Pedro Torres-Ayuso, PhD
Assistant Professor, Cancer and Cellular Biology
Research Program
Lab Overview
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are frequent and highly aggressive epithelial malignancies; for example, lung and head and neck SCC (LSCC and HNSCC, respectively) affect approximately one million people worldwide annually. Despite our increased understanding of the genetic and genomic characteristics of SCC, targeted therapies are not widely available for most patients with these tumor types primarily because the oncogenic drivers remain to be identified. Therefore, SCC patient survival remains poor.
The Torres-Ayuso lab works to identify new targets and mechanisms of therapy resistance in SCC; concretely, the lab is studying protein kinases that are dysregulated in LSCC and HNSCC. Our research goals are (1) to understand the mechanisms by which these protein kinases contribute to LSCC and HNSCC progression and (2) to validate these kinases as therapeutic targets using pre-clinical models of LSCC and HNSCC. To accomplish these goals, my lab will utilize a multidisciplinary approach involving functional genomics, chemical biology, proteomics, and molecular and cellular assays to identify and study novel cancer-associated kinases in SCC. With translational studies using pre-clinical models, including patient-derived xenografts, we will validate these kinases as therapeutic targets in LSCC and HNSCC. Our research will generate new information regarding novel approaches to treat SCCs. In collaboration with clinicians from the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Temple University Health System (Lung Center and the Head and Neck Institute), drug-development teams (Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research), and other basic scientists, we will achieve our long-term goal of translating our knowledge of tumor biology into next-generation precision medicine approaches for effective cancer treatments.
Research Interests
- Cancer cell signaling
- Precision medicine
- Kinases
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Squamous cell carcinomas
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
Selected Publications
Open Positions
POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TORRES-AYUSO LAB
A postdoctoral position is available starting immediately for a highly-motivated, enthusiastic individual in the Torres-Ayuso lab in the Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology at Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
About the Lab
The Torres-Ayuso lab conducts basic and translational research to identify new therapeutic targets and 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 translational studies in patient-derived xenografts. The lab has active collaborations with other investigators from Temple University and the Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Torres-Ayuso lab is committed to fostering a respectful and highly collaborative environment to support the professional development of the selected candidate.
Available postdoctoral research projects include:
- Using chemical and genetic approaches to elucidate catalytic-dependent and -independent oncogenic functions of amplified protein kinases in lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
- Generating protein-degrader compounds that target amplified kinases in lung squamous cell carcinoma, generating screening systems to test these degraders, and evaluating these compounds as a therapeutic approach in lung squamous cell carcinoma.
- Investigating a novel mechanism of Hippo pathway regulation in lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. For additional information about our research program, please visit Pedro Torres-Ayuso.
Required Qualifications
We are looking for candidates with a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) or close to obtaining their doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a related area. Practical experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as at least one peer-reviewed first-author publication, is required. Experience with 3D-cell cultures or animal models is desired. Applicants should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively. A competitive stipend and a generous benefits package commensurate with experience will be provided.
Application Details
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 references to:
Dr. Pedro Torres-Ayuso, Ph.D.
Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Email: [email protected]
Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Patient comments