GROUP: 

Translational Control and Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Dept. of Physiological Science. School of
Medicine, Campus Bellvitge, UB, IDIBELL. Project Title : « Targeting the biosynthetic activity of cancer stem cells and
tumor heterogeneity in colorectal cancer». Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem. Tumor heterogeneity
plays a critical role in the progression of the disease and the resistance to chemotherapies. Tumor hierarchies are
fueled by a small population of self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs), reminiscent of the intestinal epithelium. We
have recently uncovered that the biosynthetic activity define the stemness properties of colorectal cancer stem
cells. These biosynthetic CSCs are characterized by hyperactive ribosome biogenesis, that constitutes an “Achile
Heel” in cancer as we, and others, previously showed (Domostegui et al, 2021 Blood). In this project we will use
state-of-the-art technologies as Patient Derived Organoids (PDOs), preclinical metastatic models, CRISPR and
transcriptomics to understand how the ribosomes constitute a driver of heterogeneity and plasticity in CRCs with
the aims to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. We are looking for a curious and highly-motivated master
student to participate in an innovative project. 4th-year students in biomedicine planning to enroll to the next
master in biomedicine course are also invited to apply.  CV+ Academic records to Dr J. Pelletier: j.pelletier@ub.edu 
The website department : https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-ciencies-fisiologiques

GRUP: Genètica i tumors urològics. Departament de Biomedicina. Unitat de Genètica. Facultat de Medicina (Clínic)-
IDIBAPS. Project title: Liquid biopsy analysis for monitoring disease progression in localized prostate cancer
patients. In this project we aim at identifying tumour dissemination in blood samples (liquid biopsies) for monitoring
tumour relapse and predict the response to therapies in prostate cancer patients. Circulating tumor cells as well as
ctDNA will be isolated from plasma and evaluated using molecular genetic techniques.  Genetic data will be
correlated with patient’s outcome in order to develop a non-invasive tool for the follow up of high-risk prostate
cancer patients. The identification of a tool like this would enormously improve patients’ management and would
directly impact on patient survival. Web: https://idibaps.org/idibaps/areas-de-investigacion/biopatologia-y-
bioingenieria-respiratoria-cardiovascular-y-renal/genetica-y-tumores-urologicos Contact: CV and academic
records to Dra. Lourdes Mengual email: lmengual@ub.edu ;  lmengual@clinic.cat

GRUP: Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, Facultat de Medicina, Campus de Bellvitge. UB. Títol: Targeting the

metabolism of tumours, and metabolic adaptations to anti-cancer therapies: the role of the c-MYC
oncogen.  Tumour cells rewire their metabolism to balance their metabolic needs with the harsh environment in
the neoplastic site, favouring survival and proliferation. Our projects focus on the application of genetics and stable
isotope-based metabolomics approaches to investigate the metabolism of tumors in vivo, with the aim of finding
and testing metabolic targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer.  We also uncover mechanisms of adaptations
to anti-cancer treatments, finding combinatorial interventions that improve therapeutic outcomes. This part of the
project will focus on understanding how the oncogene MYC rewires the metabolism of cancer cells to change how
nutrients are metabolized, to favour survival and growth. This includes studies with cancer cell lines (shRNA and
labelling with 13C and 15N labelled glucose/glutamine), metabolomics analysis in samples from liver and breast
cancer tumours (GC/MS and NMR), and gene transcription studies (promoter analysis, ChIP). Investigador Principal:
Dr. Andrés Méndez Lucas. Contact PI: amendez@ub.edu;  https://mmfpd-ub.wixsite.com/amlmetab

GRUP: Senyalització i checkpoints de cicle cel·lular, Dept. Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina I Ciències de la Salut,

UB, IDIBAPS. Titol del projecte: Paracrine effects of oncogenic K-Ras expression and phosphorylation in CRC
cells. Our preliminar data indicate a differential regulation of CRC cells secretoma by oncogenic KRas and its
phosphorylation. We propose now to analyze relevance of the differentially secreted proteins in fibroblast
activation. Send a CV and academic records to Dra. Neus Agell. e-mail:  neusagell@ub.edu Mes informacio
a: https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-biomedicalsciences/senyalitzacio-i-chechpoints-de-cicle-cel.lular.-ip-neus-
agell-jane 

GRUP: Marta Morey, PhD; Developmental Biology and  Genomics. Dept Genètica, Microbiologia i

Estadística, Facultat de Biologia UB Title: NEURAL PLASTICITY IN THE CONTEXT OF STRESS AND
CANCER Summary: To restore damaged neural circuits it is essential to learn about the plasticity capacity of the
adult nervous system. We study the structural and molecular responses of the adult peripheral nervous system to
various non-autonomous insults in the innervated tissue. One such insult is tissue stress, where we monitor
responses of neurons to cell death and regeneration of the innervated organ. Another insult is cancer, where we
address neuron-tumor signaling mediating tumor growth and neural plasticity. Understanding how the adult
nervous system adapts to these scenarios can reveal ways to enhance neural plasticity and restore damaged
circuits. Contact: Marta Morey,   mmorey@ub.edu   http://www.ub.edu/developmentalbiology/web/   http://
www.ub.edu/ibub/research-group/genetics-and-genomics-of-neural-wiring

GRUP: Experimental Cancer Therapeutics. Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de

Medicina i Ciències de la Salut (Campus Bellvitge), UB Projecte: Estudi del mecanisme d’acció de nous fàrmacs
anticancerosos y teràpies combinades pel tractament de diferents càncers. La principal línia de recerca del grup es
centra en la identificació i validació de dianes moleculars amb potencial ús terapèutic pel tractament de diferents
tipus de càncers, especialment càncer de pulmó, per tal d’identificar i/o dissenyar nous fàrmacs anticancerosos
específics, estudiar en profunditat el seu mecanisme d’acció in vitro, així com avaluar el seu potencial terapèutic en
models animals. Actualment estem especialment interessats en compostos experimentals que actuen inhibint
dianes o processos que confereixen quimiorresistència a fàrmacs, com proteïnes antiapoptòtiques o el procés
d’autofàgia. Envieu: CV i nota mitja de l’expedient a Dra. Vanessa Soto-Cerrato, mail: vsoto@ub.edu

GRUP: Senyalització i checkpoints de cicle cel·lular, Dept. Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina I Ciències de la Salut,

