Cellular Physiology of biotic and abiotic stresses

Dr. Tiziana Guarnieri, Dr. Rossella Dallo, Dr. Michela Tallarico

Nowadays, the incidence of environmentally-driven tumors is growing and is affected by a significant individual variability. In addition to genetic basis, which can account for individual susceptibility, inflammation is the most influential endogenous factor inducing and/or promoting cancer. However, the picture describing how environmental factors and inflammation influence each other in cancer etiology is still incomplete. The focus of our research is breast cancer (BC). We want  to elucidate the complex framework linking the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL6) and Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR).

This biosensor is a cytosolic ligand-activated transcription factor which is activated by a large number of environmental pollutants, such as dioxins and PCBs. In order to understand how inflammation influences the response of mammary cells by means of AhR,  we employ a cellular and molecular approach in in vitro two and three-dimensional cell models (cell monolayers and spheroids/organoids). In particular, we are interested in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), as it doesn’t  express some markers which are validated targets (e.g. Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, HER2 Receptor) of chemotherapy. Due to their interaction, we are evaluating IL6 and AhR as possible chemotherapeutic targets of TNBC, which is still waiting a personalized treatment approach. Collaborations: BiGeA Bologna Biocomputing Group.