Hochmann Valls, Jimena Paola

Research interests

My main line of research focuses on studying the interaction of high-risk oncogenic HPV oncogenes with the tumor microenvironment, especially under conditions of hypoxia, acidification and nutritional stress, contributing to the carcinogenic process. In this line, we try to study the changes in cellular architecture during malignant transformation in oropharyngeal cancer caused by the E5, E6 and E7 oncogenes of high-risk oncogenic HPVs. Therefore, this line of research will allow us to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant transformation induced by high-risk oncogenic HPV, which could lead to the development of new targeted therapies to treat HPV-associated cancers.I also study the association between cellular stress and tumor resistance in oral carcinoma cells and in squamous cell carcinoma precursor cells using an in vitro tumor microenvironment model. Specifically, I plan to investigate changes in the expression of markers of different cellular stress response pathways, as well as metabolic changes in response to hypoxia. In this way, I will seek to understand, in an in vitro tumor microenvironment model, how cells headed toward tumor transformation manage to adapt to the hostile conditions in which they find themselves, which constitutes a fundamental process in tumor development.

Working area

My area of ​​work focuses on studying the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to the development of both oropharyngeal cancer and oral cancer.