Luciano Di Croce

Research and Interests

Dr. Di Croce’s interest goes beyond the classical topic of intensive research on the role of gene mutations in relation to tumorigenesis. His laboratory is one of the very few addressing the molecular basis of epigenetic alterations rather than gene mutations, during the early phase of tumorigenesis, that is: how epigenetic modifications and chromatin changes are established and, once in place, how they affect gene expression, cell differentiation and transformation. His research focuses in particular in understanding the role of several protein complexes that are involved in chromatin dynamics and metabolism (Polycomb and others), which when altered could participate in the establishment and maintenance of the aberrant silencing of tumor suppressor genes during transformation. This will contribute to the identification of new biological tools with a potential impact on cancer therapeutic intervention.