RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis

Elucidation of the mechanisms of cancer invasion and metastasis is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of progression of cancer. Our studies of TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have revealed that TGF-β plays important roles in cancer invasion and metastasis at multiple steps. We aim to analyze the molecular mechanism of these processes using new techniques such as single cell analysis, and to develop new therapeutic strategies. We have identified a cytokine receptor involved in the differentiation of glioblastoma-initiating cells. Since we have succeeded in developing an alpaca-derived antibody that regulates its function, research for clinical application will be pursued.

Main Research Fields

• Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy

Related Research Fields

• Biology
• Tumor biology-related
• Tumor diagnostics and therapeutics-related
• Pathological biochemistry-related

Keywords

• Invasion and metastasis
• Cancer microenvironment
• Molecular targeted therapy
• Cancer and signal transduction
• Characteristics of cancer cells