The Advanced Pathology Lab IFOM, under the leadership of Professor Claudio Tripodo, is dedicated to advancing the understanding of tumor biology, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms that drive tumor heterogeneity and the role of stromal tissue remodeling in cancer progression. The lab adopts a multidisciplinary approach that integrates quantitative and molecular pathology, immunology, and cellular biology, focusing on the spatial and temporal dynamics of tumors within their native microenvironments. The lab is also instrumental in implementing pipelines based on digital pathology, crucial in supporting the translational and clinical studies active within the Institute, enabling multi-omic spatial analyses and data integration to inform therapeutic strategies.
The research at the Advanced Pathology Lab is organized around several key themes:
The lab investigates the origins and consequences of tumor heterogeneity, examining how genetic and epigenetic alterations within tumors result in the formation of diverse subclonal populations. These subclones, with distinct biological behaviors, play a critical role in tumor progression and treatment resistance. By combining spatial analysis, molecular profiling, and data-driven pathology tools, the lab effectively maps these subclones, providing a clearer understanding of their roles in tumor evolution and therapy response.
A major focus of the lab is understanding how tumors remodel their surrounding stromal tissue to create a supportive microenvironment. This involves studying changes in mesenchymal cell composition, alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM), and interactions with ECM-related factors. The lab applies both high-resolution imaging and computational modeling to analyze the structural and functional shifts in the stroma that contribute to tumor invasion and immune evasion.
The lab explores the dynamic interactions between tumors and the immune system, particularly how tumors alter the immune microenvironment to evade detection. By analyzing immune cell infiltration and immune-suppressive niches through image-based analysis and predictive models, the lab uncovers mechanisms by which tumors escape immune surveillance. These studies, involving integrated pathology techniques, highlighted the critical role of ECM in shaping immune responses within the tumor microenvironment.
The lab investigates how tumors influence the process of hematopoiesis, leading to systemic changes that favor tumor growth. Research focuses on how tumor-derived signals reprogram hematopoietic cells, shifting immune responses from adaptive to innate pathways and promoting the expansion of immune-suppressive cells. Using advanced tissue multi-omics, and in vivo modeling the lab tracks these adaptations from early tumor development, offering insights into how the bone marrow responds to malignancy.
Professor Claudio Tripodo has made significant contributions to the field of experimental pathology, particularly in understanding the tumor microenvironment. With over 280 publications in high-impact scientific journals, he is widely recognized as a leading expert in pathology and tumor immunology. His research has been instrumental in elucidating how tumors remodel their microenvironment and manipulate systemic processes to facilitate their growth and evade immune responses. These insights have advanced the field of cancer research, opening new avenues for understanding tumor biology and developing potential therapeutic strategies. In recognition of his contributions to cancer research, Professor Tripodo was awarded the prestigious Beppe Della Porta Award by the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) in 2019.
The Advanced Pathology Lab at IFOM is at the forefront of research into the mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity and stromal tissue remodeling in cancer. By focusing on the fundamental processes that shape the tumor microenvironment, and through cutting-edge digital and quantitative pathology tools, the lab is generating essential knowledge that enhances our understanding of the complexities of cancer. This research not only advances scientific comprehension of tumor biology but also provides a strong foundation for studies aimed at disrupting the tumor-supportive mechanisms within the microenvironment.