The group's scientific activity focuses on characterizing the molecular mechanisms associated with the progression of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and deadly brain tumor in adults. This tumor is characterized by high plasticity and heterogeneity, with cells in different states reminiscent of different developmental stages. MES-like cells contain a high percentage of slow-cycling cells, termed quiescent GBM (qGBM), which are important for therapy resistance and for evading immune surveillance, contributing to the immunosuppressive environment of GBM. We have previously identified ZBTB18 as a transcriptional repressor of MES genes and a tumor suppressor in GBM. The group is currently involved in several projects aimed at better understanding the role of ZBTB18 and associated factors in maintaining quiescence and regulating tumor antigen expression.
date/time interval:
(September 2, 2024 - )