Research

About

This research group aims to uncover the mechanisms and molecular pathways driving cancer cell programs and progression using cutting-edge genomic technologies and with a primary focus on colorectal cancer. Its research also extends to other cancer types and genetic diseases.

The team’s current interests lie in the development of technical and bioinformatic tools that facilitate the processing and interpretation of genomic and epigenomic data, bridging the gap between next-generation technologies and clinical applications. To this end, they have created web applications and tools that make it easier to manage and access genomic data. For the study of colorectal tumorigenesis and cell differentiation processes they use human samples and in vitro models to create reference frameworks and working models for understanding the mechanisms behind malignant transformation.

The research group has also developed novel methods to interrogate genetic and epigenetic information, and established a spin-off company to translate these advances in genomic and epigenomic technologies into clinical practice. Finally, the group has developed a technique to pinpoint the epigenetic state of the "dark genome" with the aim of understanding the functional properties of specific repeat elements and how they contribute to genome regulation colon cancer cells.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, epigenetics, biomarker, integrative molecular profiling, tumor progression.

Research lines

The main focus of this research group is the characterisation of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell programs and the identification of molecular markers with clinical application. The specific topics currently being developed in the lab include:

Epigenetic landmarks for cancer patient stratification

Drivers of genome reprogramming in cancer

New targets and tools for early diagnosis and treatment

The role of dark DNA in genome regulation

Active projects

DEEP-GEUS: a new Artificial Intelligence assisted integrative genomic diagnostics system of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Funding agency: Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI)
Agency code: IDI-20191104
Start date: 2019
End date: 2023

Contrato Juan de la Cierva: Deep learning of epigenetic molecular signatures for precision oncology

Recipient: Francisco Morón
Funding agency: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCINN)
Agency code: FJC2019-042007-I
Start date: 2021
End date: 2023

Contrato Río Hortega

Recipient: Sofía España
Funding agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
Agency code: CM21/00161
Start date: 2021
End date: 2023

Use of artificial intelligence and systems biology for diagnosis and personalized risk assessment for inherited kidney diseases, focusing on Alport Syndrome

Funding agency: Fundació Marató de TV3
Agency code: 22/C/2020
Start date: 2021
End date: 2023

Integration of specific and interspersed genetic and epigenetic signals as a multi-tool to type colorectal cancer (GEALUS)

Funding agency: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCINN)
Agency code: PID2021-124315OB-I00
Start date: 2022
End date: 2025

Enabling personalized colorectal cancer management by coupling unified genetic and epigenetic testing to organoid-based treatment screening (Spot & Hit)

Funding agency: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCINN)
Agency code: CPP2021-008602
Start date: 2022
End date: 2025

Proyecto CPP2021-008602 financiado por:

Proyecto CPP2021-008602 financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/ PRTR

Scientific publications

Matas J, Kohrn B, Fredrickson J, Carter K, Yu M, Wang T, Gui X, Soussi T, Moreno V, Grady WM, Peinado MA, Risques RA. Colorectal Cancer Is Associated with the Presence of Cancer Driver Mutations in Normal Colon. Cancer Res. 2022 Apr 15;82(8):1492-1502. DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-21-3607. PMID: 35425963; PMCID: PMC9022358.

View SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

View publications, Peinado MA on PubMed

News

- Campus Can Ruti

The IGTP presents CARE Translational Program in Cancer Research

CARE, the Translational Program in Cancer Research is the first transversal program promoted by the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), and it aims to become a bridge for researchers in the field of cancer who want to bring basic and clinical research together, so that the knowledge and the tools generated in the laboratory can benefit the patient.

- Institutional

Researchers explain science like never before in the first European Performing Science Night in Badalona

The Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) has participated in a ground-breaking event to bring art and science together for European Performing Science Night with results that left nobody indifferent. The Fundació Èpica la Fura dels Baus led the project which involved artists and scientists from the IGTP and four international universities.

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