Leena Latonen

In the Cancer Stress Biology research we study the molecular, cellular and tissue mechanisms that contribute to the increased ability of cancer cells to tolerate stress. We focus on the molecular mechanisms behind the different capacities of cancer and neuronal cells to deal with protein and RNA aggregates, and the ability of cancer cells to form resistance to drugs. We also query the cancer growth patterns in tissue combining this to molecular information in order to better understand the mechanisms behind cancer cells’ ability to survive in the crossfire of different stress types. In our tissue analysis collaboration projects we search for better ways to image, visualise and quantitatively analyse histology with development of digital pathology, machine learning and AI tools.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind detrimental tissue effects in disease are key to find more efficient treatments for patients. Better understanding of cellular stress responses enables identification of novel drug targets. If we can inhibit the increased ability of cancer cells to bypass toxic amounts of stress, we can identify ways to destroy cancer cells. On the other hand, by activating the stress responses in cells that are unable to buffer out toxic effects, we can prevent the damage on cells and tissues in diseases such as neurodegeneration.

Please visit our research group website:
https://sites.uef.fi/cancer-stress-biology-latonen/