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Advancing Cancer Research Through Science and Innovation


ACDC Lab is a research laboratory focused on cancer biology, molecular oncology, and translational cancer research. Our goal is to improve the understanding of cancer mechanisms and support the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

We bring together scientists, students, and collaborators to conduct high-quality cancer research using modern laboratory and analytical approaches.



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ACDC Lab is a research laboratory focused on cancer biology, molecular oncology, and translational cancer research. Our goal is to improve the understanding of cancer mechanisms and support the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We bring together scientists, students, and collaborators to conduct high-quality cancer research using modern laboratory and analytical approaches.
Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the concentration-dependent functions of KLK6 by comparing MDA-MB-231 stable transfectants expressing increasing levels of KLK6 in in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity assays (soft agar, xenograft growth, tail vein metastasis).

Cancer biomarkers and tumor profiling

Data are also presented showing that mutations in circulating free DNA can be found in healthy individuals and will likely be very difficult to distinguish from those associated with cancer.We conclude that the ctDNA test, in addition to its high cost and complexity, will likely suffer from the same issues of low sensitivity and specificity as traditional biomarkers when applied to population screening and early (asymptomatic) cancer diagnosis.
Disease biomarkers are used widely in medicine. But very few biomarkers are useful for cancer diagnosis and monitoring

Cancer diagnostics and disease monitoring

Overview of Research Activities

Genomics and proteomics in oncology

espite progress, identification of markers that are superior to those currently used has proven to be a difficult task and very few, if any, newly discovered biomarker has entered the clinic the last 10 years.

Molecular mechanisms of cancer

Kallikrein Biology and Pathophysiology  

Kallikreins are encoded by a cluster of genes located on chromosome 19. They are produced as inactive precursor proteins and become active after enzymatic processing. Key biological features of kallikreins include: Protease activity and substrate specificity Regulation by hormones and cellular signaling pathways Expression in multiple tissues and body fluids Participation in proteolytic cascades Kallikreins are tightly regulated under normal conditions, as abnormal activity can lead to disease.

Biology of Kallikreins

Kallikreins are encoded by a cluster of genes located on chromosome 19. They are produced as inactive precursor proteins and become active after enzymatic processing.

Key biological features of kallikreins include:

  • Protease activity and substrate specificity
  • Regulation by hormones and cellular signaling pathways
  • Expression in multiple tissues and body fluids
  • Participation in proteolytic cascades

Kallikreins are tightly regulated under normal conditions, as abnormal activity can lead to disease.



Understanding the Role of Kallikreins in Health and Disease

Kallikreins are a family of serine proteases that play an important role in normal physiological processes and disease development. 

At ACDC Lab, we study the biology and pathophysiology of kallikreins, with a strong focus on their role in cancer and human disease.

Human tissue kallikreins (KLKs) are involved in processes such as cell signaling, protein processing, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Changes in their expression or activity are frequently observed in cancer and other pathological conditions.

Kallikreins are a family of serine proteases that play an important role in normal physiological processes and disease development. At ACDC Lab, we study the biology and pathophysiology of kallikreins, with a strong focus on their role in cancer and human disease. Human tissue kallikreins (KLKs) are involved in processes such as cell signaling, protein processing, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Changes in their expression or activity are frequently observed in cancer and other pathological conditions.
The human kallikrein locus at chromosome 19q13.3/q13.4

Kallikreins in Cancer 

Many kallikreins are differentially expressed in cancer and are associated with tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. 

Some kallikreins are already used as clinical biomarkers, while others are under investigation.

Our cancer related kallikrein research focuses on:

  • Kallikrein expression in tumor tissues
  • Role of kallikreins in cancer cell growth and invasion
  • Kallikreins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers
  • Relationship between kallikreins and treatment response


Many kallikreins are differentially expressed in cancer and are associated with tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Some kallikreins are already used as clinical biomarkers, while others are under investigation. Our cancer related kallikrein research focuses on: Kallikrein expression in tumor tissues Role of kallikreins in cancer cell growth and invasion Kallikreins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers Relationship between kallikreins and treatment response
Altered kallikrein activity has been linked to several diseases, including: Cancer Inflammatory disorders Skin and cardiovascular diseases Neurological conditions By studying kallikrein dysregulation, ACDC Lab aims to better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Pathophysiology of Kallikreins

Altered kallikrein activity has been linked to several diseases, including:

  • Cancer
  • Inflammatory disorders
  • Skin and cardiovascular diseases
  • Neurological conditions

By studying kallikrein dysregulation, ACDC Lab aims to better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.


Tumor Markers

Biomarkers for Cancer Detection and Monitoring Tumor markers are biological molecules that can be measured in tissues, blood, or other body fluids and provide information about cancer presence, progression, or response to treatment. At ACDC Lab, tumor marker research is a core focus, supporting improved cancer diagnosis and patient management. Tumor markers may include proteins, genes, RNA molecules, or other biochemical indicators produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer.


