Maria Alcolea (University of Cambridge)

Fate versus free will; how does the environment shape epithelial cell fate behaviour?

Host: Sara Wickström

Maria Alcolea’s laboratory focusses on understanding the behaviour of epithelial stem and progenitor cells in health and disease. Combining genetic lineage tracing approaches with a novel 3D organ culture system, Maria’s work has revealed the remarkable fate plasticity of the oesophageal epithelium. Her work has shown how cells are not only able to rewire their programme of cell behaviour in response to developmental cues, injury and early tumour formation, but has also demonstrated their ability to switch their identity well beyond physiological constraints under the right environmental cues. Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing this dynamic cell behaviour, and the potential implications for early cancer development represent Maria’s main interests.

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