Laboratory of Integrative Biology
Head: Martin Gregor
Prague node
HOME INSTITUTION
Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
RESEARCH PROGRAMME(S)
RP 1 - Molecular basis of cancer and molecular targets
Advancing Mechanobiology to Conquer Liver Cancer
- Mission: To revolutionize liver cancer treatment through precise targeting and innovative mechanobiological strategies.
- Vision: We strive to lead the way in creating innovative, targeted therapies that transform the future of cancer treatment.
Our research focuses on understanding the role of tissue mechanics in liver cancer progression and developing novel therapeutic strategies. We investigate how increased tissue stiffness, driven by extracellular matrix alterations, promotes tumor invasion and malignancy. By studying mechanotransduction pathways, including integrin-mediated adhesion and cytoskeletal tension, we aim to identify key molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9-engineered liver cancer cell lines, (phospho)proteomics, mouse models, and patient data, we strive to identify and validate novel cancer markers and druggable targets. Our objective is to develop effective therapies targeting the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and mechanotransduction pathways to improve patient outcomes in liver cancer.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Prechova M, Adamova Z, Schweizer AL, Maninova M, Bauer A, Kah D, Meier-Menches SM, Wiche G, Fabry B, Gregor M. Plectin-mediated cytoskeletal crosstalk controls cell tension and cohesion in epithelial sheets. J Cell Biol. 2022 Feb 9;221(3):e202105146. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202105146
- Gerckens M, Schorpp K, Pelizza F, Wögrath M, Reichau K, Ma H, Dworsky AM, Sengupta A, Stoleriu MG, Heinzelmann K, Merl-Pham J, Irmler M, Alsafadi HN, Trenkenschuh E, Sarnova L, Jirouskova M, Frieß W, Hauck SM, Beckers J, Kneidinger N, Behr J, Hilgendorff A, Hadian K, Lindner M, Königshoff M, Eickelberg O, Gregor M, Plettenburg O, Yildirim AÖ, Burgstaller G. Phenotypic drug screening in a human fibrosis model identified a novel class of antifibrotic therapeutics. Sci Adv. 2021 Dec 24;7(52):eabb3673. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb3673
- Krausova A, Buresova P, Sarnova L, Oyman-Eyrilmez G, Skarda J, Wohl P, Bajer L, Sticova E, Bartonova L, Pacha J, Koubkova G, Prochazka J, Spörrer M, Dürrbeck C, Stehlikova Z, Vit M, Ziolkowska N, Sedlacek R, Jirak D, Kverka M, Wiche G, Fabry B, Korinek V, Gregor M. Plectin ensures intestinal epithelial integrity and protects colon against colitis. Mucosal Immunol. 2021 May;14(3):691-702. DOI: 10.1038/s41385-021-00380-z
- Strouhalova K, Přechová M, Gandalovičová A, Brábek J, Gregor M, Rosel D. Vimentin Intermediate Filaments as Potential Target for Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel). 2020 Jan 11;12(1):184. DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010184
- Jirouskova M, Nepomucka K, Oyman-Eyrilmez G, Kalendova A, Havelkova H, Sarnova L, Chalupsky K, Schuster B, Benada O, Miksatkova P, Kuchar M, Fabian O, Sedlacek R, Wiche G, Gregor M. Plectin controls biliary tree architecture and stability in cholestasis. J Hepatol. 2018 May;68(5):1006-1017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.12.011
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE AND TECHNOLOGY
Advanced liver cancer mouse models & organoids
In vitro & in vivo models of the metastatic cascade
CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing
Traction force & Atomic force microscopy
Magnetogenetics
FRET-based tension sensors & advanced microscopy
COLLABORATION WITH LARGE RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES AND RESEARCH CENTRES
Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Charles University BIOCEV
Central European Institute of Technology at Masaryk University CEITEC MU
Czech Centre for Phenogenomics CCP
Cze National infrastructure for biological and biomedical imaging Czech-Bioimaging