Cytokines and Cancer Cell Signalling

What we do

My group is fascinated by how cancer cells communicate (or not as the case often is) with each other. We are particularly interested in conversations involving cytokines such as IL-6, interferons, TRAIL and Fas.

Why it is important

We would like to understand the way cells are wired and how they can be rewired to reset harmful conversations and help cancer patients feel (and live) better.

How it can benefit patients

The mapping of protein-protein interaction and how cancer-relevant genes are regulated at the transcription level often offer obvious points of clinical intervention with drugs or small molecules.

Summary of current research

• Regulation of IL-6 signalling by STAT3 and STAT1
• The role of AKT & ERK isoforms on IL-6-mediated signal transduction
• Novel signalling pathways activated by type I and type II Interferons
• Modulation of Death Receptors and apoptosis by DAPK kinases and NF-kB transcription factors

Our researchers