Brain tumors, Epigenetic, Cancer immunology
Our research focuses on understanding the brain microenvironment in both cancer and neurodevelopmental contexts, with a particular emphasis on pediatric gliomas and neurodegeneration. We integrate cutting-edge technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, imaging mass cytometry, and in vivo experimental models, aiming to explore how epigenetics shapes disease progression. A key area of investigation is the interplay between immune infiltration and chromatin state in pediatric brain tumors. Given the challenges of treating these aggressive cancers, we aim to uncover how epigenetic dysregulation influences immune cell behavior and contributes to tumor formation and therapy resistance. Using human tumor samples, transgenic mouse models, and patient-derived glioma cells, we employ transcriptomic and epigenomic approaches to deeply characterize immune populations and their epigenetic landscapes. Our work will provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms driving pediatric gliomas and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.