Virus and Cancer (VICA)

We have two fundamental lines of research: 

• The study of the exploitation of cellular machinery by viruses in order to favor their replication.
• The study of the cellular molecular pathways relevant for the control of viral replication and cell proliferation. 

We are especially interested in the role that small ubiquitin-like proteins (SUMO) play in both processes. Our aim is to identify those mechanisms that regulate both viral replication and the development of proliferative diseases, to expand the knowledge of the relationship between viruses and cancer and to discover potential prophylactic or therapeutic targets for intervention.