Understanding the mechanisms & mechanics
of tumor metastasis & dissemination
Principal investigators
Jacky G. GOETZ, Ph.D. Team leader
Jacky graduated in Pharmacology and Cell Biology from University of Strasbourg (France) in the laboratory of K.TAKEDA. He then moved to the laboratory of I.R. NABI in Montreal (University of Montreal, Canada), and later in Vancouver (University of British Columbia, Canada), where he obtained his Ph.D. in 2007. He performed two postdoctoral stays, one at the CNIC in Madrid (Spain) in the laboratory of M.A. DEL POZO, and one in the lab of J.VERMOT at the IGBMC in Strasbourg (France). Fascinated by tumor metastasis, its mechanical aspects and the use of state-of-the-art microscopy approaches in several animal models, he created the TUMOR BIOMECHANICS LAB in 2013. Quickly joined by a team of experts in imaging, mechanobiology, extracellular vesicles, he built a task force aiming at further dissecting the mechanisms and mechanics of tumor dissemination. The team made several exciting discoveries around tumor metastasis that were acknowledged by several prizes (SBCF, Ruban Rose, Academy of Sciences, Fondation de France). When he is not in the lab, Jacky is either running, swimming or biking and loves competing during half IronMan triathlons (70.3). You can also find him traveling with his family, during sabbaticals (Australia, South Africa), always thinking about the next trip. Fascinated by Japan but also by Alsace, where he grew up, he could « kill » for sushi and loves the alsatian architecture.
Vincent HYENNE, Ph.D. Leader of EXPLORE
Vincent loves watching and imaging living (and anesthetized) animals. He did his PhD in Jussieu, Paris on epithelial polarity in mouse early embryonic development (B. Maro lab). He then moved to IRIC (Labbé lab, Montreal, Québec) where he studied the establishment of cell polarity, and its link with vesicular trafficking in C. elegans. Back in France at the IGBMC (Labouesse lab, Illkirch), he got fascinated by exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) and identified new genes required for their secretion in C. elegans. He joined the Tumor Biomechanics lab, where he got recruited at CNRS in 2016 to study the secretion, spreading and function of tumor EVs in metastasis in mice and zebrafish. He is in charge of the fish facility and has to admit that zebrafish, also not being a nematode, is pretty cool. Vincent is a board member of the French Society of Extracellular Vesicles (FSEV) and the REVE (Réseau Est des Vésicules Extracellulaires). Vincent loves nothing more than traveling with his family, except maybe a good book, or a basketball game, or a glass of good wine.
Claire DOMON-DELL, Ph.D. Leader of RESIST
Claire Domon began her research work in the plant molecular biology kingdom as a doctoral student at IBMP (Strasbourg) on the development of floral organs, and as a post-doc at FMI (Basel, Switzerland) on plant RNA splicing mechanisms. Back in France, she decided to make a shift to enter the exciting world of cancer research and get closer to medical sciences, and joined JN Freund's team to determine the central role of CDX transcription factors in the colorectal cancer and leukemia. In Jacky's laboratory since 2024, she will attempt to analyze the intramedullary distribution of resistant leukemia cells and to understand the role of specific niches in the acquisition of resistance. Outside of the laboratory, she loves music, arts, hiking, yoga, sports (handball) and reading and becomes more and more addicted to green nature !
Naël OSMANI, Ph.D. Leader of FORCE
Naël did his PhD in the lab of Sandrine Etienne-Manneville at Curie and then Pasteur institutes in Paris, working on the Cdc42-dependent regulation of polarity during cell migration. He then moved to Strasbourg and joined the lab of Michel Labouesse at IGBMC where he studied the role of Arf6-dependent traffic and caveolin 1 in the regulation of epithelial integrin adhesions and their mechanoresponse. He joined Jacky’s lab in 2015 as a senior post doc working on the contribution of flow and role of cell adhesion mechanics during tumor cell extravasation. He bacame a tenured researcher in 2020 and now leads the Force Axis within the lab. Outside of the lab, he is a big fan of martial arts and has been practicing kung-fu for more than 20 years. He has been teaching Wing Chun in Strasbourg since 2018. He also loves killing time binge-watching or reading.