UB, IDIBAPS. Project title: Replicative stress: response of untransformed cells versus tumor cells. Genomic
instability is a characteristic ("hallmark") of tumor cells and DNA replication is the most vulnerable cell cycle
process, and alterations in this process can lead to genomic instability or to senescence. Replicative stress plays a
role in oncogenesis, but at the same time it can be a good target for cancer therapy. That is why our group wants to
understand the different responses to replicative stress, of tumor cells compared with not transformed cells. IP
Neus Agell. Send a CV and academic records to Dra. Neus Agell. e-mail:  neusagell@ub.edu +
information:   https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-biomedicalsciences/senyalitzacio-i-chechpoints-de-cicle-
cel.lular.-ip-neus-agell-jane

GRUP: Senyalització cel·lular i ubicuitilació. Títol del projecte: “Deciphering potential therapeutic targets of Large
HERC ubiquitin ligases”. Projecte: Large HERCs are ubiquitin ligases that play an important regulatory role in
neurodevelopment, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. Mutations in this family of genes are associated with
pathologies such as cancer or neurological disorders. The substrates of these ubiquitin ligases must participate in
the above processes and are possible therapeutic targets. Recently, we have conducted a proteomic study and
identified several potential substrates. The main objective of this project will be to characterize these substrates
using different experimental approaches, including immunological and gene expression techniques. Dr. José Luis
Rosa enviar CV per mail: joseluisrosa@ub.edu  Bibliografia del grup: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?
term=Rosa%20JL%20and%20Barcelona&sort=date (https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-ciencies-
fisiologiques/senyalitzacio)

Grup: Bioimaging, Bioconjugation, Structural Studies and Therapeutic Applications Involving Small Molecules,
Peptides and Oligonucleotides (Secció de Química Orgànica, Facultat de Química, UB) Title: Novel multitargeted
therapeutic oligonucleotide tools to fight against drug resistance in breast cancer. Project: Acquired resistance to
molecularly targeted therapies is a major limitation for the successful treatment of cancer, as in many cases, rescue
pathways are activated in response to perturbation of the major pathway, leading to patient relapse. To overcome
these limitations, we recently developed a siRNA-based nanostructure that can simultaneously attack two
therapeutic targets involved in drug resistance and can additionally bind accessory molecules such as targeting
peptides and fluorophores (https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/cc/c8cc08823c). These promising
results led us to the development of new derivatives with increased biostability and with the ability to administer
not only siRNAs but other classes of therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as ASOs (antisense therapy). The present
project is aimed at characterizing (by native PAGE analysis, among other techniques) the oligonucleotide constructs
that we are currently synthesizing in the lab, as well as at evaluating their biostability. Furthermore, in collaboration
with the Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Group (IBUB, IRSJD)
(http://www.ub.edu/ibub/research-group/regulacio-dels-sistemes-de-transport-rst/ https://www.irsjd.org/en/
research/48/molecular-pharmacology-and-experimental-therapeutics-mpet) we will evaluate their ability to
inhibit the expression of the target proteins in HER2+ breast cancer cell lines. Expression levels will be assessed by
western blot. Contact: send a CV and academic records to Montserrat Terrazas.
Email: montserrat.terrazas@ub.edu (http://webgrec.ub.edu/webpages/000007/cat/
montserrat.terrazas.ub.edu.html )

GRUP: Role of autophagy in cell division to control chromosomal instability. The faithful progression of cell division,
or mitosis, involves a complex orchestration of specific proteins that must be tightly and timely regulated. The aim
of the project is to analyze the role of lysosomes and autophagy in mitotic progression. Lysosomes are acidic
vesicles involved in the degradation of biological material. Autophagy is a central and evolutionary conserved
process forming autophagic vesicles that engulf cytosolic content for proper degradation, although its role in cell
division is currently controversial. Recent findings in our lab showed that impairment of lysosome acidification
capacity alters mitotic progression and leads to chromosomal instability, one of the hallmarks of cancer. In addition,
we discovered and characterized a novel nuclear biomarker to detect chromosomal instability, the toroidal nucleus,
as a new tool for genotoxicity tests. For background information, see our latest publication: DOI:
10.1080/15548627.2020.1764727. We are seeking a highly talented and motivated master student to develop
cutting-edge techniques and participate to an innovative research project. Send a CV and academic records to
Dra. Caroline Mauvezin:  caroline.mauvezin@ub.edu   caroline.mauvezin@gmail.com Dept. Biomedicina,
Facultat de Medicina I Ciències de la Salut- Campus Clinic

 GRUP: Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism IDIBELL. Project: Role of lysosomes in chromosomal

instability. Cancerous cells are highly metabolic cells with a high proliferation capacity that highjack vesicle
trafficking to generate a microenvironment favorable to their propagation, mostly by acidification of the
extracellular matrix. Cell cycle progression involves a complex orchestration of specific proteins that must be tightly
and timely regulated. The aim of the project is to analyze the role of lysosomes and autophagy in mitotic
progression. Lysosomes are acidic vesicles involved in biological material degradation. Autophagy is a central and
evolutionary conserved process leading to autophagic vesicles that engulf cytosolic content for proper degradation.
We have shown that impairment of lysosome acidification capacity alters mitotic progression and leads to
chromosomal instability, hallmark of cancer. In addition, we discovered and characterized a novel nuclear
phenotype for mitotic errors detection that you will help to develop as a new tool for genotoxicity tests.  The main
techniques you will learn are immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy for image analysis; FACS, Western Blot
and qPCR for pathways analysis; cloning and sequencing for generation of new tools. Image analysis will be
performed with FIJI software.  Send your application and full CV to Director (TFM): Caroline Mauvezin, PhD
mail:  caroline.mauvezin@ub.edu  i  cmauvezin@idibell.cat 

GRUP: Regulation of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer. Research Center:
IDIBAPS Institute and ICREA. Title of the MSc Project: Gene Regulation in Cell Plasticity, Stem Cells, Cell
Differentiation, and Cancer.  ZEB proteins are key regulators of cellular plasticity during development, cell
differentiation, tumor invasiveness, and metastasis. The project will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which
ZEB1 and ZEB2 factors determine stemness in normal and cancer stem cells and how they mediate the functions of
key pathways in cell differentiation, tissue regeneration, inflammation, and cancer. Send  CV and academic records
to: Antonio Postigo:  apostigo@ub.edu ; idibaps.postigo4@gmail.com / Additional information
at: https://www.icrea.cat/sites/default/files/researchers/researcher-sections/msc_biomedicine.pdf

