One of the greatest challenges in oncology research is the detailed characterisation of tumour architecture, cellular heterogeneity, and the spatial organisation of the tumour microenvironment. Optical microscopy is an enabling technology to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression, metastatic dissemination, and therapeutic response.
The Confocal Microscopy Unit (CMU) provides scientific expertise and technical support through cutting-edge imaging and image analysis technologies, with a strong focus on cancer biology and translational biomedical research. CNIO research groups have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and an advanced BioImage Analysis platform that supports both conventional and high-dimensional imaging approaches.
Beyond service provision, the CMU actively develops and implements innovative microscopy and computational analysis methods to address emerging challenges in cancer research. Training and science dissemination are key elements of our mission. We organise courses, seminars, and lab visits aimed at increasing optical microscopy culture.
Chatterjee S, Hofer T, Costa A, Lu D, Batkai S, Gupta SK, Bolesani E, Zweigerdt R, Megias D, Streckfuss-Bömeke K, Brandenberger C, Thum T, Bär C. (2021).Telomerase therapy attenuates cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin.. Mol Ther 29, 1395-1410. CNIO Publication.
Leivas A, Valeri A, Córdoba L, García-Ortiz A, Ortiz A, Sánchez-Vega L, Graña-Castro O, Fernández L, Carreño-Tarragona G, Pérez M, Megías D, Paciello ML, Sánchez-Pina J, Pérez-Martínez A, Lee DA, Powell DJ Jr, Río P, Martínez-López J (2021).NKG2D-CAR-transduced natural killer cells efficiently target multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer J 11, 146. CNIO Publication.
