We combine several in vivo murine tumorigenesis models with in vitro organoid cultures to study CRC initiation (see figure for examples). In addition, we are interested in how metastasis is orchestrated by the surrounding niche. We develop automated imaging quantification tools and combine these with transcriptome and epigenome analyses.

The Martin-Alonso lab currently has two research lines related to CRC. The first is about how epigenetic modifiers, the enzymes responsible for curating the epigenome, contribute to CRC formation and development. Epigenetic modifiers are attractive drug targets and we have a small library of probes that we use in vitro to support our in vivo work.

The second research line is about how intestinal smooth muscle provides niche factors, such as BMP agonists and antagonists, to control (cancer) stem cells and metastasis. The smooth muscle is an understudied part of the intestinal system, but it produces numerous niche factors that may play a role in tumor formation and metastasis.