Isabelle DULUC, Ph.D. Leader of EARLY
Born in Colmar, spending her youth in Africa but originally from South West of France, Isabelle obtained her Ph.D. in 1992 on the expression and regulation of an important enzyme in mammalian life, the lactase phlorizin-hydrolase, in the Inserm laboratory at Hautepierre, Strasbourg. After her recruitment at Inserm, she continued her work on the intestinal topics concerning its embryonic development, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, cellular identity, stem cell and differentiation and the role of transcription. In the last years, she turned towards colon cancer studies factors thanks to cellular and original mouse models. At the end of the Unit U1113 in 2023, she chose to join Jacky’s team in CRBS, where she is focused on the impact of intra- tumoral heterogeneity in colon tumorigenesis and metastasis. Beside Biology, Isabelle loves travelling, hiking and animals , especially cats !
Olivier LEFEBVRE, Ph.D. Leader of TREAT
After getting successfully his DEA in 1990, Olivier started his PhD in Paul Basset and Marie-Chiristine Rio team at IGBMC, establishing animal models in order to understand the function of two genes, the stromelysin-3 (MMP-11) and TFF1 (pS2), implicated in breast cancer. In 1995 he started a post-doctoral fellow at Inserm U381 in Patricia-Simon Assmann team, on the role of basement membrane molecule, especially Laminins, in normal and pathological intestine. Two years after, he was recruited as Inserm scientist focusing his research on Laminin 111 isoform in organ development and tumorigenesis. In 2003 he joined the Inserm-MN3t team, directed by Gertraud Orend, working on the role of extracellular matrix, mainly Laminin 111 and Tenascin-C, on angiogenesis during cancer progression.
Staff
After studying biology at J. Rostand high school in Strasbourg and getting a diploma in 1989, Annabel got a permanent position at INSERM in1990. She then joined J.-M. Egly team at the IGBMC and worked there for more than 25 years. Her expertise in molecular biology allowed her to become a specialist in in vitro transcription assay. She participated to the purification and identification of keys elements of the transcription machinery. Recently she decided to challenge herself and totally changed her professional environment by joining Jacky Goetz’s team in August 2018. She hates cooking, loves the crossfit and never refuses to have drinks with friends.
Laetitia PAULEN Lab Technician
Laetitia PAULEN has experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and histology. After obtaining her baccalaureate in 2004 and her BTS in 2006 from Lycée Jean Rostand, she continued her studies at the University of Strasbourg, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2007.
Recruited the same year at IGBMC, she worked within the Metzger/Chambon team, where she managed and analyzed numerous lines of transgenic mice. During this period, Laetitia developed in-depth expertise in molecular biology, histology, as well as in animal experimentation and surgery. Upon joining INSERM, she first integrated the "Regenerative Nanomedicine" unit 1260, led by Nadia JESEL, where she gained valuable experience in cell culture. For the past few months, she has been part of Jacky GOETZ's team, where she continues to apply her skills and expertise to contribute to innovative research projects.
Outside the laboratory, Laetitia enjoys spending time with her family and recharging by running outdoor.
Annabel LARNICOL Lab Manager
Katerina Jerabkova (Katka), originally from Czech Republic, did a double degree PhD program between the Charles University (Prague) and the University of Strasbourg. She studied the role of ubiquitin signaling in the regulation of cell division. Using live-video and super resolution microscopy she described a novel factor controlling mitotic progression and thus euploidy of human cells. She became interested in how cancer cells differ from the cells of healthy tissues and for this purpose she joined the Nanotumor project. This collaborative effort aims to answer those questions by studying the cancer cell morphology and signaling pathways. When not in the lab she likes to run and paint.
Kuang-Jing (KJ) was born in Tainan, the sugar capital of Taiwan. He obtained his Ph.D. from National Cheng-Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. His Ph.D. subject is related to ferroptosis-inducible nanomedicine and mitochondrial redox biology in cancer treatment. At NCKU, he also served as a part-time teaching assistant at the electron microscopy (EM) center. He has undertaken academic exchanges at some European EM centers. These centers’ experts inspired him to become a scientist who specializes in research using EM. Therefore, he started his post-doctoral career at the Microscopy Center of Chang-Gung University (CGU), then became an EM specialist at the Instrument Center of National Defense Medical Center (NDMC) in Taiwan. His Ph.D. and current post-doctoral training merge as the interdisciplinary collaboration of cancer biologists and electron microscopists. From now on, “seeing is believing” has become a flagship in his research career. He joined Jacky’s team to explore the ultrastructure feature during EVs secretory in breast cancer cells through state-of-the-art EM techniques. Outside the lab, he is a Harry Potter fan and is interested in finding traces of magic. His wizarding passport is Gryffindor and Patronus is a Lynx. A wand chooses him, which is made of ash wood with a phoenix feather core, 13 ¾”, and hard flexibility.
