Saverio Gentile, PhD

My lab focus on understanding the role of ion channels in cancer and on developing an anticancer  therapeutic strategy by pharmacological targeting ion channels.   We have discovered that cancer cells (independently of their histogenesis) can aberrantly express specific K+ which render cancers susceptible to targeting and growth arrest. Also, pharmacological targeting K+ channels with selective small molecules already available affect several hallmarks of cancer including cell proliferation and motility, metabolism and drug resistance without significant side effects and potentiates efficacy of drugs that are currently in use for cancer therapy.     Our studies are a key step in translating this innovative approach into an effective targeted therapy that improves outcomes and reduces treatment-related morbidity.