The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones, which influence almost every cell, organ and function of our body, therefore its dysregulation can lead to severe symptoms. Endocrine disorders can be caused by a tumour in a gland. Interestingly, the endocrine tumour entity covers the full range of phenotypes from indolent and benign to the worst human cancer forms.

Our research aims to understand the molecular landscape of endocrine tumours and identifying biomarkers with clinical applications (diagnostics, prognostics, response to therapy) and novel therapeutic targets. Among the different endocrine tumours, we are focused on thyroid cancer and pituitary adenomas. These tumours have a low prevalence, thus we have established a network of national and international clinical collaborators, which further will ensure that findings can provide clinically essential information.

Selected publications

All publications

Líneas de investigación

Our research can be grouped in four research lines that combine genome-wide methodologies and locus-specific techniques to analyse samples from patients and to address mechanistic and functional questions in cell lines.

Molecular pathogenesis of distant metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is usually associated with an excellent prognosis. The main cause of death is due to distant metastases, but distant metastatic DTC (dmDTC) presents an interpatient heterogeneity in terms of outcome. Still no effective biomarkers are available to predict which patients will eventually develop distant metastases nor to determine the outcome of these patients. Moreover, therapeutic options are limited for patients with dmDTC resistant to the conventional treatment. We are investigating the molecular basis of dmDTC at different levels (genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic) to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to identify prognostic markers and new therapeutic targets. Currently, we are focused on the DNA methylation signatures of these tumours.

Kallikreins, new players in thyroid cancer: regulation, function and clinical use 

In recent years, kallikreins (KLKs) have emerged as important cancer biomarkers, with KLK3, encoding Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), as the most recognized biomarker. KLKs encode a family of fifteen closely related secreted serine proteases that cluster together on chromosome 19q13.4. We found a deregulation of the entire KLK family in thyroid cancer. However, their involvement in this disease is unknown. We are currently assessing the clinical utility of KLKs and   the functional implications in thyroid cancer.

Molecular pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas

With the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service at Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, led by Dr. Manel Puig-Domingo, we investigate the pathogenesis of pituitary tumours by combining clinical, pathological, and molecular information to better understand their biological and clinical behaviour, while at the same time identifying prognostic markers, predictors of response and new therapeutic strategies. We are closely involved with the Spanish Society of Endocrinology registry REMAH (Registro Español Molecular de Adenomas Hipofisarios), for which the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital is the Catalan node, one of the 5 different nodes in Spain. REMAH have made it possible to collect more than 1000 adenomas.

Development of molecular assays for clinical settings

The final objective of our translational projects is the implementation of our findings in clinical settings. Thus, we are developing molecular tools based on our results compatible with any pathology laboratory. 

Projects

Ongoing Projects

Prognostic and therapeutic value of Kallikreins: a new tool in thyroid cancers

Code: PI18/00654
Principal Investigator Mireia Jordà
Start Date: 01/01/2019
End Date: 31/12/2021

Improved and efficient therapy of acromegaly by implementation of a personalized and predictive algorithm including functional analysis, imaging and genomic information

Code: PI14/00308
Principal Investigator Manel Puig
Start Date: 01/01/2016
End Date: 31/12/2019

Dynamics of DNA methylation profiles in the progression of thyroid cancer: a new source of prognostic markers

Code: PI17/01455
Principal Investigator Mireia Jordà
Start Date: 01/01/2015
End Date: 31/12/2018

Generalitat de Catalunya, suport a les activitats dels grups de recerca (SGR) Grup de recerca en endocrinologia clínica i experimental (ENDOGRUP)

Code: 2017 SGR 01262
Principal Investigator Manel Puig
Start Date: 2018
End Date: 2020

Análisis de marcadores pronósticos y predictivos de respuesta a inhibidores de tirosina quinasa en cáncer diferenciado de tiroides a partir de patrones de metilación del ADN

Code: GJ1801
Co-Principal Investigators co-IPs: Jorge Hernando and Mireia Jordà
Start Date: 01/11/2018
End Date: 31/10/2019

Group Members

Mireia Jordà, mjorda(ELIMINAR)@igtp.cat, Principal Investigator
Joan Gil, jgil(ELIMINAR)@igtp.cat, PhD Student
Beatriz Perez, bperez(ELIMINAR)@igtp.cat, PhD Student
Núria Vilalmanzo, nvillalmanzo@igtp.cat, Technician