Menéndez*. "Enrichment
of hESC-derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells with
immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties capable to protect
against experimental inflammatory bowel disease" Stem Cells
2011;29:251-262.I.F: 7.8.
R. Montes, V. Ayl ón, I. Gutiérrez, I. Prat, M.C. Hernández-Lamas, L.
Ponce, G. te Kronnie, M. Greaves, C. Bueno*, P. Menéndez*. "Enforced
expression of MLL-AF4 fusion in cord blood CD34+ cells enhances the hematopoietic repopulating cell function and progenitor potential but is
not sufficient for leukomogenesis". Blood 2011;117:4746-4758. I.F:
P. Menendez*, P. Catalina, R. Rodriguez, G. Melen, C. Bueno, M. Arriero, F.
García-Sánchez, A. Lassaleta, R. García-Sanz, J. García-Castro*. "Bone Marrow
Mesenchymal Stem Cel s from infant MLL-AF4+ leukemia harbour and express
the MLL-AF4 fusion gene". J. Exp. Med. 2009; 206: 3131-3141. I.F: 14.776
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
PATENT APPLICATIONS (Last
five years)
Coenzyme Q10 deficiency syndrome: understanding the genotype-
phenotype association and metabolic dysfunction through generation of
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from patient-specific uncorrected
transformed Mesenchymal
and genetically-corrected cells. ERA-NET E-Rare-2 Call 2012 / EU
Stem Cells and animal model
for drug screening.
Genomic analysis of mesenchymal stem cells to develop high
Application number:
throughput diagnostics for measuring the medicinal ingredient and
tumourigenic contaminants in stem cell-based health products. Health
Priority date: 28/06/2012
Canada. Period: 2012-2014
Foreign applications: Pending
Infant MLL-AF4+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: towards the
Procedure for the
elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying MLL-
procurement of Mesenchymal
AF4 transformation in human stem cells. Spanish Association
Stem Cells for biomedical use.
Against Cancer. Period: 2012-2014.
Application number: P201030645
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Priority date: 30/04/2010 Foreign applications:
1.- Stem cell-based disease models for pro-B Acute Lymphoblastic
PCT/ES2011/070303
Leukemia with MLL-AF4 rearrangement
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-
Infant pro-B acute ALL harbouring the fusion oncogene MLL-AF4 is
conditioned media for the
associated with very brief latency and dismal prognosis. Studies on identical
differentiation of human
twins and retrospective screening of MLL-AF4 in neonatal blood spots have
pluripotent Stem Cells.
revealed an in utero origin of MLL-AF4. However, Guthie cards do not allow an accurate quantification of the number and the phenotype of the MLL-
Application number:
AF4+ cells. This is important to understand MLL-AF4 B-lineage-specific
affiliation and the relationship between MLL-AF4 frequency and MLL-AF4-
Priority date: 08/04/2010
expressing cell phenotype with disease latency.
Foreign applications: PCT/ES2011/070236
The absence of bona fide disease models reflects our poor understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis and cell-of-origin of this leukemia. Because of the
mixed phenotype, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells are likely targets for
transformed Mesenchymal
transformation. To date, there is no a MLL-AF4 human-based disease
Stem Cells for drug screening
model which faithfully reproduces the disease phenotype and latency.
and toxicology
Human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs) constitute a powerful tool for modelling different aspects of human disease that cannot otherwise
Application number:
be addressed by patient sample analyses. Differentiation of hESC/iPSC is a
promising human-specific strategy to study the onset/emergence of
Priority date: 16/02/2010
hematopoiesis. iPSC technology should allow modeling pre-symptomatic
Foreign applications: NO
abnormalities in patient-derived cells yielding valuable insights into disease mechanisms. Noticeably, MLL-AF4+ ALL manifests in utero, has a cel -
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
OBJETIVES:
a) Recreate the MLL-AF4 rearrangement in hESCs using Zinc Finger
PATENT APPLICATIONS (the
Nucleases-driven targeted genetic editing. MLL-AF4-carrying hESCs
last five years)
will be explored to study the developmental impact of MLL-AF4 in
Multipotent Stem Cell isolated
b) Generate iPSCs from MLL-AF4 blasts and CB units from newborns
from a human, genetically-
who developed pro-B ALL to study the developmental impact and
modified and procedure
transformation capacity of MLL-AF4.
c) Quantify and determine the phenotype of the MLL-AF4+ cells in
cryopreserved CB units from newborns who developed pro-B ALL.
