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Protein kinases in cancer research

Our group is interested in dissecting new cellular signaling pathways that control cancer cell proliferation and differentiation.  We collaborate with academics and Biopharma Companies to perform preclinical development of new anticancer drugs. Specifically, we are interested in deciphering the role of the new MAP kinase ERK5 in cancer proliferation and survival. We are also interested in the modulation of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as new strategies to tackle cancer, to improve chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.

We are involved in potentiating translational aspects of our resources. We actively collaborate with Ability Pharmaceuticals SL in the preclinical/clinical development of the new antitumor drug ABTL0812, which it is Clinical Trial Phase II to treat cancer patients with advanced endometrial and squamous NSCLC cancers (NCT02201823). We uncovered the mechanism involved in the antitumor action of ABTL0812: by modulating the Akt/mTORC1 axis and ER stress, this molecule induces cancer cell death by activating cytotoxic autophagy in cancer cells.

Team

Jose Miguel Lizcano De Vega

Jose Miguel Lizcano De Vega

Head of group
Protein kinases in cancer research
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Clàudia Faúndez Vidiella

Clàudia Faúndez Vidiella

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
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Lorena Usero Redrejo

Lorena Usero Redrejo

Postdoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
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Marc Montoursi Picas

Marc Montoursi Picas

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
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Maria Arbat i Jubinyà

Maria Arbat i Jubinyà

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Idoia Bolinaga Ayala

Idoia Bolinaga Ayala

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Jose Miguel Lizcano De Vega

Jose Miguel Lizcano De Vega

Head of group
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Clàudia Faúndez Vidiella

Clàudia Faúndez Vidiella

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Lorena Usero Redrejo

Lorena Usero Redrejo

Postdoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Marc Montoursi Picas

Marc Montoursi Picas

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Maria Arbat i Jubinyà

Maria Arbat i Jubinyà

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more
Idoia Bolinaga Ayala

Idoia Bolinaga Ayala

Predoctoral researcher
Protein kinases in cancer research
Read more

Thesis

MAP kinase ERK5, by controlling TP53INP2 proteostasis, modulates cancer cell sensitivity to extrinsic apoptosis induced by death-receptor agonists.

PhD student: Sergio Espinosa Gil, Sergio Espinosa Gil
Director/s: Jose Miguel Lizcano De Vega
University: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Year: 2023

Blog

News

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On World Cancer Research Day, we highlight research aimed at improving treatments for both pediatric and adult cancers through innovative techniques.

The research team has shown that inhibiting the TRIB3 protein slows the growth of rhabdomyosarcoma and improves survival in animal models.