UMR9018 - Cancer Biology and Metabolism (METSY)

Themes, Objectives, and Challenges

Cancer is a complex disease whose development involves genetic and epigenetic changes that can lead to metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, the tumor can have systemic deleterious effects on the body, such as immunosuppression and cachexia/sarcopenia, which affect prognosis, response to treatment, and patients’ quality of life. In this context, the METSY unit, organized into three research teams, is developing an integrated research program that takes into account metabolic, genetic/epigenetic, and systemic effects to identify new biological mechanisms of oncogenesis and propose targeted therapeutic approaches based on viruses, small molecules, nanoparticles, or electrochemotherapy. This program utilizes -omics technologies to identify new therapeutic targets and analyze early events following DNA translocations. The studies are conducted in models of increasing complexity relevant to pediatric and adult cancers.

Results, Prospects, and Impact

The unit’s work has notably deepened our understanding of the links between metabolism, autophagy, and treatment sensitivity, as well as the mitochondrial-nuclear dialogue and chromatin organization. This work has also opened up several avenues for therapeutic innovation, including virus-based therapies, the systemic aspects of head and neck cancers, and electrochemotherapy for hard-to-reach tumors. The unit’s research therefore has cognitive, preclinical (development and use of models and molecular tools), and extends into the clinical realm, thanks to close collaborations with the departments of pediatrics, head and neck oncology, and interventional radiology. In addition, the unit hosts two startups, Pep-Therapy (pro-apoptotic peptide-based therapies) and Viroxis (CAR T-cell therapies). Ultimately, this research is expected to lead to a better understanding of cancer biology and metabolism, which will inform the development of new therapies for the benefit of patients.