Maarten van Lohuizen
Polycomb repressors & cancer
We study transcriptional repression by Polycomb-group (PcG) protein complexes, and the effects of deregulation of PcG genes on development, cell cycle control, cancer and stem cell maintenance. For this a range of polycomb mouse models are used in combination with specific cancer-predisposing mutations closely mimicking human cancers (Glioblastoma, Lung cancer, Mesothelioma).
Recent focus is on using CISPR screens and drug screens in polycomb-dependent tumor models to uncover new synthetic lethal interactions and vulnerabilities and new epigenetic combination therapies.
