Tomer Cooks

In this lab, we focus on various aspects of cancer research: 1. Mutant p53
controls the tumor microenvironment; TP53 mutants (mutp53) are involved
in the pathogenesis of most human cancers. Specific mutp53 proteins gain
oncogenic functions (GOF) distinct from the tumor suppressor of the wild-type
p53. We found that specific mutp53 GOF proteins can release a unique subset
of exosomes leading to the reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages
and converting them to a tumor supportive immune population in models of
colon cancer and patients. 2. Diffusing alpha-emitting radiation therapy for
solid metastatic tumors; The DaRT technology is a unique form of brachytherapy
based on short-lived atoms releasing alpha particles. We explore ways to
decipher molecular mechanisms fundamental for the spectrum of resistance
to the sensitivity of cancer cells to the treatment. 3. We attempt to define the
role of OMVs in driving inflammation-associated lung tumorigenesis in the
presence of mutant p53. To that end, we determine the short RNAs (sRNAs)
composition of OMVs shed by pathogenic bacteria invading the lung tissue
and the specific transcriptional response of mutant p53 lung carcinoma cells
to OMVs. We elucidate the modes of communications between invading
bacteria and cancer cells and the effect of bacterial extracellular vesicles on the
malignant process.

Laboratory location: Faculty of Health Sciences, M6 Building, Room 129.

Contact: coos@bgu.ac.il

Personal Site: www.tomercooks.com