Laurie obtained her Master’s Degree in Muscle Physiology and Pathology at the University of Lyon, followed by a PhD in the lab of Dr. Florence Ruggiero at the Functional Genomics Institute of Lyon. During her PhD, she employed cutting-edge techniques including single-cell RNA sequencing, protein micropatterning, and in vivo imaging in zebrafish to identify two crucial extracellular matrix proteins that guide developing motor axons to their muscle targets. Her research also paved the way for understanding the key role of these proteins in the regeneration of motor nerves. With a strong interest for biomechanics, imaging, zebrafish, and cancer research, Laurie joined Jacky’s lab to explore how melanoma cell mechanics and microenvironmental interactions contribute to metastasis formation. She will be leveraging innovative real-time intravital imaging in zebrafish to decipher these intricate mechanisms. Laurie is also committed to sharing scientific knowledge with society and advocating for the role of women in science. Outside the lab, Laurie can be found at the gym, experimenting in the kitchen, or enjoying quality time with friends.
Katerina JERABKOVA-RODA, Ph.D. EXPLORE & FORCE
Post-doctoral fellows
From Italy with love, Cristina obtained her Master Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Bologna after a short stay at the Laboratory of Clinical Immunology in Cambridge (UK). She then moved to Padova, where, under the supervision of Prof. Antonella Viola, she obtained her PhD degree in Biomedical sciences in 2021. During her PhD, she dissected the role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and the anti-angiogenic (AA) properties of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from these cells. During her first post- doc, she attempted to employ these EVs as an AA treatment in Ewing Sarcoma. Her joint interest for tumor, EVs, and stromal compartment, prompted her to join Jacky's lab where her aim will be to characterize and revert the contribution of aging in metastasis. Outside the lab, Cristina love to ride her beloved bike Ottavia, read books, cook and train her beer tasting abilities with friends:)
Kuang-Jing HUANG, Ph.D. EXPLORE
Cristina LIBONI, Ph.D. EXPLORE & TREAT
Laurie NEMOZ-BILLET, Ph.D. FORCE
Ph.D. students
In parallel of his pharmacy studies, Vincent decided to do a Master degree. He spent one Master year studying “Pharmaceutical biotechnologies” in Illkirch. Then, after a Master 1 internship in Kastner & Chan’s lab at the IGBMC studying the transcriptional regulation of early hematopoiesis, he chose to do a Master 2 degree in « Immunology and Inflammation ». Through these experiences, he became interested in cancer immunotherapy. Vincent joined the team as a Master 2 student in September 2019 in collaboration with the Detappe’s lab at the Centre Paul Strauss. He dedicated his internship to develop bispecific simili CAR-NK immune cells. Outside of the lab, Vincent likes to spend his time watching series, listing to music and (sometimes) going to the opera or museums.
Lucas WALTHER Pharm.D EXPLORE
Vincent MITTELHEISSER Pharm.D. TREAT
Lucas did a Master’s degree in “Pharmaceutical biotechnology” during his pharmacy studies in Illkirch. He quickly became interested in oncology and new therapies while doing his Master 2 internship at Transgene S.A., a biotechnology company focused on cancer vaccines and multifunctional oncolytic viruses. Keeping in mind the research field since the beginning of his studies, he tooks the opportunity to start a PhD (CIFRE thesis) at Transgene S.A. in collaboration with Jacky’s lab to study EVs released from cells infected with armed poxviral vectors and their potential use in EV-based cancer therapy. Outside of the lab, Lucas enjoys listening to music and watching series, and is interested in photography and video as a beginner.
Amandine DUPAS FORCE
Amandine has always been attracted by science and particularly biology. After passing the competitive exams to study in engineering school, she left her native countryside and joined the Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS) where she studied biology in a trinational context (French, English and German). Curious and interested in the multidisciplinary fields of biology, she joined in her Master 2 the Cell Physics program at the University of Strasbourg. In March 2020, she joined Jacky Goetz’s team for her master 2 internship, in order to deepen her knowledge in oncology and particularly in cancer biomechanics. In her free time, Amandine enjoys reading, taking walks in nature with friends and solving puzzles.
