Mata-Garrido Lab

Cellular plasticity and precision oncology in gastrointestinal cancer

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Research

At the Mata-Garrido Lab, we investigate the cellular, epigenetic, and metabolic mechanisms that drive colorectal cancer and rare pediatric tumors such as hepatoblastoma. Using cutting-edge technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, exosome profiling, and microbiome–metabolome analysis, we explore how age, cell plasticity, and tumor microenvironments shape cancer progression and therapy resistance. Our goal is to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to guide personalized and minimally invasive interventions for patients across the age spectrum. Our lab combines fundamental discovery with translational impact, bridging molecular insights and clinical innovation.

Featured Publications

Integrative transcriptomic and CRISPR dependency analysis identifies hepatoblastoma-specific essential genes and actionable vulnerabilities

Cancer genetics

This work integrates transcriptomic profiling with CRISPR-based dependency screening to systematically identify essential genes and therapeutic vulnerabilities in hepatoblastoma. Using advanced in vivo and cell-based models that recapitulate high-risk disease, the study reveals specific genetic dependencies and signaling pathways critical for tumor maintenance. It highlights a set of druggable targets, including key regulators of transcription and epigenetic control, and maps genetic modifiers of chemotherapy response. Together, these findings provide a mechanistic framework linking tumor-specific dependencies to treatment sensitivity, establishing a foundation for precision targeting strategies in high-risk hepatoblastoma.

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