Scientific Objectives
The plasticity of tumor cells allows their evolution towards aggressive states escaping available therapies.
In scCANCER we integrate analysis of genomic and biochemical studies with the analysis of the biophysical properties that accompany tumor progression towards more aggressive and resistant states to current therapies. This integration has never been done before and may represent a qualitative change that will allow new therapeutic strategies for the most aggressive tumors.
Scientific program
Development of new nanotechnologies for the biophysical characterization of single cells and their microenvironment.
Development of various devices for multi-parametric characterization (refractive index and metabolic states, mechanical properties, and their relationship with migration, etc.) of single cells at different stages of the metastatic cycle.
Integration of biophysical, genetic, and biochemical parameters in individual cells at different stages of tumor progression.
Definition of a scenario with multiple levels of progression of ER+ breast cancer cells to more aggressive stages using cell lines, PDX tumor organoids and genetically modified mouse models. In these models we will perform for the first time a combination of biophysical measurements with genetic (scDNAseq), and transcriptional (scRNAseq) data in single cells. We will combine these protocols with new ultrasensitive protein detection methods.
Definition of biological or biophysical properties with therapeutic relevance.
Analysis of the biophysical and biochemical responses to current therapies (hormone therapy, CDK4/6 inhibitors and classical chemotherapy) and the changes that occur during the phenomena of tumor resistance and progression, with the aim of being able to improve therapeutic possibilities in the future. In vitro and in vivo models will be combined for this purpose.
Scientific and technical objectives
Development of new nanotechnologies for the biophysical characterization of individual cells and their microenvironment.
- Organ-on-chip microfluidic systems with integrated sensors for nanomechanical flow cytometry.
- High resolution digital holographic microscopy for the study of mechanical vibrations of cells.
- Mechanoplasmonic nanosensors for ultra-sensitive detection of proteins.
Integration of biophysical, genetic, and biochemical parameters in single cells at different stages of tumor progression.
- Validation of the comprehensive biophysical and biochemical study in cell lines.
- Integral biophysical and biochemical analysis in tumor organoids.
Definition of biological or biophysical properties with therapeutic relevance.
- Modification of biophysical and biochemical properties during progression in therapeutic treatments.
- Integrated studies of breast cancer progression in vivo.
- Application of mechanoplasmonic technologies for the detection of biomarkers during tumor progression.