GRUP: Chromatin Dynamics in Cancer and Cell fate. Dept. Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of
Barcelona. https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-patologia-terapeutica/chromatin-dynamics-in-cancer-and-cell-fate 
Títol del projecte: Validation of chromatin factors as sensitizers for chemotherapy in colon càncer Resum: One of
the major problems in modern oncology is resistance to treatment, which leads to relapse and fatal outcomes for
patients. In order to find novel therapeutic targets that help overcome chemoresistance in colon cancer, we
performed a loss-of-function screen against 900 chromatin proteins involved in DNA biology. We have identified
several candidates that give resistance or sensitize to chemodrugs in vitro, when they are downregulated. The
present project will validate some of these targets in vitro (and possibly in vivo) by downregulating individually their
expression with shRNA or targeting their activity with specific drugs when available. Expression levels will be
assessed by RT-qPCR, WB and Immunofluorecence. Moreover funcional studies will be performed and databases
will be mined. Contacte: send a CV and academic records to Sonia Forcales, Email:  sforcales@ub.edu

GRUP: Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental. Univeristat de Barcelona. Campus de Bellvitge. Títol

del projecte: Identification of new targeted therapies for breast cancer using CRIPR libraries . Projecte: Loss-of-
function screenings have been successfully used to identify new therapeutic targets in different diseases including
cancer. In our laboratory we have set up the conditions to generate our own CRIPSR libraries targeting a selected
set of genes related to any biological process. This technology allows us to analyze which genes are essential for
cancer cells to survive while are not affecting the normal cells. The successfully validated genes will be inhibited in
cell lines and tested in animal models to determine their effect in tumor viability. The final goal of the project is to
describe new and more efficient therapies and to better understand the mechanisms that lead tumor progression
and metastasis. Contact: send a CV and academic records to Ruth Rodriguez
Barrueco, Email: rrodriguezb@ub.edu 

GRUP: Cancer Metabolism (Lab Dr. Ramon Bartrons) Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Campus
Bellvitge. Project title: Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells. The present project aims to study the impact of
PFKFB3, PFKFB4 and TIGAR genes in tumour metabolic reprogramming. We propose to examine how regulation of
these genes may cause alterations in cellular energy metabolism, affecting the functionality of the cells, with the
objective of obtaining new methods of treatment using siRNAs and glycolytic inhibitory drugs. Our group has
demonstrated the crosstalk between PFKFB3 and TIGAR (Simon-Molas et al. FEBS Lett. 2016), how TIGAR
metabolically reprograms carcinoma and stromal cells in breast cancer (Ko YH et al. J Biol Chem. 2016) and the
regulation of PFKFB3 by TGFbeta (Rodríguez-García et al. FEBS J. 2017). Recently we have described the implication
of PFKFB3 in lymphocyte proliferation (Simon-Molas et al. Mol Cell Biochem. 2018). We want to deep study this
gene and characterise its regulation in tumoral cells, so anyone that have interest in knowing càncer metabolism
will be welcome to work with us. For more information please contact with Dr. Ramon
Bartrons rbartrons@ub.edu and Dr. Anna Manzano  annamanzano@ub.edu

GRUP: Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism (IDIBELL) - (OPCION BECA) Project title : Molecular Mechanisms of

chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer. Our group has recently discovered that CRCs, when treated with
chemoterapeutic drugs, can store anabolic power in the form of mRNAs (Gentilella et al. 2017, Molecular Cell).
After therapy the resistant tumor cells could spend this "cellular currency" to grow and resume proliferation of the
tumor. With a set of biochemical and genetic approaches, which involves also state of the art technologies such as
CRISPR and Nanopore sequencing, our group is characterizing the biochemical complex in charge of protecting
those anabolic mRNAs. We are seeking a highly-motivated master student who will learn Crispr genome editing,
basic and advanced molecular biology techniques, cell biology approaches and will actively contribute to the
advancement of ongoing studies. 4th-year students in biomedicine planning to enroll to the next master in
biomedicine course are also invited to apply.  For more information please contact Dr. Antonio
Gentilella:  antonio.gentilella@ub.edu

GRUP: Terapia anticancerosa. Departament de Bioquímica i Fisiologia Facultat de Farmàcia

UB Projecte: Therapeutic applications of PPRHs in cancer and gene therapy. Our research is focused in the design
and improvement of new therapies for cancer treatment. We have developped in our laboratory a new strategy:
Polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRHs). PPRHs can be used as therapeutic tools to target genes related to
cancer progression, resistance to drugs or immunotherapy approaches. In addition repair-PPRHs are a new
methodology to correct point mutations in endogenous
genes. http://www.ub.edu/terapiamol/cancer/Welcome.html  Send a CV and academic records to: Carles Ciudad i
Verònica Noé mail: cciudad@ub.edu , vnoe@ub.edu 

GRUP:  Biofísica i Bioenginyeria. Facultat de Medicina. Títol: Effects of cyclic stretch on mesenchymal stem cell-

induced lung endothelial repair. Referències de la recerca del lab en el
tema:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=almendros+i Contacte: Envieu CV (nota mitja) i carta de
motivació al Dr. Isaac Almendros per email:  isaac.almendros@ub.edu

GRUP:  Biofísica i Bioenginyeria. Facultat de Medicina. Títol: Study of malignant properties induced by chronic and

intermittent hypoxia in lung cancer. Referències de la recerca del lab en el
tema: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=almendros+i Contacte: Envieu CV (incloent nota mitja)  i carta
de motivació al Dr. Isaac Almendros per email: isaac.almendros@ub.edu

GRUP: Síntesi Estereoselectiva d’Antitumorals i Antivírics Química Orgànica, Facultat de Química, UB   Títol del

projecte: Nous mètodes de bioconjugació de macròlids antitumorals amb anticossos monoclonals
(mAb). Syntheses of anti-tumour macrolides in which our research group has been involved in the past decade,
which are known or suspected to bind the cytoskeleton protein actin, will be simplified and adapted to introduce
linkers that will allow us to attach them to antibodies. Different conjugation approaches (bioorthogonal click
reactions), including some disclosed by ourselves, will be examined looking for as much chemical homogeneity as
possible. We will collaborate with one small biotech specialised in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that
bind to overexpressed membrane receptors of several types of cancer cells. Afterwards, the samples will be
submitted to biologists dealing with actin or with cancer cell proteins. This stage will allow us to gain insight into
their activity and to establish their mechanisms of action. The ultimate goal is to discover one or two antibody–drug
conjugates (ADC) as new leads. There are currently only two FDA-approved ADC for cancer therapy, and Other ADC
are in advanced clinical trials. However, none of them targets actin and involves marine macrolides. This new kind
of ADC may be deemed leads or drug candidates of double action, as the therapeutic mAbs will carry and deliver,
after endocytosis, the actin-interacting drugs to the target cancer cells.  Contact: Jaume Vilarrasa Llorens send CV
to, email:  jvilarrasa@ub.edu  

