João Barata Lab

Signaling in Cancer

We aim to establish a dynamic research vector on different facets of cancer biology. Our main emphasis has been on hematological malignancies and especially T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Because we want to understand the mechanisms by which malignant T-cells acquire a selective advantage over their healthy counterparts, we are also interested in studying particular features of normal T-cell biology (e.g. how developing thymocytes respond to certain extracellular cues, most notably interleukin 7).

In order to understand whether the oncogenic mechanisms we identify in T-ALL extend to other cancers, we study other leukemias, especially B-cell ALL. Finally, we recently initiated new research avenues on brain tumors and on lung cancer.

Overall, our research aims to illuminate the role that cell-intrinsic aberrations and microenvironmental factors might play during tumor initiation and progression, metastization, and response to treatment. Our goal is to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes, identifying genes and signaling pathways that are implicated in cancer maintenance and expansion at different stages.

To do so, we make use of patient material, as a key source of insights into the disease, and integrate different biochemical, cellular and molecular biology techniques with appropriate in vitro and in vivo models – enabling an overall appreciation of the molecular, cellular and systemic nuances associated with cancer. Ultimately, our research seeks to identify and characterize crucial biomarkers and molecular targets for the development of novel, more selective therapies against cancer. Our ultimate goal is to go all the way from fundamental discoveries to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Some of our current research lines and technology transfer efforts include:

1. The in-depth characterization of IL-7/IL-7R signaling and how it contributes to the development of leukemia and other cancers.
2. The analysis of the mechanisms by which CK2 and PTEN/PI3K signaling interaction modulates T-ALL.
3. The applied development and exploitation of new therapies against T-ALL (responsible: Rita Fragoso).
4. The identification of key molecular determinants of metastasis to the brain (responsible: Cláudia Faria).