The EMBO Journal · 2025
Stress can drive
MET translation.
Connecting the integrated stress response to MET-dependent invasive growth.
Molecular biology · Cancer adaptation
Dogus M. Altintas, PhD
How cancer cells
adapt. Persist.
Invade.
I study how translational control shapes cancer adaptation — connecting stress-responsive MET expression, oncogene priming and the persistence of invasive growth.
THE RESEARCH THREAD01 — 03
01
Environmental stress
Stress-responsive MET translation02
Oncogene priming
Rewiring the 5′ untranslated region03
Persistent invasive growth?
A framework for the next questionsA conceptual map, not a demonstrated causal sequence.
Selected discoveries / 2025—2026
Three discoveries, at a glance.
Stress can drive
Cell Reports · 2026
Oncogene priming
through UTR rewiring.
Oncogenic fusions can alter translational regulation while preserving protein structure.
Trends Open · 2026 / Opinion
What if progression
is failed resolution?
A framework for cancer as the chronic stabilization of invasive growth.
Life Science Alliance · 2026 / Review
The Janus framework.
From homeostasis to maladaptation.
When does a protective stress response become a persistent, disease-associated state? The Janus framework connects the molecular discoveries to this broader question.
Explore Janus and the original figure →
The researcher behind the questions
From gene regulation
to cancer adaptation.
My work connects molecular mechanisms with a broader question: how does a temporary response become a lasting cellular state?
Explore my scientific trajectory, recent publications and the direction of my proposed independent research programme.
The next chapter / Proposed independent programme
SATURN
When does adaptation
stop being reversible?
SATURN extends these research questions toward the persistence of adaptive cellular states: how they begin, what sustains them, and whether they can resolve.
- Initiation
- Stabilization
- Reversibility
Proposed research programme · funding not confirmed.
Scientific discussion & opportunities
Working on a related question?
I welcome conversations about translational control, oncogene regulation and persistent adaptive states.
Get in touch ↗The people & support behind the work
Collaborations & support
Science grows through shared questions, complementary expertise and collective effort. I am grateful to the colleagues, research platforms and funders who contributed to the work presented here.
Lab alumni
- Paolo M. ComoglioIFOM ETS, Milan
- Marina CerquaIFOM ETS, Milan
Research support
Support acknowledged in the featured publications.
With thanks to Fondazione Umberto Veronesi for supporting my research.
With thanks to Fondazione AIRC for supporting the collaborative work presented here.
Research platforms & collaborators
With thanks to the IFOM Cell Biology and Imaging Units, and the Cogentech teams providing genome editing, sequencing, quantitative PCR and genomics support.
I am also grateful to all the collaborators and colleagues whose expertise, discussions and generosity have contributed to this work.