GRUP: IDIBELL, UB. Project Title: “New insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis and
hepatocarcinogenesis” The group has developed new cell and animal models for better understanding the role of
TGF-beta and EGF in liver fibrosis and cancer. We are particularly interested in the NADPH oxidase NOX4, in the
cross-talk among TGF-beta and EGF signals. The master student will work in vitro with cell cultures and in vivo with
these animal models. He/she will perform techniques related to cell/tissue and molecular biology: Real-Time PCR,
Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, proteomics, metabolomics, among
others. . Contact: Send a CV and academic records to: Dra. Isabel
Fabregat mail ifabregat@ub.edu Web: www.idibell.cat

GRUP:  Prostate cancer (PCa) is the solid tumor most frequently diagnosed in adult men in developed countries.
Men with localized and locally advanced PCa with BRCA2 germline mutations experience more rapid progression to
metastatic spread, suggesting a more aggressive phenotype. The mechanisms by which loss of BRCA2 might
promote aggressive PCa and confer resistance to androgen deprivation therapy and androgen signaling pathway
inhibitors are not understood, and the management of patients harboring BRCA2 mutations not well established.
The aim of this project is to advance in the understanding of BRCA2-tumors' physiology. master student will do the
experimental work studying the role of DDR genes in prostate cancer. Uncover the role of BRCA2 and DNA damage
response in prostate cancer progression.  If you are interested in this research subjecte, please contact Dra. Olga
Méndez: olga.mendez@vhir.org

GRUP: Tissue Remodelling, Fibrosis and Cancer Group (TRFCLab) (IIBB-CSIC) TFM Title: Unravelling the degradome
associated with tissue remodelling during liver cancer Research Summary: The degradome is the complete set of
proteases present in an organism. Proteases are overexpressed in several different cancers and contribute
to carcinogenesis, invasiveness potential and metastasis. Despite the proven importance of proteases in liver
disease and in many types of cancer, the role of proteases in the progression of liver cancer is currently unknown.
Thus, the aim of this project is to unravel the proteolytic network associated with tissue remodelling during
liver cancer. We will use in vivo preclinical murine models of liver cancer and in vitro cellular models with increasing
complexity to mimic the biophysical conditions of the tumour. The candidate will analyse the in vitro and in vivo
models using histological (IHP, IF…), molecular (WB, RT-PCR…) and microscopy (confocal, time-lapse…)
techniques. Please send CV and current degree qualification a Dr. Anna Moles
Fernández mail ana.moles@iibb.csic.es

GRUP:  The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) (http://www.carrerasresearch.org/ . Title: Identifying

the role of oncogenic fusion protein on 3D genome alteration and pathogenesis of leukemia . The main interest
of our lab is to understand the role of oncogenic fusion proteins induced by chromosomal
translocations on chromatin organization and pathogenicity of leukemic cells. We combine
and integrate multi-omics experimental and computational approaches encompassing state
of the art technologies (chromatin conformation capture, NGS, genome editing, degron
system, optogenetic) to elucidate the role of the chimeric protein on 3D chromatin
organization and lymphoblastic malignancies. Understanding how translocation can
affect biochemical properties of protein and alter the genome organization and the
gene expression will offer potential new biomedical applications for the treatment of
haematological malignanciesContacte: Gregoire Stik Please send CV and current degree
qualification email: gstik@carrerasresearch.org web page: https://www.crg.eu/en/staff-scientists/grégoire-stik

GRUP: Sarcoma Research, IDIBELL. Project title: Deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind the progression of
sarcoma metastases. Our group is interested in better understanding the process of metastases in sarcomas (Ewing
sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas). Combining different omic approaches we are
studying tumours and metastases obtained from our spontaneous metastases mice model. From this unique
approach, we can study the transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenomic profiles in order to increase our
understanding of these cancers and find better treatment approaches to improve survival rates. Our past MSc
students have focused on validating candidate targets (genes, proteins and miRNA) using a wide range of molecular
and in vitro techniques. Send a CV and academic records to:  Òscar Martínez Tirado  per
mail: omartinez@idibell.cat. Project’s supervisor. Web https://idibell.cat/recerca/area-de-cancer/programa-
de-mecanismes-molleculars-i-terapia-experimental-en-oncologia-oncobell/sarcoma/

GRUP:  Laboratory of Cell Signaling and Cancer, Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (CSIC), Parc Científic de
Barcelona Títol: Functional genomics approaches for the identification of new molecular mechanisms of drug
resistance in cancer.  Acquired drug resistance is a major cause of therapeutic failure in advanced
cancers, eventually leading to the death of patients. Although different cancers may use different
strategies to survive different forms of therapeutic pressure, there are emerging evidences for
shared mechanisms underlying acquired drug resistance, notably those relying on metabolic
reprogramming. In the current project, we offer students the opportunity to actively participate in
systematic searches for molecular factors and mechanisms of drug resistance in colorectal and/or
breast canrcinoma cell models, by applying screening schemes based on CRISPR technology and
multiple validation assays. Envieu: CV, academic records a: Timothy
Thomson Email: titbmc@ibmb.csic.es
GRUP: Melanoma: imaging, genetics and immunology in IDIBAPS-Centre Esther Koplowitz. TITLE: Role of tumor-
specific immune profile in melanoma prognosis and immunotherapy response. PROJECT: Cutaneous melanoma is
one of the neoplasms with the highest metastasizing capacity, being one of the cancers with the highest rate of
productive years of life lost. The overall mortality rate of cutaneous melanoma is 20%, but it increases to more than
60% in cases where tumor thickness (Breslow index) is greater than 4 mm. Cutaneous melanoma is considered a
highly immunogenic tumor, inducing a spontaneous immune response. The implementation of new target therapies
and immunotherapies has considerably improved survival rates of patients with metastatic melanoma, although
most of them present significant toxicities or eventually develop resistance. This project aims to identify immune-
related gene expression profiles in melanoma tumors and evaluate their prognostic value and/or capability to
predict immunotherapy response. SUPERVISOR: Susana Puig CONTACT: Send CV and academic records to Susana
Puig spuig@clinic.cat,Gemma Tell tell@clinic.cat WEB:https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/idibaps/research-
areas/oncology-and-haematology/melanoma-imaging-genetics-and-immunology-1/projects

