The ability of cancer cells to adapt to a nutrient-poor microenvironment is crucial for disease progression. Through various mechanisms such as differential gene expression, epigenetic modifications, post-transcriptional events, protein self-aggregation, and more, transformed cells alter protein expression and function to influence nutrient intake and distribution among metabolic pathways, ultimately impacting cellular fate.

Our laboratory investigates the intricate processes that orchestrate some of these alternative events, specifically interested in understanding the role of mitochondrial enzymes, transmembrane proteins, and transcription factors in promoting tumor properties. Our basic research efforts aim to elucidate the structural and functional aspects of the proteins involved in differential nutrient acquisition and metabolic rewiring. We employ techniques such as X-ray crystallography, biophysical and biochemical approaches, and in vitro and in situ cryo-EM, to study the relationship between protein structure and function.

Recognizing the importance of cellular and organismal contexts, since 2009 we foster cross-disciplinary collaboration with Dr. Sandra MG Dias, a cellular and molecular biologist from LNBio/CNPEM. Together, we strive to comprehensively understand this fundamental phenomenon in cancer from a holistic perspective.