Tumor markers are biological molecules that can be measured in tissues, blood, or other body fluids and provide information about cancer presence, progression, or response to treatment. At ACDC Lab, tumor marker research is a core focus, supporting improved cancer diagnosis and patient management. Tumor markers may include proteins, genes, RNA molecules, or other biochemical indicators produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer.

Biomarkers for Cancer Detection and Monitoring

Tumor markers are biological molecules that can be measured in tissues, blood, or other body fluids and provide information about cancer presence, progression, or response to treatment. 

At ACDC Lab, tumor marker research is a core focus, supporting improved cancer diagnosis and patient management.

Tumor markers may include proteins, genes, RNA molecules, or other biochemical indicators produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer.

Role of Tumor Markers in Cancer Care

Tumor markers are used in several areas of oncology, including:

  • Early cancer detection
  • Disease prognosis
  • Monitoring treatment response
  • Detecting cancer recurrence

While tumor markers are rarely used alone for diagnosis, they are valuable tools when combined with clinical and imaging data.

 

Proteomics  

At ACDC Lab, proteomics research focuses on the comprehensive analysis of proteins in biological fluids and cancer cell lines. Our goal is to identify proteins that may serve as novel cancer biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and disease monitoring. We place particular emphasis on the study of secreted proteins (the secretome) produced by cancer cells, as these molecules can be detected in body fluids and have strong potential for clinical application.

At ACDC Lab, proteomics research focuses on the comprehensive analysis of proteins in biological fluids and cancer cell lines. 

Our goal is to identify proteins that may serve as novel cancer biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and disease monitoring.

We place particular emphasis on the study of secreted proteins (the secretome) produced by cancer cells, as these molecules can be detected in body fluids and have strong potential for clinical application.

Key Scientific Contribution

Mass spectrometry plays a central role in our proteomics research and biomarker discovery efforts.

This work highlights both the strengths and challenges of mass spectrometry in clinical cancer research.

Mass spectrometry plays a central role in our proteomics research and biomarker discovery efforts.

Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis and Metastatic Progression  

At ACDC Lab, we study the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development (carcinogenesis) and metastatic progression. Our research focuses on identifying key pathways and molecular mediators that control how cancer cells grow, invade surrounding tissues, and spread to distant organs.

We use mass spectrometry based proteomic strategies combined with controlled cell culture models to investigate cancer related pathophysiological processes.

Our research relies on in vitro cancer cell culture systems designed to mimic changes in the tumor microenvironment. These models include: Stimulation with growth factors and hormones Exposure to drugs and chemical modulators Treatment with signaling molecules affecting cancer pathways By combining these models with quantitative proteomics, including stable isotope labeling approaches, we identify proteins and pathways involved in cancer progression.

Experimental Models and Research Strategy

Our research relies on in vitro cancer cell culture systems designed to mimic changes in the tumor microenvironment.

These models include:

  • Stimulation with growth factors and hormones
  • Exposure to drugs and chemical modulators
  • Treatment with signaling molecules affecting cancer pathways

By combining these models with quantitative proteomics, including stable isotope labeling approaches, we identify proteins and pathways involved in cancer progression.

 

Our work focuses on proteomic changes associated with major cancer-related processes, including: Tumor cell invasion and metastasis Angiogenesis Cancer cell proliferation Resistance to apoptosis Resistance to antiproliferative signals and chemotherapy Cell survival under stress conditions

Key Processes Studied

Our work focuses on proteomic changes associated with major cancer-related processes, including:

  • Tumor cell invasion and metastasis
  • Angiogenesis
  • Cancer cell proliferation
  • Resistance to apoptosis
  • Resistance to antiproliferative signals and chemotherapy
  • Cell survival under stress conditions

We investigate molecular players involved in the metastatic cascade by performing comparative proteomic analysis, including: Primary versus metastatic cancer cell lines Malignant versus non-malignant cell models Special attention is given to: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) Cell migration and motility Invasion and angiogenesis This approach helps identify proteins associated with metastatic potential.

Metastatic Cascade Research 

We investigate molecular players involved in the metastatic cascade by performing comparative proteomic analysis, including:

  • Primary versus metastatic cancer cell lines
  • Malignant versus non-malignant cell models

Special attention is given to:

  • Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
  • Cell migration and motility
  • Invasion and angiogenesis

This approach helps identify proteins associated with metastatic potential.


Cancer Therapeutics

At ACDC Lab, therapeutics research focuses on understanding how cancer cells respond to different treatment strategies at the molecular level. 

Our work supports the discovery of new therapeutic targets and helps improve knowledge about treatment resistance and response mechanisms.

We do not provide clinical treatment or medical advice. Our research is conducted for scientific and translational purposes.

Molecular Basis of Cancer Therapy

Therapies target specific biological processes that are essential for tumor growth and survival. 