GRUP: T cell lymphoma group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute. Títol: Search of new therapeutic
targets for angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma treatment. Projecte: T-cell lymphomas are a group of rare
hematological diseases with a poor prognosis and a high incidence of relapse after treatment. This
is the case of angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma. Availability of preclinical mouse models for rare
cancers is a prerequisite for determining therapeutic pathways and targets from which to design
and test new treatments. The main objective of the project will be to contribute to the
characterization of a new mouse model for the study of AITL by developing thymocytes maturation
and T cell activation studies in order to determine possible defects in these processes leading to
AITL appearance. Then, we will study the molecular pathways implicated in this aberrant behavior
with the objective to identify new therapeutic targets and to design and validate new therapeutic
strategies in vitro. Send CV and academic records to: Dra. Laura Mondragón
Martínez lmondragon@carrerasresearch.org
GRUP: Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors; Lung cancer division. IDIBAPS, Hospital
Clínic de Barcelona. Project title: Usefulness of DNA and RNA analysis for the selection of personalized
therapy in advanced-NSCLC and characterization of the resistance mechanisms in METex14 mutations.
Summary: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer worldwide, being responsible for more than 1.6 million
deaths per year. The introduction of targeted therapies in selected subgroups of patients and immunotherapy has
revolutionized the outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), reinforcing the need of using
biomarkers in order to select patients for the best treatment strategy in the termed “precision medicine”. In this
context, we hypothesize that the use of two DNA and RNA tissue-based multiplex technologies will enable a better
understanding of the molecular mechanisms and immune-phenotypes underlying advanced NSCLC, allowing the
selection of personalized treatments to improve outcomes. The clinical identification of such specific subsets of
molecular drivers will provide us the opportunity to further explore the intrinsic and acquired resistance
mechanisms associated to METex14 skipping oncogenic alterations. Contact: send a CV and academic records to
Elba Marín email: elmarin@clinic.cat

GRUP: Cellular Hierarchies and Cancer Heterogeneity. Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute
(IJC). Title: Senescent cells as a therapeutic target against relapse in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Project: Our group has
been focused in basic research, studying cellular hierarchies and cancer heterogeneity, with a clear translational
focus. More than 500.000 new cases of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) were diagnosed worldwide in 2018. The
mortality of this cancer has been reduced in the last century thanks to new therapies. The main objective of this
project is to investigate the role of senescent cells in NHL, specifically upon chemo and radiotherapy. Senescence is
a process characterized by a permanent arrest of the cell cycle. Our hypothesis is that eliminating senescent cells
will slow down the spreading of cancerous cells and/or the incidence of lymphoma recurrence. Thus, we will be able
to define combinatorial treatments of current therapies with novel drugs aimed at suppressing senescent cells. We
are seeking enthusiastic researchers with an interest in research, specifically Biomedicine. Good academic records
are highly appreciated and good spoken and written English required. For further information, contact: Verónica
Rodilla,  vrodilla@carrerasresearch.org

GRUP: Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Oncology Title: Interplay between whole-genome doubling and immune
infiltration to decipher mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance  Summary: The present study will utilize RNA-seq
data across the pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to determine signatures associated with
whole-genome doubling and their correlation with immune-related phenotypes, will validate expression changes by
q-RT-PCR in isogenic colorectal cancer models, and will perform functional studies to understand the increased
invasiveness of tetraploid cells using 3D cell culture methods. Contact PI: Dr. Jordi Camps JCAMPS@clinic.cat

GRUP: Patologia molecular de les neoplasies limfoides de l’IDIBAPS. Centre Esther Koplowitz (CEK) Projecte:  THE
ROLE OF SOX11 IN MCL PROTECTIVE MICROENVIRONMENT. We would like to search for potential SOX11 direct
target genes that may explain the relationship between SOX11 and tumor microenvironment-protective
interactions in order to find new potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent chemo-refractoriness
in aggressive MCL patients. Send a CV and academic records to: Virginia Amador
Espinosa Email: vamador@clinic.ub.es  

GRUP: Growth Factors Group. Vall d’Hebron Insyitute of Oncology (VHIO). Title: Senescent cells a therapeutic
target for breast cancer. Our group has been focused in basic research in breast cancer biology with a clear
translational focus. Our lab is interested on targeting specifically senescent cells and studying the consequences of
eliminating them at different tumorigenic stages. Senescence is a biological process, which involved cell cycle arrest
and it is closely linked to ageing The role of this process is particularly controversial in tumors, since the secretory
phenotype associated to these cells can activate the stroma surrounding the primary tumor, promoting metastasis;
and on the other hand, in initial stages of tumorogenesis, these cells are able to recruit the immune system allowing
the clearing of the tumor cells, suggesting a tumor suppressor activity. We have developed a new set of transgenic
mice which will allow us to elucidate the role of these cells during the tumorogenesis. We are seeking enthusiastic
researchers with an interest in research in Biomedicine. Good academic records are required, as well as good
spoken and written command of English. Contact: Verónica Rodilla  vrodilla@vhio.net For more information, visit
our web http://www.vhio.net/es/joaquin-arribas/

GRUP: Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B∙ARGO).  ICO and PMPPC (IGTP). The general aims of
B·ARGO group are: to identify new strategies, emerging from basic research and apply them in clinical practice; To
typify new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, new predictive biomarkers of response to current anti-
neoplasic therapies; To determine biomarkers for tumor resistance acquisition during exposure to treatment. As a
general approach, we study tumor samples from several cancer types by using high throughput techniques
(genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics). Selected candidate genes are further validated using more specific
techniques (qPCR, sequencing) in tumors or/and liquid biopsies. Moreover, we perform functional experiments
using cell lines in vitro models (shRNA, CRISPR-Cas9 and pharmacologic blockade) through several molecular
techniques (cytotoxicity and colony assays, qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, etc); more info of our group and
research lines at:  http://www.germanstrias.org/research/es-cancer/18/badalona-applied-research-group-in-
oncology-b-argo. We are looking students that eventually are willing to do the PhD after the master. For more
information please contact with: Anna Martinez-Cardús, PhD email: amartinezc@igtp.cat

GRUP: Gastrointestinal and pancreatic oncology – Dpt Liver, digestive system and metabolism. IDIBAPS – CEK P4.
BCN Project: Ubiquitin proteasome system regulates the development, metastasis and chemoresistance of
colorectal cancer (CRC).  Summary of project: CRC is the second and third cause of cancer death in women and men,
respectively. Our research studies the regulation and functionality of the E3 ubiquitin ligase GRAIL in CRCs harboring
activating mutations of KRAS or BRAF oncogenes and inactivating mutations of APC tumor suppressor. Using human
and transgenic mice we will characterize GRAIL as biomarker of prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. The
involvement of TGFβ-Smads, EGF-MAPK/PI3K and Wnt-β-catenin pathways in GRAIL regulation will be determined.
Send CV and academic records to:  esanche3@clinic.cat Project supervisor: Ester Sánchez Tilló – PhD, Miguel
Servet principal investigador    http://www.idibaps.org/research/410/gastrointestinal-and-pancreatic-oncology.

