The Sitcheran Lab
Raquel Sitcheran, Ph.D.

Our research seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the behavior of cancer cells, particularly how they move and become invasive.

 

Using innovative, interdisciplinary approaches in cell imaging, in vitro 3D invasion assays, biochemistry and animal models, we have established a critical role for noncanonical NF-κB signaling in regulating cell shape, invasive potential and tumor growth. 

 

Recently, we have discovered novel functions for NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) that link regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and cell invasion indepdendently of downstream  IKK/NFkappaB signaling.​

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Current research efforts are focused on elucidating mediators of NF-κB-independent NIK signaling in the mitochondria in cancer cells, as well as normal, pluripotent cells.