Sandra Peiró

Our main research objective is focused on the characterization of chromatin dynamics and epigenetics in cancer and in the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT).

The Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) program describes a series of events by which epithelial cells lose many of their epithelial characteristics and take on properties that are typical of mesenchymal cells. These cells undergo complex changes in cell architecture and behaviour. EMT has an important role in cancer. During progression to metastatic competence, carcinoma cells acquire mesenchymal gene-expression patterns and properties.

This results in changed adhesive characteristics and activation of proteolysis capacity and motility, which allows the tumour cells to metastasize and establish secondary tumours at distant sites.   
Most relevant publications:

• Beltran M et al,. Nucleic Acid Research. 2015.
• Itubide A et al,. Molecular Cell. 2015
• Millanes-Romero A et al,. Molecular Cell. 2013.
• Herranz N et al,. Molecular Cell. 2012.
• Herranz N et al,. Molecular and Celular Biology. 2008.