Team Julie PANNEQUIN

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer in men, the 2nd most common cancer in women and is responsible for more than 17,000 deaths per year in France. At any stage, nearly one in two patients recurs within 5 years of treatment. Thus, in the team, we are interested in better understanding the mechanisms of tumor progression, response and resistance to treatments and recurrence. Our research is divided into three main areas: The first focuses on the chemoresistance of tumor cells and in particular that of cancer stem cells (SCCs) and the deciphering of the underlying mechanisms in order to identify ways to sensitize these cells to the different chemotherapy agents. The second axis proposes to study the heterogeneity of precancerous lesions and the role of the microenvironment in tumor progression. Finally, tumor dissemination is the subject of the third axis, with the focus on the characterization of circulating tumor cells, early dissemination, dormancy and tumor recurrence. The team has acquired recognized expertise in the ex vivo model of tumor organoids derived from patient samples (primary tumors, metastases, blood) and also in the exploitation of mouse models (subcutaneous or orthotopic xenografts and spontaneous models of colorectal tumorigenesis. The notion of translational research is at the heart of all the projects thanks to the presence of two gastroenterological clinicians who are experts in digestive oncology, Prof. Samalin (Digestive Oncologist at the ICM) and Dr. Bourgaux (Clinician at the Nîmes University Hospital). Finally, our team is very strongly committed to the SUNRiSE Network, which brings together many French teams working on the theme of solid tumor cancer stem cells.

The team uses new techniques, in vivo and in vitro models of 3D organoids and bioinformatics tools for translational research and the discovery of new therapeutic targets. The team works on different stages of colorectal cancer: 1/ The involvement of colorectal adenoma heterogeneity in cancer progression; 2/ The mechanisms of dissemination to metastatic organs; 3/ The role of cancer stem cells in resistance to treatment; 4/ The mechanisms involved in recurrence.