Research Goal
Our group is interested in understanding how mechanical forces regulate cellular decision-making machineries in processes such as malignancy, invasion or development. We aim to unravel mechano-molecular mechanisms in different contexts. Specifically, we work on (i) nuclear mechanotransduction, focused -but not limited- on understanding the mechanosensitivity of nucleocytoplasmic transport, (ii) mechanosensing at cell-extracellular matrix adhesions and (iii) structure and mechanics of the extracellular matrix. We embrace multidisciplinarity, working with molecular and cellular biology, from single cells to 3D organoids or tissue slices, in combination with high resolution microscopes and biophysical techniques.
Publications
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Fibrillar adhesion dynamics govern the timescales of nuclear mechano-response via the vimentin cytoskeleton
Nat Mater. 2026 Jul;25(7):1252-1263. DOI: 10.1038/s41563-026-02590-x -
The laminin-keratin link shields the nucleus from mechanical deformation and signalling
Nat. Mater. (2023). doi: 10.1038/s41563-023-01657-3 -
Mechanical control of the mammalian circadian clock via YAP/TAZ and TEAD
J Cell Biol. 2023 Sep 4;222(9):e202209120 doi: 10.1083/jcb.202209120 -
Understanding the role of mechanics in nucleocytoplasmic transport
APL Bioeng. 2022 Jun 29;6(2):020901 doi: 10.1063/5.0076034 -
Mechanical force application to the nucleus regulates nucleocytoplasmic transport
Nat Cell Biol. 2022 Jun;24(6):896-905. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35681009. DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00927-7 -
The force loading rate drives cell mechanosensing through both reinforcement and cytoskeletal softening
Nat Commun. 2021 Jul 9;12(1):4229. PMID: 34244477; PMCID: PMC8270983. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24383-3 -
Force Triggers YAP Nuclear Entry by Regulating Transport across Nuclear Pores
Cell. 2017 Nov 30;171(6):1397-1410.e14. Epub 2017 Oct 26. PMID: 29107331. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.10.008