Cancer is a progressive and multi-step disorder in which the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities eventually results in the transformation of normal cells into malignant cancer cells. Gene fusions formed from two previously distinct genes are the most common mutation class of known cancer genes, having a potential to create chimeric proteins with altered function. One highly enriched gene group that have been mutated in a large number of cancer types are protein kinases. The mechanisms by which kinase oncofusions induce oncogenesis can be expected to be due to alterations in protein-protein interactions of oncofusions, but also on subcellular localization, post-translational modifications, substrate specificity and activity. In our research we will identify, decipher and model the mechanisms and pathways behind the oncogenic potential of kinase-oncofusions and use drug repurposing strategy to to inhibit these oncofusions.

2022

2024