Grant: Project Grant

Cells in our body have a specific identity. For instance, epithelial cells are those that 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, liver, lungs, etc). In aggressive cancers, epithelial cells can change identity and become mesenchymal cells. This change of identity gives the cells the ability to invade neighboring tissues and possibly colonize all organs. This process is responsible for most cancer-related death. Our goal is to understand cell identity change and cell invasion. In particular, we are trying to define the mechanisms by which the EPB41L5 protein supports these processes. Among other things, we are trying to demonstrate that the formation of chains containing several EPB41L5 proteins promotes cell invasion. We also want to identify other proteins collaborating with EPB41L5. Finally, we will check whether EPB41L5 directly contributes to breast cancer. Overall, our proposal will identify novel therapeutic targets to fight cancer progression.