My research has centered on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development, combining biochemistry, molecular biology, and cancer research. A central focus throughout my career has been understanding how post-translational modifications, viral proteins, and sex-specific genetic factors influence cancer progression, with the goal of developing targeted therapies. A significant aspect of my work has been the study of the progesterone receptor in breast cancer, where I explored post-translational modifications, such as SUMOylation, and their impact on receptor function and hormone resistance. More recently, I have investigated tumor immune evasion, specifically the loss of the Y chromosome in cancers, and how immune pathways like CCL2 and DDR2 can be targeted to enhance immunotherapy. Additionally, I have studied sex-based differences in cancer, with a particular focus on the Y chromosome and transcriptional regulation in bladder cancer. Moving forward, my research will continue to explore how sex hormones, post-translational modifications, and immune evasion influence the tumor microenvironment, aiming to contribute to the development of more personalized cancer treatments.
