ABSTRACT

Speakers: Prof. Roger Gomis and Prof. Marco Milán (both from IRB Barcelona)

When: Wednesday, 20^th December 2017, 18:00h

Where: ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 6th floor

​Abstract:

Metastasis continues to be a lethal hallmark of cancer. In this process, malignant cells spread from the primary tumor to distant sites, where they resist conventional treatments, proliferate, and cause the failure of vital organs. Systemic dissection of the molecular, cellular, genetic, and clinical mechanisms underlying metastatic progression is necessary for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat metastases. Different cancer types show distinct metastatic organ tropism. In addition, although steps in the metastatic cascade are part of a continuous biological sequence, their acquisition may vary from one tumor type to another. On the other hand, aneuploidy, described as an abnormal number of whole chromosomes or parts of them, has been observed in the majority of sporadic carcinomas, the most common type of cancer occurring in humans and derived from putative epithelial cells. However, the causal relationship between aneuploidy and tumorigenesis remains highly debated. Here we will review and discuss the use of fruit flies and mice to functionally characterize the highly metastatic behavior of tumor cells and the role of aneuploidy in the initiation and progression of cancer.  

The ICREA colloquia are a great way to learn about remote fields of research from our best experts. The speakers offer their opinions on the same subject from very different angles. Open to all ICREAs and their guests. Please book in advance.