Louis BOCHLER EXPLORE
Louis was born in Strasbourg, where a few years later he studied life science and obtained his bachelor’s degree. Always interested in immunology, he integrated the Immunology and Inflammation Master of Strasbourg. He became interested in cancer research and dedicated bibliographic reports on tumor dormancy and immune microenvironment, and discovered the field of extracellular vesicles in cancer during a lesson given by his future thesis director. A few months later, he integrated the Tumor Biomechanics Lab for his Master 2 internship, where he studied the effect of tumor extracellular vesicles on the immune populations of the pre-metastatic niches. Louis graduated and is now pursuing his project as a PhD student. Outside of the lab, he likes to go outdoor for hiking in the mountain and attends to concerts of his favorite rock bands.
Zeynep YESILATA FORCE
Zeynep graduated from the international Cancer Biology Master of Bordeaux University in 2023. After her Master 2 internship in New York in the Di Martino Lab working on cancer cell dormancy, she joined the lab to pursue with a Ph.D. to study the interplay between cancer cells biomechanics, the E/M plasticity and their impact on metastatic potential. In her free time, Zeynep likes swimming, doing embroidery and watching series.
Jeanny TCHILOEMBA BIAKOU EARLY
Jeanny did her Bachelor’s degree in Nancy in « Science for health (Faculty of Medecine) » with a specialization in « Bioengineering and drugs ». Then she decide to continue her studies in Strasbourg with a Master’s degree in « Research in Biomedecine ». She has always been interested in oncology, which is why, she decided to do her Master's 2 internship on colorectal cancer with Duluc Isabelle at Irfac (U1113 , Hautepierre). She took the opportunity to start a thesis (Strasbourg Doctoral School grants) focusing on the heterogeneity of CDX2 (a transcriptional factor) in colorectal carcinogenesis and the early dissemination associated. Using mouse and also 3D cellular models developped from the intestinal tumors. Outside of the lab Jeanny likes cooking, singing and also likes to go out with friends and is passionnate about world cooking and plants.
Guillaume GONCALVES RESIST
Guillaume graduated from the Health-Biology, Biomedical research Master of University of Strasbourg. Interesting in oncology research, Guillaume did his Master 2 internship at Irfac (U1113 , Hautepierre), under the supervision of Claire DOMON-DELL on Leukemogenesis. He's currently pursuing his work by doing a Ph.D on the Oncogenesis of B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia from the CDX2/UBTF subgroup newly identified and the mechanism underlying drug resistance. Guillaume is passionated by sports, spending his free time watching sports games and playing football.
Marine KLEIBER EXPLORE
Marine graduated from a master in Molecular genetics of development and stem cells in 2024, in Strasbourg. During her studies, she got the chance to study abroad in Bergen, Norway and Amsterdam, Netherlands, and joined the lab to pursue her Master 2 internship. She is now starting a Ph.D aimed at describing how EVs influence neutrophil recruitment and activation in premetastatic niches. Outside of the lab, Marine likes sewing, hiking, and consuming books and movies that will make her cry.
Master Students
Elodie comes from Brittany, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Rennes in 2023. After several internships in research labs, she decided to continue her studies with a Master’s in Biomedical Research at the University of Strasbourg. She completed an internship on muscle cell repair in drosophila in Rennes (France, IGDR, Hadi Boukhatmi's team). She then studied neutrophil and macrophage migration during inflammation using the zebrafish model at the University of Cambridge (UK, PDN, Milka Sarris's team). Finally, she studied lymphoma and leukemia markers in human B lymphocytes in Strasbourg (France, IBMC, Laurent Miguet's team). She joined Jacky's team in September 2024 for an M2 internship to learn more about cancer immunotherapy and the functioning of circulating tumor cells. In her free time, Elodie loves discovering new places with friends, enjoys reading, and goes running with the aim of one day completing a half marathon.
Kyllian grew up in Le Mans, in the west of France. After the baccalauréat, he took a degree in molecular and cellular biology, which made him realize that the biological sciences were his vocation. He then moved to Strasbourg to folow a Master's degree in “Biomedical Research”, which gave him an idea of what the life of a researcher is like. During this first year, it was the “oncology” option that most appealed to him. His M1 internship at the IGBMC confirmed his desire to join the scientific community. Now in M2, he begins his internship in Jacky Goetz's laboratory, studying intratumor heterogeneity in colon cancerogenesis. Kyllian also enjoys volleyball, spending time with friends and discovering new music.
Kyllian HEIMBERGER EARLY
Elodie MARCHAL FORCE
