We use modern molecular genetics approaches to identify and study the genes that causes glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) most common and deadly primary tumor of the brain. Our current research is focused on two main areas:

1) Identifying and characterizing new GBM oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. As examples, we have recently (2008) identified two new tumor suppressor genes that contribute to the pathogenesis of GBM - p18INK4c and PTPRD. Current work focuses on identifying additional GBM genes and identifying the roles played by p18INK4 and PTPRD in the pathogenesis of GBM.

2) Identifying and characterizing cancer pathway interactomes. We have recently developed a new technology that makes it possible to quickly and easily identify the entire set of cellular proteins that interact with a given protein of interest. We are currently applying this approach to the identififaction of proteins that interact with components of the PI3K signalling pathway, and that interact with proteins that are mutated in GBM cells and tissues.