GRUP: Transcriptional Dynamics in Leukemia (Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute-IJC). PROJECT: The role of
inflammatory signalling in malignant hematopoiesis. Our lab is is a recently-established team focused on
understanding the molecular events that lead to leukemia. We have previously studied the role of mutations in the
cohesin complex, which are very frequent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We demonstrated that cohesin is
required for the transcriptional response to key hematopoietic signalling pathways. We will expand on these
findings by exploring the role of cohesin mutations in other types of leukemia and by understanding the role of
chromatin regulators in the response of hematopoietic cells to signalling pathways. CANDIDATE: We are looking for
students to do experimental work on cellular models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to generate gene
expression and chromatin state genome-wide sequencing data. Broadly, experiments will involve CRISPR editing,
gene expression knock-down by shRNA, RNA isolation and analysis of gene expression and cloning.
Mail: scuartero@carrerasresearch.org Web: http://www.carrerasresearch.org/en/transcriptional-dynamics-
in-leukemia_129664

GRUP: Experimental Hematology. Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) Title: Understanding the tumor
immune microenvironment in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) for the development of immunotherapeutic
strategies that target each individual’s immune biology. Project: We are working with primary samples from
patients diagnosed with NHL and cell lines to decipher the relationship between the immune microenvironment and
the tumoral cells. We are pre-clinically trying, optimizing and personalizing different therapies for these patients.
The project includes working with mouse models, genetically engineering of cells and multiparametric cytometry.
Special focus on CNS lymphomas. http://www.vhio.net/en/experimental-hematology-group/  Contact: Send your
application and full CV to Director (TFM): Marta Crespo Maull mail: macrespo@vhio.net 

GRUP: Càncer Ginecològic / Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) Project Title: Precision Medicine
and Therapeutic Resistance Mechanisms in Gynecological Cancer. Description: We are actively focused on the
identification of genes (coding and non-coding) that are essential for the development and progression of
gynecological malignancies (mainly, but not exclusively, endometrial cancer) to ultimately discover novel
therapeutic avenues to implement precision medicine in this field. In order to achieve this our group is engaged in
multiple projects covering an array of techniques at both in vitro and in vivo level (CRISPR whole genome
screenings, RNA_sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, patient-derived orthoxenografts, etc) and focusing in
several key major cellular processes such as autophagy. More information at www.llobetnavaslab.org. Contact:
send a CV and academic grades to David Llobet Navàs, Email: dllobet@idibell.cat

GRUP: Laboratory of Gene Expression and Signaling (IBMB and ICREA). Title: Molecular analysis of Capicua, a tumor
suppressor involved in Ras-MAPK signaling. The Capicua (Cic) transcriptional repressor is an evolutionarily
conserved effector of Ras-MAPK signaling across metazoans. In humans, Cic acts as tumor and metastasis
suppressor and is also involved in SCA1 neurodegeneration, although how Cic functions at the molecular level
remains poorly understood. Our goal is to advance this understanding using Drosophila as a model system in
combination with biochemical, imaging and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing approaches. We offer the possibility to
economically subsidize your master and extend it into a PhD position from 2019. Contact: Please send your
application and full CV to Dr. Gerardo Jimenez, e-
mail gjcbmc@ibmb.csic.es Web: http://www.ibmb.csic.es/groups/gene-expression-and-signaling

GRUP: Resistance, Chemotherapy and Predictive Biomarkers group.  ProCURE (ICO) and PMPPC (IGTP). Our work is
focused on the study of molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to treatment in colorectal
cancer (CRC). As a general approach we develop in vitro models of chemoresistance that are subsequently studied
by high throughput techniques (transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics). Gene or protein candidates are further
validated through functional experiments in which the expression of the candidate is experimentally altered
(shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, pharmacologic inhibitors) and tested in cell lines and in mice models. Several cell biology and
molecular techniques are used (cytotoxicity assays, qPCR, western blotting, etc); more info at: http://www.procure-
ico.eu/eva-m-balibrea-lab.html Several examples of our work can be found following the
link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=martinez-balibrea We are looking students that are willing to
do the PhD after the master. For more information please contact with: Eva Martinez-Balibrea, PhD
email: embalibrea@iconcologia.net

GRUP: IDIBAPS-Centre Esther Koplowitz Proyecto: Immunotherapeutic approaches in 3D models of Follicular

lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma and represents the
paradigm of a lymphoid neoplasia depending on microenvironment.  This immune microenvironment is highly
immnosuppressive, precluding the correct activation of an anti-tumor immune response from the host. We have
developed 3D models of FL with several accompanying cells (FDC, M2, T cells) to mimic the lymphoma biology. In
these 3D systems we are testing the efficacy of several immunotherapy combinations aiming at the reactivation of
cytotoxic T cells leading to lymphoma cell death. Envieu CV+nota mitja (actual) a:  Patricia Pérez
Galán Email: pperez@clinic.cat  web: http://www.idibaps.org/recerca/303/fisiopatologia-i-bases-moleculars-
en-hematologia

