Molecular Oncology Laboratory – Prof. E. CHARAFE-JAUFFRET & Dr. C. GINESTIER Epigenetic regulation of breast cancer stem cells: new role for the long non-coding RNA Xist • Industrial Collaboration & Innovation: Led a preclinical study in collaboration with Servier on the development of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor (HDACI) abexinostat for breast cancer treatment, which resulted in a patent filing in 2013. • Biomarker & Target Identification: Identified Xist as a biomarker for predicting response to HDACi treatment through transcriptomic analysis of human cancer cells. • Preclinical Studies: Designed and conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments using human cancer cells. Performed drug screening on 16 breast cancer cell lines, profiled sensitivity and resistance to HDACi treatment, and validated results using patient-derived tissues. • Collaboration & Cutting-edge Techniques: Collaborated with Xist experts at the Curie Institute to develop a CRISPR/Cas9 model targeting Xist expression in mammary cell lines. Contributed to groundbreaking research elucidating the role of Xist in human mammary stem cells which resulted in a co-authored paper published in a high-impact journal (Cell). • Communication: Authored business reports and research papers, and presented findings at international and local meetings. Published three first-author papers and received a communication prize for scientific excellence and outstanding presentation.

Tumor Heterogeneity, Metastasis and Resistance Laboratory – Prof. Mohamed BENTIRES-ALJ Origins of breast cancer heterogeneity: discovery of a new Stem Cell population • Project Leadership & Innovation: Led a translational research project independently, utilizing critical thinking and resilience, which resulted in the discovery of mammary stem cells' role in breast cancer initiation and metastatic progression. • Ideation, Implementation, and Preclinical Studies: Developed and executed conceptual ideas, designed and performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using primary cancer and healthy cells. Implemented new transgenic mouse models expressing key cancer molecular pathways (PI3K/AKT, Ras, p53), and advanced complex cellular models (e.g., 3D organoids). Established and managed a biobank of breast tissue samples from 60+ patients. • Target Identification: Generated and analyzed three RNA-seq datasets from healthy and breast cancer cells, identifying novel cancer immunotherapy and dependency pathways. • Collaboration Projects: Engaged in cross-functional collaborations in Immuno-Oncology and Personalized Medicine, contributing to groundbreaking research efforts by isolating primary cells (NK, B cells, T cells, neutrophils, fibroblasts) for cellular assays and molecular signatures. • Project Management: Managed project execution and resource allocation, securing >450K CHF in funding from six agencies. Established strategic collaborations with global clinical and academic experts (Switzerland, USA and China). • Mentoring: Provided mentorship and guidance to eight lab members in experimental design, data analysis, and the preparation of research papers, grants, and theses. • Communication: Authored grants, research papers, and reports, presenting findings at 15+ international and local conferences. First-author and co-authored papers submitted to high-impact journals. Recognized with two communication awards for outstanding presentations