Cellular Signaling

Cancer transformation is a complex cellular process involving several genetic, epigenetic and proteomic changes. In recent years, the development of molecular research techniques has made it possible to understand many aspects of tumour transformation and, on this foundation, to develop and introduce new treatment regimens and diagnostic procedures for cancer therapy. However, due to both the heterogeneous nature of tumour cells and other elements present in the tumour microenvironment, all the mechanisms that facilitate tumour cells to grow and spread in the human body and prevent the effects of the therapies administered have still not been clarified. Therefore, after cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumours are still the second cause of death in Poland and worldwide.

Our research primarily focuses on understanding the mechanism responsible for the acquisition of invasive properties by tumour cells. The growth, invasiveness and ability of tumour cells to form metastases (metastasis) and the inherent processes of new blood vessel formation (tumour angiogenesis) is the most severe problem in the fight against colorectal cancer (CRC). Currently, our efforts are aimed at understanding the mechanisms responsible for acquiring the migratory properties in the early stages of metastasis by CRC cells. In addition, we are investigating the effect of microvesicles, secreted by tumour cells and platelets, on the modulation of the microenvironment of CRC. Understanding the mechanisms of CRC development and elucidating the relationship between RJG and its microenvironment may eventually lead to identifying potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets. Research in our laboratory is mainly conducted in vitro, using in vitro cell lines, and in vivo, using mouse models.