Application number:
2.-Clinical relevance of FLT3 activating mutations and FLT3
Priority date: 07/07/2009
transcriptional over-expression in infant Pro-B Acute
Foreign applications: NO
Lymphoblastic Leukemia harbouring MLL-AF4 rearrangement
Use of Mesenchymal Stem
Infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by a pro-B
Cells in the preparation of a
phenotype (CD10-), a very short latency (<12 months) and a dismal
cellular composition for cell
prognosis (5-year event-free survival <20%). The t(4;11) encoding the MLL-
therapies.
AF4 fusion oncogene is the genetic hallmark of this infant pro-B ALL.
Different mouse and human models have revealed that MLL-AF4 itself is not
Application number:
sufficient for transformation suggesting the need of secondary cooperating
oncogenic events. Gene expression studies based on clinical samples have
Priority date: 02/04/2009
identified the tyrosin kinase receptor FLT3 to be over-expressed in MLL-
Foreign applications: NO
rearranged ALL, indicating that FLT3 gene may contribute to the
Stem cell-specific promoter
pathogenesis of this dismal ALL. However, there is clinical controversy between international groups on whether this FLT3 over-expression is due
Application number:
to (i) activating mutations in the FLT3 kinase domain (i.e. ITD, D835Y and
I836del) or (ii) simply due to the transcriptional activation of FLT3 in the
Priority date: 04/04/2008
absence of such mutations.
Foreign applications:
PCT/ES2009/070091
The FLT3 mutational status have been widely studied in acute myeloid
leukemia but it has not been yet addressed in cohorts of either pro-B ALL
Procedure for the isolation of
MLL-AF4+ or other B-ALL subgroups such as TEL-AML1+, BCR-ABL+, E2A-
the inner cell mass from
PBX1+ and hyperdiploid ALLs.
mammalian blastocyst
In consequence, the clinical relevance of FLT3 expression and FLT3
Application number:
activating mutations in the prognosis and evolution of these patients
remains unknown. Here, we propose to enrol B-ALL pediatric patients
Priority date: 01/06/2007
(MLL-AF4+; TEL-AML1+; BCR-ABL+; E2A-PBX1+ and hyperdiploid) for
Foreign applications:
analysis of the mutational status and expression level of FLT3 that will be
PCT/ES2008/000377
correlated (Kaplan-Meyer curves and multivariate analysis) with critical clinical parameters including overall survival, disease-free survival, relapse rates and other mortality and morbidity-associated parameters.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Importantly, the information obtained from these clinical samples will be used to generate an experimental in vivo xenograft model in an attempt to recapitulate the latency and phenotype of the MLL-AF4+ pro-B ALL by lentiviral over-expression of both MLL-AF4 and wt FLT3 or mutated FLT3 (ITD, D835Y, I836del). This translational/clinical project will elucidate the role of FLT3 activating mutations in the pathogenesis, prognosis and evolution of pro-B ALL MLL-AF4+, eventually contributing to stratify patients based on FLT3 expression levels and mutational status.
3.- Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a target cell for understanding sarcomagenesis development.
Because of their unique properties, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent one of the most promising adult stem cells being used worldwide in a wide array of clinical applications. Overall, compelling evidence supports the long-term safety of ex vivo expanded human MSCs which do not seem to transform spontaneously. However, experimental data reveal a link between MSCs and cancer and MSCs have been reported to inhibit or promote tumor growth depending on yet undefined conditions. Interestingly, solid evidence based on transgenic mice and genetic intervention of MSCs has placed these cells as the most likely cell of origin for certain sarcomas. This research area is being increasingly explored to develop accurate MSC-based models of sarcomagenesis which will be undoubtedly valuable in providing a better understanding about the etiology and pathogenesis of mesenchymal cancer, eventually leading to the development of more specific therapies directed against the sarcoma-initiating cell. Unfortunately, little is still known about the mechanisms underlying MSC transformation and further studies are required to develop bona fide sarcoma models based on human MSCs. Our lab has developed over the last 3 years MSC-based models for fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma and liposarcoma. We have gained insights into the target cell for transformation and the oncogenic hits necessary for such transformation processes. These findings are important for the development of effective therapeutic approaches for sarcoma that can eliminate sarcoma tumors and their tumor-initiating cells.
