Rafael Sanchez-Pupo
Rafael E. Sanchez-Pupo has a BSc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Havana, Cuba. He is currently pursuing his PhD. in Anatomy and Cell Biology under the supervision of Dr. Silvia Penuela. His research comprises the study of posttranslational modifications (PTM)s and interacting proteins of the channel-forming glycoprotein Pannexin 1 (Panx1) in the context of melanoma. Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that involves complex changes in multiple signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation and survival processes. Interestingly, Panx1 is highly expressed in mouse and human melanoma cells and tumorigenesis can be attenuated by its knockdown. However, the mechanisms behind Panx1 promotes melanoma progression are still unknown. His study includes the identification of Panx1 PTMs and assessment of their effects on Panx1 subcellular localization, interacting proteins, and channel function. In addition, Rafael will be using both in vitro approach and an in vivo mouse model of melanoma to further examine the role of Panx1 modifications in mediating the malignant transformation of melanocytes and melanoma progression that might be targeted for future therapies.
