Pedro Torres-Ayuso, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University; Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Research Program
Lab Overview
The Torres-Ayuso laboratory conducts basic and translational research focused on (1) identifying new therapeutic targets, primarily protein kinases, and (2) overcoming mechanisms of therapy resistance in lung and head and neck cancers, specifically, squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC and HNSCC). Our scientific mission is to advance new precision medicine strategies, also known as targeted therapies, in LSCC and HNSCC.
To achieve this, we use functional genomics and genetic screens to identify novel kinase drivers in LSCC and HNSCC. We then apply a variety of molecular techniques – such as CRISPR interference, CRISPR, and shRNA – and phenotypic assays, to assess whether targeting these kinases prevents cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. We also employ proteomics and chemical biology approaches to determine how these kinases contribute to tumorigenesis and/or therapy resistance. Finally, we conduct efficacy studies in preclinical models of LSCC and HNSCC, including patient-derived xenografts, to assess the potential of targeting these kinase drivers, alone or in combination with standard of care.
To support our mission, the lab collaborates closely with other scientists and clinicians at Temple University, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and The Wistar Institute.
Educational Background
- PhD (Molecular Biology), Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Postdoc, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, UK
- Postdoc, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
Memberships
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET)
- European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
Honors & Awards
National Institutes of Health Fellows Award for Research Excellence, 2020
- National Institutes of Health Mentor Award, 2019
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, 2016
- AACR Scholar-in-Training Award, 2016
People
Additional Staff
Former Staff members:
Pilar Gonzalez-Molina, MSc, visiting PhD student (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain).
Christina Wells, BSc, URP Undergraduate Fellow, Temple University.
Research Interests
- Elucidating new kinase drivers within the “dark” kinome, focusing on MAP4-kinases.
- Understanding the molecular basis of tumorigenesis and therapy resistance in lung and head and neck cancers.
- Targeting signaling networks to improve treatment efficacy in lung and head and neck cancers
Selected Publications
Additional Publications
1. Ren F, Aliper A, Chen J, Zhao H, Rao S, Kuppe C, Ozerov IV, Zhang M, Witte K, Kruse C, Aladinskiy V, Ivanenkov Y, Polykovskiy D, Fu Y, Babin E, Qiao J, Liang X, Mou Z, Wang H, Pun FW, Torres-Ayuso P, Veviorskiy A, Song D, Liu S, Zhang B, Naumov V, Ding X, Kukharenko A, Izumchenko E, Zhavoronkov A. A small-molecule TNIK inhibitor targets fibrosis in preclinical and clinical models. Nat Biotechnol. 2025 Jan;43(1):63-75. doi: 10.1038/s41587-024-02143-0. Epub 2024 Mar 8. PubMed PMID: 38459338; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11738990.
2. Torres-Ayuso P, Katerji M, Mehlich D, Lookingbill SA, Sabbasani VR, Liou H, Casillas AL, Chauhan SS, Serwa R, Rubin MR, Marusiak AA, Swenson RE, Warfel NA, Brognard J. PIM1 targeted degradation prevents the emergence of chemoresistance in prostate cancer. Cell Chem Biol. 2024 Feb 15;31(2):326-337.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.10.023. Epub 2023 Nov 27. PubMed PMID: 38016478; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10922308.
3. Torres-Ayuso P, An E, Nyswaner KM, Bensen RC, Ritt DA, Specht SI, Das S, Andresson T, Cachau RE, Liang RJ, Ries AL, Robinson CM, Difilippantonio S, Gouker B, Bassel L, Karim BO, Miller CJ, Turk BE, Morrison DK, Brognard J. TNIK Is a Therapeutic Target in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Regulates FAK Activation through Merlin. Cancer Discov. 2021 Jun;11(6):1411-1423. doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-20-0797. Epub 2021 Jan 25. PubMed PMID: 33495197; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8178189.
4. Torres-Ayuso P, Brognard J. Degraders: The Ultimate Weapon Against Amplified Driver Kinases in Cancer. Mol Pharmacol. 2022 Apr;101(4):191-200. doi
Open Positions
About the Position
The Torres-Ayuso Laboratory at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Temple University) and Fox Chase Cancer Center is hiring a highly ambitious and self-motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Cell Signaling. The laboratory conducts basic and translational research to (1) identify new therapeutic targets, primarily protein kinases, and (2) overcome mechanisms of therapy resistance in lung and head and neck cancers. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach that expands from functional genomics and chemical biology to pre-clinical studies in patient-derived xenografts. The lab has active collaborations with other investigators from Temple University and the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Additional details regarding the laboratory can be found at https://www.foxchase.org/pedro-torres-ayuso. The lab is seeking candidates with a recent doctoral degree or equivalent in cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a related area. Candidates close to obtaining their doctoral degree are also encouraged to apply. Practical experience with biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology techniques is essential. At least one peer-reviewed first-author publication is required. Experience using mouse models and willingness to do animal work is desired.
About the Training Environment
As one of the four original cancer centers to receive comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center has been at the forefront of cancer research for almost 90 years. We are home to excellent research facilities, top clinicians and scientists, and outstanding patient care. Our singular focus on cancer, which couples discovery science with state of the art clinical care and population health, remains the foundation of our work.
The scientist training programs at Fox Chase Cancer Center provide professional development opportunities in four core areas identified as crucial for successful careers in science, research, and health care including communication, leadership, teaching, and mentorship. Upon joining the program, graduate students and postdocs develop individual development plans to help guide their growth. Training throughout the year is supplemented with free professional development opportunities, including a robust ‘How To’ series, writing courses, networking, mentorship, and teaching opportunities, a trainee-led seminar series, a trainee-led annual Research Conference, and more. Postdocs at Fox Chase Cancer Center are supported by the Temple University Postdoc Association and the Office of Academic Affairs at Fox Chase, and are compensated with competitive pay and benefits.
In addition to the robust training program, scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine benefit from being part of the rich scientific and biotech environment in the Philadelphia region. Many of our former trainees are now employees (and contacts) at nearby institutions and companies, including The Wistar Institute, Merck, GSK, AACR, and numerous others.
Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.
To Apply
To apply, please email a copy of your curriculum vitae, a cover letter briefly describing your past research experience and future career goals, and the names/phone numbers/emails of three people who can provide letters of reference to [email protected].
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