At ACDC Lab, we investigate molecular pathways involved in:

  • Cancer cell proliferation
  • Cell survival and apoptosis
  • DNA damage and repair mechanisms
  • Signal transduction pathways
  • Drug resistance mechanisms

Understanding these pathways helps guide the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

Cancer therapies target specific biological processes that are essential for tumor growth and survival. At ACDC Lab, we investigate molecular pathways involved in: Cancer cell proliferation Cell survival and apoptosis DNA damage and repair mechanisms Signal transduction pathways Drug resistance mechanisms Understanding these pathways helps guide the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

   

Dr. Eleftherios P. Diamandis and colleagues have reviewed the emerging potential of cardiac glycosides as cancer therapeutic agents. Their article highlights evidence that cancer cells may be more susceptible to these compounds and discusses how cardiac glycosides could influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, and related signaling pathways.

This work provides an expert perspective on the therapeutic applications of cardiac glycosides in oncology and complements ongoing screening efforts to identify novel anti-cancer molecules.  

Dr. Eleftherios P. Diamandis and colleagues have reviewed the emerging potential of cardiac glycosides as cancer therapeutic agents. Their article highlights evidence that cancer cells may be more susceptible to these compounds and discusses how cardiac glycosides could influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, and related signaling pathways. This work provides an expert perspective on the therapeutic applications of cardiac glycosides in oncology and complements ongoing screening efforts to identify novel anti-cancer molecules.

Male Infertility

At ACDC Lab, male infertility research focuses on the proteomic and molecular characterization of seminal plasma and related biological fluids, in collaboration with clinical and academic partners. 

This work aims to improve understanding of male reproductive biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying disease.

his work involved collaborations with Dr. Keith Jarvi (Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre) and Dr. Alex Zlotta (urologic oncology). These studies examined proteomic profiles of seminal plasma, biomarkers of infertility and urological disease, and multi-omics signatures associated with prostate cancer.

  This work involved collaborations with Dr. Keith Jarvi (Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre) and Dr. Alex Zlotta (urologic oncology). These studies examined proteomic profiles of seminal plasma, biomarkers of infertility and urological disease, and multi-omics signatures associated with prostate cancer. 

Pathobiology and Biomarkers of Autoimmune Diseases  

At ACDC Lab, research on autoimmune diseases focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation. Using proteomics, molecular profiling, and bioinformatic analysis of biological fluids and tissues, the lab investigates biomarkers associated with disease activity, progression, and immune response. This research helps identify candidate biomarkers for autoimmune disorders, supports translational immunology studies, and contributes to a better understanding of the pathobiology of immune-mediated diseases.

Research in this area has focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, with particular emphasis on the identification of biomarkers associated with disease activity and progression. Autoimmune disorders arise from dysregulated immune responses that lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Proteomic and molecular approaches have been used to study biological fluids and tissues in order to identify proteins and pathways involved in autoimmune pathophysiology.

Research in this area has focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, with particular emphasis on the identification of biomarkers associated with disease activity and progression. Autoimmune disorders arise from dysregulated immune responses that lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

Proteomic and molecular approaches have been used to study biological fluids and tissues in order to identify proteins and pathways involved in autoimmune pathophysiology.


Neurodegeneration

At ACDC Lab, research on neurodegenerative diseases focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Using proteomics, molecular profiling, and bioinformatics, the lab studies proteins and pathways involved in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders. This research aims to identify biomarkers for early detection, disease progression, and therapeutic response, supporting translational neuroscience studies and improving knowledge of the pathobiology of neurodegeneration.

Using proteomic, molecular, and bioinformatic approaches, the laboratory investigates molecular and cellular changes that underlie disease progression. 

This work is conducted in collaboration with local and international experts, including Dr. Anthony Lang (Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network) and Dr. Ana-Maria Simundic (University Hospital "Sestre Milosrdnice," Zagreb, Croatia), to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and support translational neuroscience research for early detection and improved monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders. ​

sing proteomic, molecular, and bioinformatic approaches, the laboratory investigates molecular and cellular changes that underlie disease progression. This work is conducted in collaboration with local and international experts, including Dr. Anthony Lang (Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network) and Dr. Ana-Maria Simundic (University Hospital "Sestre Milosrdnice," Zagreb, Croatia), to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and support translational neuroscience research for early detection and improved monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.​

Insights from Scientific Literature on Cell Death and Immunity

Recent research in cancer biology highlights the complex relationship between cell death mechanisms and the immune system, which is highly relevant to understanding tumor progression and therapeutic response. A peer-reviewed article in BMC Medicine explains how molecules released by dying cells communicate with immune cells, influencing inflammation and immune signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. This line of investigation contributes to research on cancer immunobiology and therapeutic strategies.

" Zitvogel L., Kepp O., Kroemer G. (2010). Decoding cell death signals in inflammation and immunity. **BMC Medicine, 11:**53. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1741-7015-11-53" 

ecent research in cancer biology highlights the complex relationship between cell death mechanisms and the immune system, which is highly relevant to understanding tumor progression and therapeutic response. A peer-reviewed article in BMC Medicine explains how molecules released by dying cells communicate with immune cells, influencing inflammation and immune signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. This line of investigation contributes to research on cancer immunobiology and therapeutic strategies.