4.- Coenzyme Q10 deficiency syndrome: understanding the genotype-phenotype association and metabolic
dysfunction through the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient-specific
uncorrected and genetically-corrected cells.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an electron carrier key in maintaining the homeostasis of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Primary deficiency of CoQ10 is an autosomal recessive syndrome which originates from mutations in genes responsible for CoQ biosynthesis. CoQ10 deficiency leads to a disorder which manifests with encephalomyopathies, because the disruption of the energy metabolism affects tissues with high-energy demand such as cerebellum and skeletal muscle. Many COQ genes have been implicated in the primary CoQ10 deficiency, making the molecular diagnosis and clinical heterogeneity a chal enge. To date, there is not a clear genotype-phenotype association, and the only current treatment is CoQ10 supplementation which effectiveness remains poor.
The generation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has emerged as a unique system to model human disease. We aim to generate and differentiate iPSC from CoQ-deficient patients, before and after correction of the genetic defect, to elucidate the pathogenesis and developmental mechanisms of primary CoQ10 deficiency. Our goals are:(i) study the lack of genotype-phenotype association by differentiating COQ-iPSC towards disease-affected tissues (motor neurons and skeletal muscle), and (ii) characterize the metabolic dysfunction of iPSC and the differentiated progeny to assess whether exogenous CoQ10 rescues metabolic homeostasis and influences differentiation of COQ-iPSC. We envision these studies will provide novel insights into the genotype-phenotype association and metabolic dysfunction in CoQ deficiency patients.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Carlos Rodríguez-Ma
nzaneque, PhD
MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS
TEAM LEADER
Characterization of the mechanism of action of extracellular
Principal Investigator of the
Proteases and Extracellular
metaloproteases by the identification and functional study of its
Matrix Group at GENyO
biological substrates.
Member of The American
Determination of tumor and stem cell plasticity by the modification of the
Society for Matrix Biology
extracellular microenvironment. Relevance for neo-vascularization
processes.
BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL
ACCESS
Studies of functional genomics for the mechanisms of acquisition of
endothelial phenotypes by tumor cells.
Human Samples: Melanoma,
MOST RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
sarcoma, glioma, breast carcinoma.
Available cell lines: From human
Tumor angiogenesis and vascular patterning: a
and mouse tumours, mainly from
mathematical model. PLoS One. 2011;6(5):e19989.
melanoma, sarcoma, breast carcinoma and glioma.
Primary cultures of pericytes and
endothelial cells.
Animal models:
Tumour angiogenesis is reduced in the Tc1 mouse model of Down's syndrome. Nature. 2010 Jun
Xenografts at different locations,
10;465(7299):813-7
adamts1 knockout mouse colony.
ADAMTS1 contributes to the acquisition of an endothelial-like phenotype in plastic tumor cells. Cancer Res. 2010 Jun 1;70(11):4676-86.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY (last 5
years)
syndecan-4 by ADAMTS1 provokes defects in adhesion. Int J Biochem Cell
Biol. 2009 Apr;41(4):800-10.
ADAMTS1 interacts with, cleaves, and modifies the extracellular
location of the matrix inhibitor tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2. J Biol
Chem. 2006 Jun 30;281(26):17827-37.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
Identification of substrates of the extracellular protease ADAMTS1 by DIGE proteomic analysis. Proteomics. 2006
TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFER
Apr;6 Suppl 1:S28-35.
