Grant: Operating Grant

Epithelia, composed of epithelial cells, delimit the frontier between the external environment and the inside of complex organisms. Therefore, epithelial cells cover the surface of the body (e.g. skin) and line internal cavities of organs (found in the intestine, lung, liver, etc). An important function of epithelia is to selectively transport selected molecules to adjust the chemical composition of the different compartments of the body. This function relies on the asymmetric distribution of many cellular constituents, a structural organization referred to as epithelial polarity. The polarized architecture of epithelial cells is also required to maintain the homeostasis of epithelia as loss of epithelial polarity is associated with the progression of many cancers. Mechanisms linking the loss of cell polarity with cell division and invasion in the context of cancer are still poorly understood. We have previously identified genes important for the establishment and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity. Mutations in these genes result in loss of tissue integrity similar to what is observed during cancer progression. The aim of our research program is to identify new genes regulating epithelial polarity and to understand how these genes control the normal physiology of epithelia and how alteration of their function contribute to cancer progression. By identifying genes involved in the control of epithelial polarity, our study will identify potential therapeutic targets to fight cancer of epithelial origin, which account for 80% of all human cancers.