The Laboratory is focusing on tissue repair during development and ageing with an emphasis on the role of growth factors, and especially that of TGF-β. The action of growth factors on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production, as well as the responsible signaling pathways are investigated. Alternative mechanisms of cell proliferation and differentiation, such as autocrine regulation, cell-matrix interactions, exogenous stresses and the effect of mechanical forces are also studied.

Main goal of the Laboratory is the investigation of the mechanisms of ageing and longevity. The structural and functional characteristics of the senescent cell - as a result of successive duplications or of exogenous stresses - in comparison to that of the young or the cancer cell are investigated. Especially, we are interested on the role of the senescent – somatic and stem - cell in the process of ageing and the development of age-related diseases, including cancer. In this direction, we study the interaction between the senescent stromal fibroblasts and adjacent cancer cells. Emphasis is given in tissues, such as the intervertebral disc, the degeneration of which provokes severe dysfunctions during ageing.

Aim of our studies is the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of tissue homeostasis, especially during ageing, and furthermore the contribution, through research networks, in the development of cell replacement therapies. Finally, we study natural products and new synthetic compounds with putative anti-cancer, anti-ageing/anti-oxidant and wound healing action, as well as their mode of action.