The Franklin will be holding a seminar given by Dr María D. Mayán on Thursday the 31st October from 10:30-11:30.
To watch the seminar online, please sign up on the Eventbrite.
Further details on this seminar are included below.
Talk title:
Role of Connexins in DNA Repair and Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in Cancer
Abstract:
Drug resistance is a major challenge in modern cancer therapy, despite the significant advances made with targeted therapies and immunotherapies for various cancers, including advanced BRCA1/2-mutated tumors. Our group has identified a new target that plays a critical role in cell-to-cell communication and enhances the effectiveness of targeted therapies involving DNA damage, such as PARP inhibitors. By recruiting DNA repair complexes to lamina-associated domains and promoting persistent DNA damage, this target contributes to genome instability and synthetic lethality. We have developed an innovative drug combination that uses nanovesicles to deliver the protein and mRNA of the identified target, thereby enhancing cell death and anti-tumor immunity in combination with targeted therapies. Our findings highlight a new player in DNA repair and drug response in the tumor context, with significant potential to improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced tumors by exploiting key tumor vulnerabilities to overcome the limitations of current therapies.
Biography:
María D. Mayán obtained her Ph.D. in Biology from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2006 at CIB-Margarita Salas (CSIC). Following this period, she carried out postdoctoral stays in London, at Imperial College London and the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences. In 2010, she joined as Principal Investigator and later in 2014 as Group Leader at INIBIC in A Coruña. Currently, she leads her research group at CINBIO, dedicated to studying mechanisms involved in cancer progression and other age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Mayán has published several articles in high-impact journals and holds seven patents. Additionally, she has been the Principal Investigator (PI) for various national and international research projects. She coordinates the Women and Science group at SEBBM. Mayán is a Board Member of several scientific societies within SEBBM and ANIH. Moreover, she actively participates in activities related to scientific outreach, science policy, and the promotion of science, as well as the visibility of women in the STEM field.