Alba Sanz Sanjuan

Our immune system relies on complex signalling networks that control how cells respond to infection, inflammation, and cancer. Themis2 is an adaptor protein that helps coordinate these signals inside immune and epithelial cells. It is highly expressed in B cells, macrophages, and several epithelial cancers, yet its molecular functions remain poorly understood.

Recent studies have linked Themis2 to endometrial, ovarian, breast, and liver cancers, where it appears to influence key processes such as cell differentiation, migration, and proliferation. In particular, Themis2 upregulation has been shown to promote tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Despite these findings, the structural and mechanistic basis of how Themis2 exerts these effects remains unknown.

My research aims to define the molecular structure and signalling functions of Themis2 and its interactions with partner proteins. By combining structural biology, biochemistry, and cell-based approaches, we seek to reveal how Themis2 regulates pathways involved in inflammation and cancer. Understanding these mechanisms will provide insight into how immune signalling contributes to tumour development and may uncover new therapeutic opportunities for targeting Themis2-driven cancers.

This project combines insights from structural biology, and cancer cell biology, contributing to a more integrated understanding of how immune signalling pathways influence tumor development and progression.
 

• Master of Science in Biochemistry and Biotechnology
   

• Savvas Savvides lab
• Lab address: VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Zwijnaarde (Ghent), Belgium
• Alba Sanz Sanjuan is interested to receive invitations for talks and presentations