Lecture - Robert Ballotti will introduce us to his work within the field of melanoma

Robert Ballotti, Ph.D. of Molecular Biology at Côte d'Azur University, heads a laboratory in the new “Mediterranean research center for molecular medicine”. Robert Ballotti will give a lecture in Askja where he will introduce us to his work within the field of melanoma.

Robert Ballotti, PhD is a renowned molecular biologist specializing in cell signaling pathways and melanoma biology. Dr. Ballotti has focused on melanocytes since 1993, exploring the molecular mechanisms governing their differentiation and the connection between this process and melanoma development. He and his team recently identified a germinal mutation in MITF that predisposes carriers to develop melanoma. A dedicated research program is being established to understand how this mutation accelerates melanoma development. Moreover, the laboratory is studying the mechanisms controlling the transition between melanoma-initiating cells and their differentiated descendants. In partnership with the Department of Dermatology at the Nice Hospital, the Ballotti lab has developed an effective pre-clinical bench test. This multi-parameter analysis evaluates drug effects on signaling and viability by genotyping, conducting in situ signaling pathway analysis, and isolating patient-derived melanoma cells. A move towards truly personalized therapy.