A research fellowship, funded by the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC), is available to join the Organelle Communication, Trafficking and Cancer laboratory led by Prof. Sara Sigismund at the European Institute of Oncology, IEO in Milan (Italy).
About the lab
Our laboratory is interested in understanding the role of endocytosis in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
Through the study of the endocytic protein EPN3, whose overexpression in breast cancer correlates with poor prognosis and metastasis, we have recently discovered that breast epithelial cells are capable of acquiring a plastic, hybrid EMT phenotype, through the establishment of an endocytic-based circuitry, which renders them prone to perform in situ-to-invasive transition, typical of invasive breast carcinomas.
We demonstrated that this phenotype is mediated by the endocytic function of EPN3, whose overexpression enhances E-cadherin internalization and turnover. Furthermore, we recently showed that EPN3 regulates E-cadherin internalization via the GL-Lect endocytic pathway, involving galectin-3 (Gal3) and glycosphingolipids (GSLs), and that inhibition of this pathway reduces EMT and invasiveness in both in vitro and ex vivo models.
- Schiano Lomoriello et al., A self-sustaining endocytic-based loop promotes breast cancer plasticity leading to aggressiveness and pro-metastatic behavior. Nat Commun.2020 Jun 15;11(1):3020.
- Fardin et al., Targeting GL-Lect driven endocytosis to suppress cell plasticity in breast cancer. bioRxiv 01.08.698324
The Research Project
The overall goal of this project is to elucidate the role of EPN3-induced, GL-Lect–dependent endocytosis in mammary cell physiology and tumorigenesis.
Specific aims will be:
- Regulation of EPN3-mediated ECAD endocytosis upon different conditions and stimuli;
- Consequences of inhibition of EPN3-mediated ECAD endocytosis on cancer-related phenotypes (growth, migration, invasion).
Model systems: mammary cell lines and mouse organoids.
Research activity will be based at the Department of Experimental Oncology within European Institute of Oncology, a forefront research Institute in Europe. You will benefit from a highly dynamic, scientifically stimulating and interactive research environment.
Requirements
- Degree in cellular biology or biotechnology (thesis defense completed before the fellowship start date)
- Technical expertise in molecular biology, cell biology and/or genomics
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong interest in cellular signalling and cancer biology
Processing of Personal Data
The personal data, compulsorily provided, will be processed in compliance with Legislative Decree no. 101 of 10 August 2018, which adapts the Personal Data Protection Code (Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003) to the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, and only for the fulfilments related to this procedure and for those consequent to the possible establishment of the working relationship, according to what is also provided for in the privacy policy, which must be accepted by each candidate at the time of sending his/her application.
Equal opportunities
This notice is issued in compliance with equal opportunities between men and women for access to employment (L. 903/77) and economic treatment, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 198/2006.
Applicants are requested to send, through the appropriate link, their application letter, CV and full contact information of two referees
Posted on 21st January 2026