Dr Elena Rainero
PI
2016- present: Lecturer, University of Sheffield (UK)
2015–2016: Research Fellow, University of Sheffield (UK)
2009–2015: Post-doctoral researcher, the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow (UK)
2010: PhD, Human Biotechnology, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara (Italy).
2006: Master, Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 110/110 cum laude, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara (Italy).
2004: Bachelor, Biotechnology, 110/110 cum laude, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara (Italy).
My group is interested in understanding the role of extracellular matrix internalisation in cell migration and invasion. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of secreted proteins that, beyond providing physical support to organs and tissues, regulates many cell functions, including proliferation, polarity, migration and oncogenic transformation. Our aims are to understand the basic molecular events regulating ECM endocytosis, as well as how ECM uptake impinges on cell migration and invasion in complex 3D environments
Mona Nazemi
Post-doctoral researcher
2020- present: Post-doctoral Research Associate in Cancer Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield (UK)
2017- 2021: PhD student, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield (UK).
2016: Master, Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Sheffield (UK).
2014: Bachelor, Biology, Baha’i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE), Tehran (Iran).
Contact: mnazemi1@sheffield.ac.uk
Tumour development is defined as a process in which cells constantly accumulate genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations. However, there is growing evidence that the tumour microenvironment could also facilitates tumour growth and survival. Tumour microenvironment consists of stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), which is highly dynamic and provides structural and mechanical support to the tissues while interacting with cells through different receptors. The focus of my PhD project is on the interaction of breast cancer cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) from a novel angle; I am interested to investigate how ECM internalization affect cell growth and metabolism in invasive breast cancer cells compare to the normal mammary epithelial cells. So far, I have tried to elucidate the effect of ECMs on growth and survival of breast cancer cells under specific nutrient depletion conditions. Now, I am exploring the role of ECM on cancer cells’ metabolic changes and adaptations under those conditions.
Montserrat LIanses Martinez
PhD Student
2019-present: ARAP student, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR (Singapore)
2018-present: PhD, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield.
2014-2018: BSc. Biomedical Science, University of Lleida, Catalonia (Spain).
Contact: mllansesmartinez1@sheffield.ac.uk
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I have always been interested in the role of tumour microenvironment in cancer. I am particularly fascinated by the significance of the remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a key player in the development of malignant tumours, migration, invasion and subsequent metastasis.
My research predominantly focuses on characterising the endocytic pathways and regulators that control ECM internalization in invasive breast cancer. In collaboration with Dr Frederic Bard (Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore) I will further delve into the role of the GALA pathway, which promotes glycosylation of secreted and cell surface proteins, on ECM remodelling. More promisingly, I eventually aim to characterise how ECM endocytosis and the GALA pathway impinge on cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion.
Keqian Nan
PhD Student
2018-present: PhD, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield.
2017-2018: Master, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield.
2016-2017: Management Trainee, Johnson & Johnson, China.
2011-2015: BSc. Biological Science, Anhui University, China.
Contact: knan1@sheffield.ac.uk
I am a PhD student with interests in cancer biology, with a particular focus on the contribution of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell migration and invasion. My study aims to understand how ECM internalization alters migratory behavior in invasive breast cancer cells and characterize the roles of integrin receptors in this process. In my spare time, I like spending time with family and friends, playing football and enjoying nature.