Lorena Arranz: Therapeutic targeting of stem cells and their niches in myeloid malignancies
Abstract: Long life expectancy is resulting in aged societies and a remarkable increase in age-related diseases, including cancer. Stem cells self-renew and provide the source for replenishing mature cells in the organism throughout its life. These fascinating abilities ensure tissue regeneration, but must be fine-tuned regulated as their imbalance may contribute to both, ageing and cancer. Stem cell behaviour results from integration of cell-autonomous signals and extracellular cues received from the stem cell niche. Our research interest focusses on these processes that control stem cell behaviour. Taking the hematopoietic system as the primary model, my group aims at understanding the mechanisms contributing to stem cell malignant transformation using an integrative perspective that considers cell-autonomous alterations in the stem cell and remodeling of the stem cell niche. We will present unpublished observations on the role of inflammation and signaling oncometabolites in myeloid leukaemias. Our goal is the identification of novel therapeutic targets of clinical interest that will help improve survival rates and quality of life in patients of haematological malignancies.