CAPACITIES
Advanced techniques of 2D and
Thrombospondin-1 suppresses spontaneous tumor
growth and inhibits activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and
mobilization of vascular endothelial growth factor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U
In vitro Modeling of
S A. 2001 Oct 23;98(22):12485-90.
MOST RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS GRANTS
Animal models to study tumor
progression and vasculature
Role of the extracellular protease ADAMTS1 for tumour plasticity and
neo-vascularization phenomena. MICINN-Spain. Period: 2011-2013
Experimental and theoretical study of the role of the extracellular
microenvironment during mechanisms of neo-vascularization and
angiogenesis. CEIC-Andalucía, Spain. Period: 2011-2014.
PROJECT PROPOSALS
1.- Characterization of the mechanism of action of ADAMTSs
metaloproteases by the identification and functional study of its
biological substrates.
Proteolysis in the tumor microenvironment occurs by the action of members of several families of proteases, including matrix metaloproteinases (MMPs), transmembrane ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) and secreted ADAMTSs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs). The involvement of ADAMTS proteases during tumor progression has already been highlighted although its actions include apparently paradoxical actions such as the inhibition of angiogenesis, protection against tumor growth, and the induction of metastasis. These studies reveal the high complexity of the mechanism of action of extracellular proteases, and show the necessity to identify the specific substrates that are target of its activity in every tumor microenvironment. The first member of the family, ADAMTS1, represents a clear example of the mentioned complexity. While its anti-angiogenic properties have been confirmed, it has also been reported to have a relevant role for the aggressiveness and metastatic capacity of certain tumors. This research team keeps contributing in the description of some of these properties and, in parallel, they are involved in the identification of ADAMTS1 substrates.
GENOMIC ONCOLOGY
2.- Determination of tumor and stem cell plasticity by the modification of the extracellular
During the last years the identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been relevant for the understanding of trans-differentiation processes of tumor cells and to interpret their invasive and/or proliferative capacity. As a paradigm of
tumor plasticity it has been described the phenomenon of vasculogenic mimicry (VM), defined by the ability of tumor cells t o form pseudo-vascular networks, enriched in extracellular matrix, and directly related with the acquisition of a gene signature similar to endothelial cells. This phenomenon was first characterized in highly malignant melanoma tumors,
and more recently it also been found in cases of breast, ovarian, lung, and sarcoma tumors. The role of extracellular proteases in this kind of phenomena has been already suggested although the reported data is limited.In this context,
there are major findings that reveal the role of physicochemical properties of the matrix for the specialization of stem
cells. Mainly it has been characterized the relevance of changes in parameters such as the elasticity of extracellular matrix, and currently it is being studied the way that proteolisis of matrix components modulates these properties. It is r equired the comparison of differentiation processes to form endothelium from non-transformed stem cel s and from plastic tumor cells that carry aberrant signaling pathways. In addition it is needed a detailed analysis of the most intrinsic
characteristics of the vascular niche.
3.- Studies of functional genomics for the mechanisms of acquisition of endothelial phenotypes by tumor
I n addition to the close relationship among extracellular proteases and its specific substrates, the characterization of
tumor plasticity events in tumor cell lines and in human tumor specimens requires a detailed knowledge of the related
gene expression profiles. The evaluation of these gene signatures, together with clinical parameters such as prognosis, drug resistance and metastasis appearance, will allow the identification of new molecules of interest to be evaluated from
a functional perspective.
Source: http://www.genyo.es/sites/all/themes/genyo/web/docs/researchGroupsJUL12.pdf
In: Leading-Edge Health Education Issues ISBN 978-1-60021-874-3 Editor: Lennard V. Sebeki, pp. 195-205 © 2008 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Chapter VII Homosexuality Anxiety: A Misunderstood Form of OCD Monnica Williams University of Virginia, Department of Psychology Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive
Journal of Affective Disorders 126 (2010) 293–298 Contents lists available at Journal of Affective Disorders Benzodiazepine and cyclopyrrolone reduction in general practice — Doesthis lead to concomitant change in the use of antipsychotics?A study based on a Danish population Viggo Rask Kragh Jørgensen Medicine Team, Central Denmark Region, Lægårdvej 12, 7500 Holstebro, Denmark