Mate Maus
Dr. Maus employs an experimental approach that begins with the identification of shared tissue remodeling trajectories in elderly individuals and cancer patients. His laboratory utilizes in vitro genetic and pharmacological screens, along with molecular biology techniques, to comprehend the mechanistic foundations of the connections between aging and cancer. These findings are subsequently modeled in vivo using mice. The insights gained into the mechanisms underlying aging-related cancer promotion are then translated from the laboratory to clinical application.
Prior to his tenure at VHIO, Dr. Maus completed two postdoctoral positions. One was under the guidance of Dr. Stefan Feske at New York University, where he studied immunometabolism in the context of immunity and cancer. The other was under the mentorship of Dr. Manuel Serrano, where he explored the metabolic changes linking cellular senescence to fibrotic diseases. Dr. Maus earned his PhD in B cell immunology from Eotvos Lorand University.
Dr. Maus's work has earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Lady Tata award for his research in Leukemia, the Alex's Lemonade Stand Young Investigator award for his studies on childhood cancer, the Marie Sklodowska-Curie award, and the Ramon y Cajal award for young scientists, among others.
Claudia Gutiérrez
Claudia is native from Peru and holds a MSc. in Immunology from Sorbonne University (France). During more than 15 years she has developed expertise in the development of immunotherapies for cancer treatments working in laboratories from renowned centers like Cordeliers Research Center – CRC (Paris, France) and Albert Einstein College of Medicine (NYC, USA). In the latter, she worked with energy-based therapies like Low Intensity Ultrasound and immunotherapies in combination with radiotherapy. Her aim was to facilitate immune priming, a cytotoxic immune response, and the induction of immunological memory in mouse tumor models and in cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials. Now a part of Dr. Mate Maus’ team, she is thrilled for studying aging and cancer and revealing the link that may lead to better outcomes in cancer treatment.
When not in the lab, Claudia is either trying new restaurants or new recipes at home or she is sightseeing cites around Europe.
Marc Guasch
Marc was born and grew up in Mallorca, Spain. As an undergraduate student, he discovered his interest for the aging field and worked in the study of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa). He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB, Spain). Later, he obtained his master’s degree in Advanced Genetics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB, Spain). There, he realized about the potential impact of genetic mutations on the human health, and this encouraged him to study the biology of cancer. Currently, Marc is a PhD student in the Aging and Cancer lab at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology. His work is focused on exploring the connections between aging and colorectal cancer.
Outside of the lab, Marc loves playing piano, listening to classical music, and playing racket sports with his friends.
Ning Huang
Ning grew up in Changsha, China and graduated from Fudan University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Her postgraduate research focused on pharmacology as well as oncology. Currently, Ning is a PhD student in the Aging and Cancer lab at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology. Her research is focused on understanding and translating the connection between age-associated iron dyshomeostasis and myeloproliferative diseases.
Outside of the lab, she enjoys exploring scientific world. Outside the lab, she enjoys hiking, painting, taking a photograph, and exploring city with friends.
Francesca Cogo
Francesca was born and raised in Italy. In 2023, she graduated in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology from the University of Verona (Italy). During her master she worked a year in the laboratory of Dr. Andrea Alimonti (IOR, Institute of Oncology Research) in Bellinzona, Switzerland. Her research was focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of senescence in prostate cancer and on the development of senolytic therapies. She is now a PhD student in the laboratory of Mate Maus and wants to study the mechanisms that drive the progeric effects of cancer therapy. DNA-damage induced accelerated aging is a major impediment for the longevity of cancer survivors and limits therapeutic options for elderly. Francesca´s aim is to overcome these impediments with her research.
Outside of the lab, she likes traveling, visiting museums, and spending time with her family.
Britt Van Voskuijlen
Britt was born and raised in The Netherlands. She completed her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. That’s where she discovered her interest for exploring new insights into cancer development, progression, and potential therapeutic interventions. Currently, she’s enrolled in the second year of the master Pharmacy at Utrecht University. As part of her master's program, she’s doing her internship at the Aging and Cancer lab at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology. Her research is focused on targeting the metabolic profile of senescent cells to mitigate the profibrotic side-effects of DNA-damaging cancer therapies.
Outside of the lab, Britt loves bike racing, reading, and exploring Barcelona.