The Signaling and Cell Biology Axis focuses on elucidating the fundamental mechanisms that regulate intercellular communication and intracellular processes involved in cancer formation and progression. This work covers essential biological processes such as cell division, migration, cell polarity and the associated signaling mechanisms. The aim is to understand these processes in both normal and cancerous cells in order to identify potential therapeutic targets. Using a wide range of biological models, from the nematode C. elegans and the Drosophila fly to mice and human cell lines, the teams in this axis combine experimental approaches and cutting-edge technological tools to generate transferable knowledge.

These efforts aim not only to reveal complex biological mechanisms, but also to characterize and validate innovative therapeutic targets likely to interrupt the pathways involved in cell proliferation and metastasis. By exploring mechanisms such as activation of signaling pathways, regulation of cell division, and molecular interactions influencing tumor progression, this axis contributes directly to the development of novel and promising therapeutic strategies to counter cancers resistant to current treatments.

Axis leader: Gregory Emery

Primary affiliations : Vincent Archambault, Michel Bouvier, Sébastien Carréno, Jean-Claude Labbé, Philippe Roux, Matthew Smith, Marc Therrien.

Secondary affiliations : Geneviève Deblois, Etienne Gagnon, David Knapp, Sylvie Mader, Sylvain Meloche.