Christos-Nektarios Zampetidis - ESR 13
Name: Christos-Nektarios Zampetidis
Nationality: Greek
Main Host Institution: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Academic Background:
- BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- MSc in Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
Project title: Synthetic interactions in breast/ovarian cancers overexpressing Cdc6.
Project background: Given the heterogeneity of cancer, it is now becoming more evident that unraveling the molecular signature of each tumor is of vital importance in designing personalized therapeutic strategies. Cdc6, a replication licensing and transcription reprogramming factor, is frequently amplified in breast and ovarian cancers. Our lab has shown that Cdc6 overexpression causes replication stress and DNA damage which subsequently leads to genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer.
Project Aim: In order to better characterize the oncogenic properties of Cdc6, in vitro as well as in vivo studies will take place. Aim of the in vitro approach is to characterize the effects of Cdc6 overexpression on DNA replication stress, DNA damage and cell cycle checkpoint responses. Furthermore, genes which are required for the proliferation and/or survival of cancer cell lines will be identified. Concerning the in vivo studies, a mouse model overexpressing Cdc6 in the mammary gland will be generated to assess whether Cdc6 overexpression is capable for cancer development and whether the in vitro obtained mechanistic results can be recapitulated in vivo.
Expected outcome:
- Deciphering of the molecular mechanisms by which Cdc6 overexpression facilitates breast/ovarian cancer development and affects DNA replication stress both in vitro and in a mouse model.
- Identification and validation of genes that are required for proliferation of cancer cells overexpressing Cdc6.
Contact: www.gorgoulis.gr