Identifying new vulnerabilities for RAS-driven tumors

Department

Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin

Main research activities/topics/projects

RAS mutations are among the most frequent driver events human cancer. RAS oncogenes have been considered undruggable for decades, until the recent FDA approvals of two direct KRAS inhibitors, sotorasib and adagrasib.  Despite robust efficacy in clinical trials, these drugs are unlikely to provide long lasting responses if used as monotherapies due the rapid development of resistance. Therefore, the study of genetically defined KRAS-driven cancer cell models of resistance could provide important information for designing novel therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance while improving patient outcome.

The purpose of our projects is to identify actionable vulnerabilities for the RAS oncogenes based on isoform-specific  susceptibilities, identification of new functional players and characterization of on-target and off-target resistance mechanisms based on genetic tools with tunable control of KRAS degradation.

Working language 

 English or Italian

Duration in months (min-max)

Master Research: 6-12

PhD sandwich: 6-12

Post Doc: 6-12