Research topics
To elucidate the mechanisms that underlies cell migration in normal and pathological processes such as angiogenesis and tumor invasion

Background
Cell migration accompanies us from conception to death. This integrated process choreographs the morphogenesis of the embryo during its development. In the adult, cell migration is central to homeostatic processes such as mounting an effective immune response and the repair of injured tissues. Furthermore, it contributes to pathologies including vascular disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, tumour formation and metastasis. Vascular cells migrate into tumor mass forming new vessels in a process called tumor angiogenesis. Cancer cells spread from the initial site of tumour growth acquiring an invasive phenotype characterized by both the loss of cell-cell interactions and increased cell motility.

Achievements
The focus of our research is to understand why and how endothelial and cancer cells spread through the body. We study this problem by using a combination of organotypic tissue culture systems and conventional cell and molecular biology approaches.It is now clear that there are a number of ways in which cancer cells can move. We are investigating what factors are involved in different modes of cell motility, in particular during collective and 3D migration.  
We want to define molecular mechanisms that may differentiate invasive cancer cells from their non-motile counterparts, and the relationship between tumour and non-tumour cells during cell migration. We have demonstrated that PDK1, the pivotal molecule in the PI3K signalling pathway, was necessary for directional cell migration. Now we are characterizing the pathway from PI3K/PDK1 to the actin cytoskeleton and integrins in carcinoma and endothelial cells, and how these pathways distinguish and regulate motility in these cell types.

Goals
(i) To establish and improve experimental models of 3D and collective endothelial cell migration.; (ii) Provide integrative mathematical and computational models simulating the morphogenetic and invasive processes of vascular and tumor cells in a 3D microenvironment;(iii) To study the role of PDK1 in tumor angiogenesis and invasion; (iv) To characterize the molecular mechanisms activated by PDK1 during cell migration; (v) To identify genes functionally involved in the cell migration by RNAi screening.

Internal collaborations
Laboratory of Systems Biology; Laboratory of Cell Adhesion Dynamics