Research
Most scientific efforts concerning the evolutionarily conserved proteins known as caspases have primarily focused on understanding their role as regulators of cell death. However, recent evidence suggests their involvement in alternative cellular functions such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell migration. Moreover, deregulated caspase activity in these non-lethal situations could contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer.
The primary objective of my research group is to provide a comprehensive characterization of caspase activity and regulation in both normal and transformed cells that do not exhibit apparent signs of cell death. To address this fundamental biological question, we employ a diverse range of experimental approaches coupled with the extensive repertoire of genetic tools available in fruit flies. We believe that this combination could be pivotal not only in unraveling key aspects of caspase biology and various biological processes but also in identifying therapeutic avenues for specific diseases.
