Recerca Biomèdica en Urologia

El grup de Recerca Biomèdica en Urologia està dedicat a l'estudi dels càncers dependents d’hormones, en particular, del càncer de pròstata (però no limitat a aquest).

Els nostres esforços estan centrats a trobar eines que ens ajudin en el diagnòstic precoç de la malaltia, diferenciar millor els tumors d’acord amb la seva agressivitat i la seva resposta a la teràpia i, finalment, trobar teràpies eficaces contra aquesta.

Des del punt de vista molecular, centrem els nostres estudis principalment en processos de senyalització cel·lular relacionats amb el cicle cel·lular i la mitosi (amb les cinesines, les cinases i la ubiquitina dependent de lligases com a dianes principals).

El nostre grup multidisciplinari està compost per biòlegs moleculars i uròlegs, i col·laborem amb oncòlegs, patòlegs i especialistes d’altres malalties quan es requereix.

Treballem amb dades in silico obtingudes amb diferents tècniques «òmiques», mostres i dades clíniques dels pacients, i models in vitro i in vivo, per respondre a les preguntes plantejades.

Línies de recerca

Development of non-invasive methods for the early detection of prostate cancer (Translational research in prostate cancer)

One main focus of our research is the discovery of new biomarkers for the early detection of prostate cancer (PC). The detection of proteins, RNA or miRNAs from easily accessible body fluids, such as blood or urine, will make possible to diagnose the disease at an early/pre-symptomatic stage, or monitoring responses to therapy in a simple and non-invasive way. This will improve the specificity of the currently used PSA serum measurements.

We have identified a three-gene panel in urine able to increase the PSA specificity for the detection of PC, and using liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and triple quadruple mass spectrometry (LC/MSMS, SRM), we have discovered the presence of specific, differential proteomic profiles in the urine of PC patients.

Furthermore, we have identified a genomic profile able to detect PC in patients previously diagnosed with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). Such profile should have an application in the clinics and improve decision making in the diagnosis and treatment of PC (Figure).

1) Sequeiros T, et al. Prostate 2015; Accepted;

2) Rigau M*, Olivan M*, et al. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013;14: 12620-12649;

3) Rigau M, et al. Prostate 2011; 71:1736-45;

4) Rigau M et al. Prostate 2010; 70:1760-7

IP: Joan Morote Robles

Early diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer (Clinical research)

This research line evaluates better strategies able to improve the process of Early Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, detecting significant tumors and avoiding unnecessary biopsies. In addition, this line also studies the outcomes of the Active Surveillance Program and the Robotic Program.

IP: Joan Morote Robles, Ana Celma Domènech

Exosomes as a new source of biomarkers (Translational research in prostate cancer)

Since the prostate is in direct contact with the urethra, desquamated cells and secreted products, including exosomes, are abundant in human urine and serve as potential source for PC biomarkers. We aim to identify protein biomarkers in urinary exosomes for early detection of PC in a non-invasive manner.

IP: -

Lasers in benign prostatic hyperplasia (Clinical research)

The development of the HOLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) technique and its outcome is the main objective of this line. We are presently testing different lasers in order to increase the efficacy of the technique.

IP: José Placer Santos