Dr Oscar Maiques

BSc, MSc, PhD
Group Leader
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Research Focus

Our research focuses on the principles of spatial biology, integrating digital pathology, multi-omic data, and various imaging modalities to explore tissue architecture and the tumour microenvironment. We examine cellular plasticity and transformation, crucial for early diagnosis and understanding the extracellular matrix's role. Employing 3D models, we aim to study the interactions within the microenvironment and how these influence disease progression and early detection. This approach helps us to understand the complex behaviour of cells and tissues, providing insights into disease mechanisms and identifying new biomarkers in clinical settings.

Key Publications
  • LAP1 supports nuclear adaptability during constrained melanoma cell migration and invasion. (2023) Nature cell biology, 25(1), 108-119. PMID: 36624187
  • A preclinical pipeline to evaluate migrastatics as therapeutic agents in metastatic melanoma. British journal of cancer (2021), 125(5), 699-713 PMID: 34172930
  • WNT11-FZD7-DAAM1 signalling supports tumour initiating abilities and melanoma amoeboid invasion. Nature communications (2020), 11(1), 5315. PMID: 33082334
  • Myosin II reactivation and cytoskeletal remodeling as a hallmark and a vulnerability in melanoma therapy resistance. Cancer Cell (2020), 37(1), 85-103. PMID: 31935375
  • Regional activation of myosin II in cancer cells drives tumor progression via a secretory cross-talk with the immune microenvironment. Cell (2019), 176(4), 757-774. PMID: 30712866
Major Funding
Barts Charity Precision Medicine Programme Part 2 Lectureship
Other Activities
  • Member of the British Association for Cancer Research
  • Member of the European Association for Cancer Research
  • Associate Editor Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Themes/Keywords
Bioinformatics Biomarkers Imaging Tumour Microenvironment Breast Melanoma Pancreatic Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics
Other Activities
  • Member of the British Association for Cancer Research
  • Member of the European Association for Cancer Research
  • Associate Editor Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Major Funding
Barts Charity Precision Medicine Programme Part 2 Lectureship
Biography
I hold a BSc in Biotechnology (2011) and an MSc (2013) and PhD (2017) from the University of Lleida. My journey in molecular pathology began under the supervision of pathologist Prof. Xavier Matias-Guiu, where I focused on identifying molecular signatures with a strong emphasis on gynaecological malignancies. During my PhD, co-supervised by Prof. Matias-Guiu and dermatologist Prof. Rosa M. Marti, I delved into the role of T-type calcium channels in melanoma progression. My research explored their relationship with autophagy and repurposed some agents as potential targets for melanoma treatment in preclinical studies. In my postdoctoral research supervised by Prof. Victoria Sanz-Moreno at Barts Cancer Institute (2018-2023), I studied tumour plasticity and metastasis, combining cancer cell biology with advanced microscopy imaging and image analysis. This period was marked by the development of virtual multiplex techniques and the application of digital pathology pipelines in several lab projects. My primary focus was to understand how the extracellular matrix architecture, or topography, at primary tumours induces a mechanical memory retained in metastasis. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my early-stage career, especially involving multidisciplinary teams. I've collaborated across various disciplines and with industry partners in Artificial Intelligence and molecular profiling of tumours.