RESEARCH PROJECTS
Cancer Adaptation to Glucose Starvation
Glucose is a major energy source for cancer cells, supporting their rapid proliferation and survival. However, limited nutrient availability is common within solid tumors, creating conditions of metabolic stress. Surprisingly, some cancer cells can survive prolonged glucose deprivation and eventually regain their ability to proliferate.
We investigate how cancer cells adapt to these challenging conditions by reprogramming their metabolism, maintaining redox balance, and overcoming cellular damage. Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that allow cancer cells to survive extreme metabolic stress and develop resistance to anticancer therapies. By identifying the pathways responsible for this adaptation, we aim to uncover new vulnerabilities that could be exploited to overcome therapeutic resistance.
Chromatin Regulation and Cancer Cell Plasticity
Cancer cells constantly adapt to changes in their environment, and these adaptations often involve alterations in gene expression and chromatin organization. Histones and their associated regulatory proteins play essential roles in maintaining genome stability, controlling gene activity, and coordinating cellular responses to stress.
We investigate how metabolic changes influence chromatin organization, histone regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer cells. Particular attention is given to histone chaperones, which regulate histone assembly, exchange, and distribution within the cell. Our goal is to understand how interactions between metabolism and chromatin regulation contribute to cancer cell plasticity, survival under stress, and resistance to anticancer treatments.
Ketone Bodies and Cancer Metabolism
Ketone bodies are alternative energy substrates produced primarily during fasting, carbohydrate restriction, and ketogenic diets. Although normal tissues can efficiently utilize ketone bodies, their effects on cancer cells are complex and depend on the metabolic characteristics of individual tumors.
We study how ketone bodies, particularly β-hydroxybutyrate, influence cancer cell metabolism, mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress, and survival. Using experimental models of breast cancer, we investigate whether ketone bodies support cancer cell adaptation or increase their vulnerability to metabolic stress. Our research aims to improve our understanding of how changes in nutrient availability and systemic metabolism influence cancer cell behavior and responses to treatment.
Regulation of Inflammation by Bioactive Peptides
Inflammation is an essential protective response to infection and tissue injury. However, excessive or prolonged inflammatory signaling can contribute to tissue damage and the development of chronic diseases. Understanding how inflammatory responses can be selectively regulated is therefore an important challenge in biomedical research.
We investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of bioactive cyclic peptides and their effects on cellular signaling pathways involved in immune regulation. Our studies focus on the production of inflammatory cytokines, interferon responses, and interactions between immune and tissue cells. Using cellular and experimental models of acute and chronic inflammation, including lung inflammation, we aim to identify mechanisms through which these compounds may reduce harmful inflammatory responses and support the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Cancer Treatment
Cold atmospheric plasma is an emerging biomedical technology that generates a mixture of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, charged particles, and other biologically active components at temperatures compatible with living tissues. These components can influence cellular signaling, induce oxidative stress, and trigger cancer cell death.
We investigate the potential of cold atmospheric plasma as a localized treatment for skin cancer, with particular attention to basal cell carcinoma. Our research examines how plasma exposure affects cancer cell viability, cellular structure, oxidative damage, and programmed cell death, while comparing these responses with those of nonmalignant skin cells. By identifying treatment conditions and cellular mechanisms associated with anticancer activity, we aim to evaluate the potential of this technology as a complementary approach to conventional cancer treatments.
Targeted Anticancer Therapies
One of the major challenges in cancer treatment is achieving effective tumor destruction while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Targeted drug delivery offers a promising strategy by using molecules that recognize specific features of cancer cells and facilitate the selective delivery of therapeutic agents.
We investigate tumor-targeting peptides and peptide–drug conjugates designed to improve the delivery and activity of anticancer compounds. Our research focuses on interactions with cell-surface receptors, cellular internalization, intracellular trafficking, and the mechanisms responsible for therapeutic activity. Using cancer cell models and experimental tumor systems, we evaluate the biological properties and anticancer potential of these compounds. Our long-term goal is to contribute to the development of more selective and effective cancer therapies.