Our Research

Our lab explores the developmental origins of childhood cancer, focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive tumor initiation and progression. To study pediatric cancer, we develop and utilize advanced cellular, genetic and genomic model systems to address the following questions:

How are healthy cells transformed into cancer cells? How do tumor cells hijack developmental signaling pathways during cell transformation, tumor establishment and cancer niche formation? Can we identify lineage-specific developmental vulnerabilities of cancer cells? Can we use this knowledge to inform preventive strategies and develop new treatment approaches?

Cancer Origin

Understanding how oncogenic fusions rewire cell identity and alter developmental trajectories.

Tumor Initiation

Investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive tumor initiation and establishment during development.

Cancer-Niche Communication

Defining the role of proteoglycans in orchestrating tumor-microenvironment interactions in pediatric cancer.

Developmental Vulnerabilities

Identifying lineage-specific vulnerabilities of cancer cells to advance targeted therapeutic approaches.

Our Research Approaches

By integrating advanced model systems with single-cell transcriptomics, genetic tools and high-resolution imaging, we aim to define the cellular mechanisms of tumor development in a physiologically relevant developmental context and leverage these platforms to validate new therapeutic targets and support drug discovery efforts. We complement these approaches with human cancer cell lines, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.

Lineage Tracing and Cell Fate Analysis

We apply lineage-tracing approaches and genetic technologies to track cell fate changes over time, allowing us to explore the origins of pediatric cancers, follow cellular transformation and study how tumors develop and diversify during progression.

Multiomics

We apply single-cell transcriptomics, snATAC-seq and CUT&RUN approaches to understand the epigenetic and transcriptional changes driven by oncogenic fusions at the single-cell level during cell reprogramming and tumor initiation. We also use spatial transcriptomics to better understand tumor architecture and heterogeneity.

High-Resolution Imaging

We use advanced imaging technologies to visualize cellular behaviors and molecular processes associated with cancer development, enabling detailed analysis of cell identity changes, tumor initiation and disease progression.

Functional Screening and Target Discovery

We use scalable genetic and chemical screening approaches to identify candidate genes, signaling pathways and therapeutic compounds that influence tumor growth and progression.