Research Programme: Understanding p63 destiny in bladder cancer
Principal Investigator: Dr Artem Smirnov
Scientific Interest
p63 is a master gene of epithelial development and homeostasis. p63 knock-out mice die soon after birth due to severe problems in skin formation. In normal epithelia, p63 regulates expression of a myriad of targets to sustain stemness, proper adhesion and correct differentiation. On the other hand, p63 is often overexpressed in epithelial tumours where it promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Current Research
While p63 has been comprehensively described in various types of epithelial tumours, p63 biology in bladder cancer remains poorly understood. In this project we will employ global transcriptomics, epigenomics and chromatin occupancy techniques to describe in detail p63 targetome in bladder cancer. In collaboration with University hospital, we will analyse fresh biopsies at single cell level to unveil precise destinies of p63 during bladder cancer evolution.
Relevance to cancer biology
In this project, we will describe stage-by-stage molecular pathways orchestrated by p63 during evolution of bladder cancer. We will uncover its targets at different cancer stages and related downstream pathways. Finally, we will identify targetable molecules for future therapies of advanced bladder cancer.
