Research projects
The role of the self-eating receptor p62 in stopping cancer spreading
Project aim
Professor Santaguida and his team want to understand the role of a protein called p62 in cancer spreading. They aim to use this as a novel way to predict which tumours can spread to other parts of the body and discover a way to stop this from happening.
Hope for the future
Metastasis, when cancer cells spread to different organs, is responsible for most cancer deaths. Finding new ways to detect and stop metastasis would help cancer patients around the world.
Professor Santaguida and his team have the idea that targeting a particular protein – called p62 – might be a way to stop cancer spreading. With Curestarter support they will be exploring whether p62 can be used to predict which tumours can spread to other parts of the body. They hope that by adjusting the amount of p62 present within cells, they will be able to decrease the ability of cancer to spread.
Meet the scientist
Outside the lab, Professor Santaguida enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with friends. He is the father of two little girls and cherishes moments with his family. Additionally, he finds joy in traveling and exploring new cultures.
The science
Inside your cells is a very important structure called the nucleus, which carries your DNA and genetic material. When things go wrong during cell division sometimes a dysfunctional ‘micronucleus’ can occur. It has been shown that there is a link between the presence of these dysfunctional micronuclei, instability in genetic materials and cancer development.
Autophagy is a process known as ‘self-eating’ that allows cells to recycle damaged components and defected structures that could cause harm to your cells and body. p62, a protein pivotal in autophagy regulation, has been identified by Professor Santaguida as a key player in micronuclei acquiring harmful traits, potentially fueling metastasis. His research team is committed to unraveling the intricate role of p62 in this process and its connection to tumours spreading.
The research team hope that they can use p62 as an indicator to predict which tumours have the ability to spread. They also hope that by regulating the amount of P62 within a cell, they can create an innovative way to stop cancer from spreading.
Professor Stefano Santaguida
This funding will be crucial in supporting our work and our team. The results obtained through this project could significantly impact our understanding of cancer metastasis.
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