Growth factors are secreted proteins that stimulate cell proliferation via transmembrane receptors. Our group focuses on the activation mechanisms of these receptors in health and diseases. We are particularly interested in the receptor-tyrosine kinases that are binding to platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factors (FGF). These proteins play an important role in the development of the embryo and in wound healing, as well as in cancer and in fibrosis.

Research topics:

1. Signal transduction and gene regulation: We analyze how signaling cascades activated by receptor-tyrosine kinases affect transcription factors and gene expression, using techniques such as microarrays, classical molecular biology and bioinformatics.

2. Activation of receptor tyrosine kinases in diseases: Receptor tyrosine kinase genes are frequently altered in cancer cells, resulting in the constitutive activation of these receptors. For instance, translocations involving PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 are found in different types of leukemias. We are studying the mechanism by which these translocation products stimulate cell growth. We also analyze the role of PDGF receptors in systemic sclerosis, a severe autoimmune connective tissue disease.