Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory

Previous and current research
Rho family small GTPases and the ROCK kinases that bind to them are key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton; furthermore they are over-expressed in a range of carcinomas. We have recently shown that Rho and ROCK are required for a particular mode of tumour cell motility in 3D environments and are currently analysing how ROCK activity promotes the motility of tumour cells. To do this we are combining in vivo imaging of primary tumours, in vitro imaging of cells moving in 3D environments, and more conventional molecular and biochemical techniques.

Future research
We would like to develop techniques to monitor the activity and localisation of ROCK and other cytoskeletal genes in vivo. A broader goal is to identify other cytoskeletal genes that are deregulated in tumours and to investigate how they affect tumour cell invasion and metastasis.