Major Research Areas
Cell Biology
Office Phone:212-639-7003
E-mail:f-giancotti@ski.mskcc.org
Lab Phone:212-639-7001 or 7044
Lab Fax:212-794-6236

Spatial and temporal control of cell survival, cell proliferation, and cell migration is key to proper embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, and various repair processes. To execute these developmental programs, individual cells must sense their relationship to other cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) and convert these positional cues into biochemical signals affecting the cytoskeleton and the cell cycle and apoptotic machineries. The adhesion receptors integrins and cadherins are key players in this signaling network. We are studying the mechanisms by which these receptors control cell fate and their dysregulation in cancer and other diseases.

Our Areas of Interest

  • specificity and complexity of integrin signaling
  • integrin 64 signaling pathway
  • cellular and molecular bases of tumor invasion and angiogenesis
  • cadherin-mediated signaling and contact inhibition of growth
  • molecular basis of Merlin/NF-2 tumor suppression
  • genetic alterations underlying the various steps of the metastatic cascade

Our Approaches

  • cell biology
  • biochemistry
  • molecular biology
  • mouse molecular genetics
  • gene discovery

Soluble growth factors cause mitogenesis in primary endothelial cells
Soluble growth factors cause mitogenesis in primary endothelial cells plated on a fibronectin (Fn) but not a laminin-1 (Lm1) matrix.


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