Team
DNA Repair and Uveal Melanoma (DRUM)
Presentation
DRUM is a translational research team dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis in uveal melanoma and DNA-repair-deficient cancers, and translating this knowledge into biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
From patients and tumors to biomarkers and therapeutic strategies
Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer whose metastatic forms, predominantly affecting the liver, still carry a poor prognosis. We investigate the mechanisms underlying its transformation, progression and treatment resistance. Building on Institut Curie’s clinical care and trial activities, our research combines an annotated sample biobank, molecular and immune profiling, and the development of experimental models to identify biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Our work on MBD4 in uveal melanoma has led to a programme focused on base-excision repair and its interactions with the mismatch-repair machinery. Our team has long-standing expertise in homologous-recombination deficiency, its genomic signatures and its therapeutic implications, particularly in breast and ovarian cancers. DNA methylation is an expanding cross-cutting research area, linking epigenetic regulation, mutagenesis and biomarkers.