GRUP: Estudi dels microRNAs en els càncers digestius. IDIBAPS Títol: Estudi funcional de microRNAs alterats
en el càncer de pàncrees. El càncer de pàncrees és un dels càncers més letals amb una incidència
creixent a la nostra societat. Es necessita urgentment desenvolupar noves estratègies
terapèutiques que puguin millorar el mal pronòstic d’aquesta malaltia. Els microRNAs (miRNAs)
juguen un paper clau en la carcinogènesi i molts d’ells presenten nivells alterats en pacients amb
càncer de pàncrees. El nostre grup ja ha demostrat el potencial com a biomarcadors que tenen
aquestes molècules. El nostre objectiu ara és investigar el paper funcional que tenen aquests
miRNAs alterats en l’oncogènesi pancreàtica, amb la finalitat d’avaluar la seva contribució en la
progressió tumoral, establir els seus mecanismes d’acció através de la identificació dels seus gens
diana i sentar les bases per al desenvolupament de noves estratègies terapèutiques.
Interessats/des envieu CV amb nota mitjana del Grau a: Dra. Meritxell Gironella
Cos mgirone@clinic.cat 
GRUP:  Recerca cel·lular en inflamació i cartílag (IMIM-Parc de Salut Mar, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona,
PRBB). Títol: Caracterització clínica, radiològica i analítica del pacient amb artrosi de genoll (projecte englobat dins
d’una ajuda “Retos de la Sociedad” del Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad). L’artrosi és una patologia molt
prevalent i altament discapacitat, amb un cost econòmic equiparable al del tractament de tots el tipus de càncer
plegats. A hores d’ara no té tractament més enllà de la intervenció quirúrgica per sotmetre’s a un pròtesi de genoll.
Això és degut principalment a la manca d’un bon fenotipatge del pacients que permeti classificar-los segons
l’etiologia de la malaltia. En aquest projecte volem investigar quines diferències s’observen a nivell bioquímic entre
els pacients que, tot i presentar un mateix grau de severitat de la malaltia, necessiten una pròtesis de genoll en
front als que no la requereixen. Concretament, en aquest projecte estudiarem la composició matricial de diferents
àrees del cartílag així com l’expressió gènica, els mediadors inflamatoris, catabòlics i anabòlics presents en el líquid
sinovial, i diversos marcadors pronòstics de la malaltia. La finalitat és poder descriure un algoritme que identifiqui
als pacients en risc de patir una pròtesi de genoll. Envieu  CV amb nota mitja expedient a  Dr. Joan Carles
Monllau mail: ltio@imim.es   www.imim.es/programesrecerca/inflamacio/recercacel.html.

GRUP: Institute for Health Sciences Research Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) Can Ruti-Badalona Project
Title: Deciphering the role of HDAC11 in the physiopathology of skeletal muscle HDAC11 is the latest member
identified of the HDAC family and it is the unique member of the class IV HDAC subfamily. HDAC11 is highly
expressed in skeletal muscle but its functions in skeletal muscle physiology are unknown. We are addressing the
role of HDAC11 in skeletal muscle differentiation, growth and muscle regeneration in primary muscle cell lines and
in murine models. Our results suggest a role of HDAC11 regulating the metabolic state of skeletal muscle tissue and
currently, we are performing experiments to better understand the contribution of HDAC11 in the skeletal muscle
physiology, which is altered in chronic muscle pathologies and during aging. The candidates should have some
expertise en molecular biology and cell culture techniques and be very motivated students. Experience with mice
handling will be well considered.  We are interested in recruiting a PhD student, so the Master project can be
continued with a PhD Thesis.Contact to Mònica Suelves msuelves@igtp.cat sending a motivation letter, academic
records and CV.

GRUP: Regulació de la inflamació, Dept. Patologia Experimental IIBB-CSIC. Titol del projecte: Senyalització mediada

per exosomes en la pancreatitis aguda. Al nostre grup hem descrit la generació d'exosomes en les primeres etapes
de la pancreatitis aguda experimental. El projecte estarà centrat en valorar el tipus de mediadors transportats per
aquests exosomes i quin efecte tenen sobre diferents cèl·lules diana. Envieu CV al Dr. Daniel Closa per
email: daniel.closa@iibb.csic.es

GRUP:  Malalties Respiratòries. Dept. Patología Experimental. IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS.  Els projectes de la fibrosi
pulmonar idiopàtica. Projecte: Desenvolupament d’una teràpia cel·lular basada en el trasplantament
intratraqueal de cèl·lules epitelials pulmonars. Actualment estem cercant els mecanismes moleculars implicats en
els beneficis derivats d’aquesta teràpia per tal de fer-la més efectiva.  Per dur a terme la nostra recerca treballem
amb animals d’experimentació i amb cultius cel·lulars. Realitzem tècniques clàssiques de bioquímica i histologia,
immunohistoquimica, RT-PCR, ELISAS, western blot, citometria. Dra. Anna Serrano Mollar. Per poder fer el TFM
envieu un mail anna.serranomollar@iibb.csic.es. Per demanar una entrevista. 

GRUP: Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine Group Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) Títol del projecte:
Nanomaterials per l’alliberació controlada de fàrmacs vers la seva diana terapèutica. L’objectiu principal del
nostre grup és utilitzar la Microscòpia de súper-resolució (Nanoscòpia) per visualitzar i fer el seguiment de
nanomaterials autoensamblats amb potencial terapèutic en cèl·lules vives i teixits (Nanomedicina). El projecte a
realitzar se centrarà en demostrar la selectivitat d’aquests nanomaterials vers la seva diana terapèutica mitjançant
STORM (sigla en anglès de Microscòpia de reconstrucció òptica estocàstica). Envieu CV + nota mitjana (actual) a: Dr.
Lorenzo Albertazzi mail: lalbertazzi@ibecbarcelona.eu.

GRUP:  Nanomol; Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) /CIBER-BBN.  Project: Lymph nodes on

a chip for cancer immunotherapies. This project consists of developing a microfluidic system to submit our artificial
lymph nodes based on synthetic 3D hydrogels to a flow, with the objective of improving T lymphocyte expansion,
which is an important limitation of adoptive cell therapy. This immunotherapy has already obtained remissions of
patients with advanced cancers, but still needs to overcome this limitation to be broadly used in the clinics. The
student will be involved in the optimization of the microfluidic chip through the analysis of human T cell expansion
by means of flow cytometry, ELISA, microscopy, etc. Envieu CV a Judith Guasch mail: jguasch@icmab.es  
web: https://www.mr.mpg.de/14083469/spatzpartnersguasch; www.icmab.es/nanomol.

GRUP:  Nanomol; Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB); CSIC/CIBER-BBN Títol: Dynamic molecular
bio-interfaces for control environments for cell guidance Cellular morphogenesis is orchestrated by multifaceted
signaling pathways of the surrounding environment, which enable cells to differentiate . The work will consist in
the modification of surfaces with molecular and bio-nanomaterials to control the cell-material interface for cell
guidance studies.  Envieu CV, nota mitja a Jaume Veciana/Imma Ratera mail: nanomol@icmab.es 
web: www.icmab.es/nanomol

GRUP: Genetic predisposition to gastrointestinal cancer research group, integrated within the Pancreatic and
Gastrointestinal Oncology team in IDIBAPS. Centre Esther Koplowitz. Project: Identification of new genes for
germline predisposition to colorectal cancer, serrated polyposis syndrome and gastric cancer.  The research group
has the main objective of identifying genetic variants involved in the germline predisposition to colorectal cancer,
serrated polyposis syndrome and gastric cancer through genetic association studies and next generation sequencing
and its application to the clinical management in the affected patients. Envieu CV, nota mitja a: Sergi Castellví
Bel Contact email: sbel@clinic.cat -- http://bioinfo.ciberehd.org/GPtoCRC/en/home.html; http://
www.idibaps.org/recerca/410/oncologia-gastrointestinal-i-pancreatica.  

