The Skourides Lab, UCY

Not all experiments happen in the lab- sometimes they happen on the volleyball court 🏐. Great day out with our team 🫶🏻. Data can wait, but good serves can’t !! 🤣 💥

Our latest study reveals that brief calcium bursts 💥 are essential for new cells to join tissues during growth and repair ⚒️ . Dr. Neophytos Christodoulou showed that in their absence, integration fails.

Published in Nature Communications,
➡️ https://rdcu.be/ewTqQ

rdcu.be

🧬 New Cancer Strategy Stops Tumor Growth and Erases Metastasis
📍 University of Cyprus – May 19, 2025

A major breakthrough from the Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Cyprus! 🎉

In a new study published in Cell Communication and Signaling, Maria Christoforou revealed a dual-targeting molecule that blocks two key cancer drivers—FAK and PYK2—by preventing them from anchoring inside cells. The result? Tumors stop growing, and lung metastases are completely eliminated in preclinical models. 🧫🚫🫁

This builds on the lab’s earlier discovery (Antoniades et al., 2021) showing how small peptides can block FAK. Now, by targeting both FAK and PYK2, the effect is even stronger.

🌍 Notably, a recent study published in Nature Communications by researchers at FAKnostics LLC, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and the Blas Cabrera Institute in Spain applies this very strategy—first developed in Cyprus—to suppress melanoma growth. Their work independently confirms the therapeutic power of targeting the FAT domain of FAK.

🔗 Link to article:

Targeting the hydrophobic pockets of FAK/PYK2 FAT domain: a highly effective inhibitory strategy suppressing tumor growth and eliminating metastasis - Cell Communication and Signaling Background FAK is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein commonly overexpressed in cancer. It regulates multiple tumorigenic pathways through both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions and thus represents a promising therapeutic target for various cancers. Seve...

Postdoctoral Researcher Position – Cell and Developmental Biology | University of Cyprus

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cyprus is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research focused on the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction and perinuclear actin dynamics, funded by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct in-depth research utilizing cell culture and Xenopus embryos.
Employ advanced molecular biology techniques, live-cell imaging, and proteomics to elucidate mechanotransduction pathways.
Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning, tissue culture, and fluorescence microscopy.
Experience with Xenopus laevis and/or Zebrafish is highly desirable.
Excellent scientific communication and writing skills in English.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Employment Details:

Two-year contract with a 6-month probation period.
Competitive salary: €2200 - €2600 gross per month (inclusive of 13th salary), subject to employee contributions to Cyprus government funds.
Strong support for career development, including applications for prestigious fellowships such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie.
Start date: Ideally between June and September 2025.
Location: Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Cyprus, Aglantzia, Cyprus.
Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing:

Expression of interest outlining relevant qualifications (max. 1 page).
Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages).
Copies of degree certificates.
Contact details of at least two referees.
Please send your application to [email protected] by May 2nd, 2025.

This is an excellent opportunity to advance your research career in a dynamic and supportive academic environment. We encourage qualified candidates to apply.

🔬 Exciting Research from our group! 🔬 Dr. Maria Chatzifrangkeskou, in collaboration with Oxford University, has revealed a new function for the ATR protein! Beyond DNA repair, it strengthens the cell's nucleus, protecting it from stress. This discovery, published in Science Advances, could revolutionize treatments for diseases like muscular dystrophy and certain cancers. Learn more! [Link to
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr5683
http://skourideslab.com/]

Long time no see! 👋🏻 Our page is back, and so is our Lab crew - check out this cute team pic! 📸 ✨