Research
Dissecting thyroid development and diseases using PSC-derived organoids
Thyroid development is a highly coordinated process involving a complex interplay of molecular and cellular events that ultimately lead to the formation of a functional endocrine gland. Unraveling the signaling pathways and gene networks that drive thyroid organogenesis is essential for generating reliable in vitro models that accurately mimic in vivo development. These models not only provide insights into fundamental biology and help us better understand human diseases, such as congenital hypothyroidism, but also open new perspectives for future cell therapy applications.
Thyroid cancer organoid models: dissecting carcinogenesis and developing target therapies
This project aims to leverage pluripotent stem cells to create in vitro models of thyroid cancer that accurately mimic tumor behavior in humans. This innovative system provides a unique opportunity to identify the early cellular and molecular events driving cancer initiation and progression, offering valuable insights with significant implications for thyroid cancer diagnosis and therapy.
The lung and thyroid share key early signaling pathways that drive tissue commitment. By dissecting this intricate relationship and generating lung organoids from PSCs, we aim to uncover fundamental tissue-specific developmental mechanisms. Our advanced lung organoid models, which encompass both airway and alveolar compartments, provide a powerful platform to study human pulmonary diseases. This model enables us to explore a wide range of conditions, from the effects of pollution and fibrosis/regeneration to infectious diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic insights.