  | Characterization of the role of LFG (lifeguard) as an antiapoptotic protein, antagonist of Fas receptor and highly expressed in nervous system. |
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We want to know its antiapoptotic mechanism of action, and to characterize the proteins functionally interacting with it, in particular SoxN.
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| Investigate the relevance and function of the two isoforms of FAIM, the short form (S) and the long form (L), in the nervous system. |
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Faim-S promotes neural differentiation, while Faim-L is an antagonist of different death receptors. We want to know why there is a dual function, through identification and characterization of proteins selectively associated with each isoform.
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| TNF is classically considered as a promoter of cell death through its specific receptor. |
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However, in certain circumstances TNF promotes cell survival and differentiation. We want to study the antiapoptotic mechanisms of TNF, and to analyze its potential neuroprotector role in brain damage.
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| We aim to characterize death receptor antagonist function in the development of neuroblastoma. |
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We will generate in vivo and in vitro models that will allow us to study the apoptotic/antiapoptotic machinery expression status, and the role of certain death receptor antagonists in the resistance to apoptosis in these tumors. We are also interested in demonstrating the existence of cancer stem cells in this kind of tumor.
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