Liquid Biopsy Applications in Cancer
Our research line focuses on the development and clinical application of liquid biopsy as a non-invasive tool for early cancer detection, real-time monitoring of therapeutic response, and improved patient management.
We investigate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples, aiming to identify and quantify genetic alterations associated with oncogenesis and tumor progression. This includes the detection of frequent mutations, gene amplifications, and absolute copy numbers of carcinogenic nucleic acid fragments. Using advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and digital PCR, we design mutation panels tailored to cancer-specific profiles. A key aspect of this work is the evaluation of ctDNA as a diagnostic screening method for early cancer detection, as well as a dynamic biomarker to monitor tumor burden in patients undergoing targeted therapies. This approach enables the real-time assessment of treatment effectiveness and supports more personalized therapeutic decisions. We are also applying these strategies to colorectal cancer (CRC), the second most common and third deadliest cancer in Brazil. By assessing the prognostic value of ctDNA in CRC patients, we aim to improve recurrence monitoring and clinical management after surgical resection—the current curative standard of care. This project is supported by CNPq/MS and FAPDF, reinforcing our commitment to translating liquid biopsy into practice for better cancer outcomes.
Cancer Epigenetics
Our laboratory investigates how epigenetic regulators, including protein methyltransferases and demethylases, influence the development and progression of solid tumors and leukemias. By studying their roles in gene regulation, chromatin organization, and genomic stability, we aim to uncover how their dysregulation drives cancer. We also seek to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, translating our findings into more precise and effective cancer treatments. We use a variety of approaches to investigate their association with carcinogenesis and to identify new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Our work highlights how the dysregulation of these enzymes are not just passive modifiers of the genome but active drivers of cancer biology, opening opportunities for more precise and effective treatments.
CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful technology that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA within living cells. It uses a guide RNA to locate a specific DNA sequence and the Cas9 enzyme to make a targeted cut at that location. This cut can then be repaired by the cell, allowing us to disable, modify, or insert genes. In this context, our group is actively developing CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing tools for selective knockout (KO) of cancer-related targets, with a primary focus on epigenetic modifiers. Although CRISPR is a relatively recent innovation in biotechnology, it has rapidly become an essential research tool. Our laboratory aims to serve as a facilitator, making CRISPR accessible to other research groups through collaborative efforts or service provision.