Oncogenes and Effector Targets

The Oncogenes and Effector Targets Research Group at Cima, integrated in the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra, focuses on identifying new molecular targets in tumors dependent on the KRAS oncogene and discovering innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at improving their treatment. KRAS is the most prevalently mutated oncogene in lung cancer and in tumors of the intestinal tract, such as pancreatic cancer, colon cancer or cholangiocarcinoma.

Our studies are based on a multimodal approach that includes functional genomics techniques, mouse genetics, in vitro and xenograft models, and analysis of human cancer samples and clinical parameters. In addition, we work with organoids (3D organotypic culture) of primary human and murine cells, as well as cell lines. This model allows us to carry out in vitro and in vivo studies of gene modulation, pharmacological treatments or cell co-cultures.

We also performed innovative computational analyses by integrating databases of lung and pancreatic cancer patients where KRAS is mutated to identify new critical elements in these tumors. In addition, we have characterized its functional and clinical role in close collaboration with professionals from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra with interest in lung and intestinal tract tumors.

The group is associated to CIBERonc (CB16/12/00443) and to the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENSCCA).