Individual tumour cells have 2 modes of movement: an elongated mode requiring extracellular proteolysis at cellular protrusions and a rounded mode where cell movement is driven by high contractile forces. Tumour cells can switch between those two different modes of movement. We carry out research that is directed to study how Rho GTPases control gene expression patterns that determine the different types of movement and relate these genes to tumour spread in patients. The ultimate goals will be to find genes with potential prognostic value and validate some of these genes as good therapeutic targets.

Our lab uses a wide array of techniques such as Microarray analysis, RNAi, over-expression approaches, 3D invasion/imaging techniques and in vivo metastasis assays to understand the roles of these genes in determining modes of movement. The tumour microenvironment is a major focus of our research as it could potentially regulate these two migratory modes. Our group is funded by Cancer Research UK

Cell migration Invasion Rho GTPases metastasis melanoma trascriptional programs actomyosin contractility