Current lab members:

• Pr Hervé TECHER, CPJ (UniCA)
• Dr Samira Kemiha, IE/Lab manager (UniCA)
• Mr Karim Hawillo, Master 2 Intern (Lebanese University)

Lab Alumni:

Cancer, increasingly recognized as an age-associated disease, exhibits common molecular traits with aging, such as genomic instability and inflammation. Our research focuses on elucidating the complex interplay between these phenomena, with a special emphasis on the exonuclease TREX1 that controls the level of cytosolic DNA and subsequent sensing and inflammatory signaling mediated by the cGAS-STING pathway. Key areas of research:

• Exploring the DNA Replication Stress/Inflammation Loop: We aim at understanding the feedback loop connecting DNA replication stress (RS) and inflammatory signaling in different senescence contexts (induced by oncogenes, by replication stress, or by inflammation). Investigate the consequences on genome stability, senescence, and more. This research is crucial as it sheds light on the mechanisms underlying emerging cancer therapies targeting the cGAS-STING pathway.
• Deciphering TREX1 Truncation in Pathophysiology: We aim at unravelling the mysteries behind the C-terminal truncation of TREX1 and its link to retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy (RVCL). We will explore how TREX1 mis-localization may contribute to DNA damage, genomic instability, and senescence, opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
• Understanding the contribution of TREX1 to genome maintenance: We and others showed that TREX1 deficiency can lead to DNA damage and chromosomal instability, but the molecular mechanism and its impact on pathological conditions is not yet understood. This research is important to advance our knowledge on auto-inflammatory disorders and the mechanisms that maintain genome stability.

Research Teams

IRCAN has a diverse research teams, tackling a wide range and resolution of topics in ageing and cancer.