GRUP:  Nanomol; Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB); CSIC/CIBER-BBN Títol: Nanovesicles for

enzyme delivery Liposomes have arisen as supramolecular entities capable to selectively and efficiently deliver
cargo molecules (drugs, proteins, enzymes) at the desired biological sites resulting in a considerable increase of
their therapeutic activity whilst reducing side-effects. In this project, the student will be involved in the design,
synthesis and characterization of new nanoliposomes for the tailored transport of a-galactosidase trough cell
membranes and BBB, and to improve treatment of Fabry disease.    Envieu CV, nota mitja a Elisabet Gonzalez/Nora
Ventosa mail: nanomol@icmab.es  web: www.icmab.es/nanomol 

GRUP: Biologia molecular i cel·lular dels tumors del desenvolupament (Fundació Sant Joan de Déu).  Títol del
projecte: Characterization and relevance of the epigenetic landscape in the development of Ewing
sarcoma. Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a bone and soft tissue malignancy that predominantly affects children and young
adults.  ES tumours are cytogenetically characterized by a chromosomal translocation, which in 85% cases produces
the fusion oncogene EWS-FLI1.  It has been recently described that EWS-FLI1 induces transcriptional activation or
repression of its targets by binding to GGAA sequences and recruiting histone modifying enzymes. Using proteomic
and genomic approaches our group aims to understand which enzymatic activities help EWS-FLI1 reorganize
chromatin in order to develop new pharmacological strategies for ES treatment. 
WEB: http://www.fsjd.org/es/grupos-de-investigacion_124988/36271. Envieu CV a: Dr. Jaume
Mora Jmora@sjdhospitalbarcelona.org, i Dra. Sara Sánchez Molina ssanchez@fsjd.org.

GRUP: Tumors endocrins, Programa de Medicina Predictiva i Personalitzada del Càncer, Institut de Recerca

Germans Trias i Pujol (PMPPC-IGTP) Títol del projecte: The role of kallikreins in thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer has a
broad range of clinical behaviors from indolent to the worst cancer forms. However, the current prognostic
biomarkers are limited as well as the therapeutic options for non-responder patients to standard treatment.
Recently, we reported the transcriptional and epigenetic deregulation of kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) in
thyroid cancer. KLKs constitute a family of 15 serine proteases located in a cluster on chromosome 19. Their
potential as tumor biomarkers and their involvement in different cancer-related processes is well established in
many cancers. However, little is known about KLKs in thyroid cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the role
of KLKs in thyroid cancer: i) clinical applicability, ii) regulation of the cluster, iii) functional
implications. Methodology: human tissue samples; cancer cell lines; DNA methylation analysis by bisulfite
pyrosequencing; RT-qPCR; Umi-4C-Seq; ChIP; dual-luciferase reporter assays; CRISPR/Cas9 technology; functional
assays. www.germanstrias.org Envieu CV, nota mitja a Mireia Jordà mail: mjorda@igtp.cat

GRUP:  Aging and Cancer Group of the Cancer Epigenetic and Biology Program of Bellvitge Institute for Biomedical
Research (IDIBELL) Títol del projecte: Identification of genetic and epigenetic factors regulating cancer stem cell
plasticity during carcinoma progression. Skin squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the second more frequent tumor
in humans. Despite these lesions are early eliminated by surgical resection, the 8% of patients develop recurrent
tumors with high metastasis prone, which reduce significantly the patient survival. During our previous studies we
generated lineages of mouse skin SCC progression and we demonstrated that cancer stem cell features and fate
change during skin SCC progression, concomitant with an increase in the tumor-initiating capability and a strong and
stable induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) program. The main objective of this project is to identify
the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that control this dynamic CSC behavior and that are involved in the
maintenance of a mesenchymal phenotype, promoting SCC
progression. Web: www.idibell.cat i www.pebc.cat Envieu CV, nota mitja a: Dra. Purificación Muñoz
Moruno Mail: p.munoz@idibell.cat

GRUP: IRB Title: Using Drosophila model to understand malignant growth.  ContactWe model cancer in flies to
understand the cellular changes that drive malignant growth and to identify conserved mechanisms that might
be relevant for human cancer therapy. We focus on the mechanisms of malignant transformation in larval brains
where we have found that neural stem cells can originate tumours if the process of self-renewing asymmetric
division is disrupted, and that some tumour types are driven by the ectopic expression of germline proteins. We
work on the mechanisms that bring about genome instability in Drosophila tumours and try establishing the actual
extent to which such lesions contribute to tumor progression. We develop and make extensive use of advanced
microscopy techniques. The goal of this Master project is the characterisation of genes that we have recently found
to be required for malignant growth in our tumour models. The Master student will take part in ongoing molecular,
biochemical and microscopy studies. The Master student is expected to take full part in lab seminars and scientific
discussions and will acquire hands on experience in Drosophila research. S/he will also gain training in experiment
design. Envieu: CV, academic records, motivation letter, two recommendation letters a Prof. Cayetano
González mail: gonzalez@irbbarcelona.org 
Web: https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/research/cell-division-laboratory

GRUP: IRB  Title: Drosophila as a model system in cancer biology. Cancer is a multi-hit process involving
mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressors, as well as interactions between the tumor cells and the
surrounding stroma. Cancer as a disease is characterized by a series of hallmarks, which include sustained
proliferative signalling, resistance to growth suppressors and to cell death, increased replicative immortality,
invasiveness and metastasis, energy metabolism reprogramming, genome instability, and inflammation. Our lab is
interested in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of many of these hallmarks,
especially the role of Genome Instability in tumourigenesis. The fruit fly, Drosophila, is an excellent, genetically-
tractable system for modelling the development of cancer, due to the conservation of signaling pathways, cell
proliferation and survival genes between fly and humans, its suitability for genetic and molecular manipulations,
and its well-described developmental biology. Working with flies (an in vivo approach) allows the analysis of
tumours at the cellular level but also at the systemic level (relationship between tumours and the rest ofthe body).
Envieu: motivations letter Dr.Marco
Milán mail marco.milan@irbbarcelona.org   web: https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/research/development-
and-growth-control-laboratory