We study how cells take up and transport various substances within their interior, focusing on how these logistical rules are altered in cancer cells to support their uncontrolled growth. By understanding the differences in cellular functioning between normal and cancerous cells, we aim to guide the development of therapies that selectively target and eliminate cancer cells. We have already identified one such vulnerability, an “Achilles’ heel,” in certain cancer cells and continue our search for additional therapeutic targets.
Research Summary
We are fascinated by two intracellular processes, endocytosis and receptor signaling, and how they are interlinked. We seek to understand how endosomal compartments contribute to the trafficking and signaling of receptors for growth factors and cytokines in normal and cancer cells.
We investigate the roles of endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) in cell physiology and oncogenesis. Our research has revealed that the dysfunction of endosomes caused by the absence of proper ESCRT function induces an intracellular sterile inflammatory reaction.
We also found out that the ESCRT-I complex is indispensable for the biogenesis and proper functioning of lysosomes, as well as energy metabolism in the cell.
The synthetic lethality we identified between two paralogous ATPases of the ESCRT machinery, VPS4A and VPS4B, revealed a novel pair of druggable targets for personalized oncology.
In another line of research, we focus on the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, which is overexpressed in late-stage cancers. By identifying the interactome of AXL, we revealed that its activation induces several actin-dependent processes, including macropinocytosis.
Scientific Impact
Our studies provide proof of concept that intracellular trafficking and the molecules regulating it can represent a viable therapeutic target in personalized oncology. For example, the synthetic lethality between VPS4A and VPS4B ATPases provides a rationale for developing VPS4 inhibitors for the precision treatment of VPS4B-deficient cancers. Our ongoing studies of AXL-dependent macropinocytosis aim to uncover ways of blocking this process in metastatic and drug-resistant cancers with AXL overexpression.
Future Goals
We wish to understand how altered expression or mutations in the ESCRT components, observed in cancer or some rare diseases, modify cell physiology. In parallel, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms and effector proteins by which the activated AXL receptor drives macropinocytosis in cancer cells.
Collaborations
We collaborate with partners from the IIMCB and external institutions within the HERO consortium project, which aims to develop the next generation of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies.
Comment
“We study alterations that occur in signaling and trafficking processes in cancer cells because such changes may represent vulnerabilities of cancer cells to specific therapies”, says Prof. Marta Miączyńska

Human lung adenocarcinoma cells cultured in vitro, with nuclei stained in blue, actin in green, and endosomes in magenta. Image by Patrycja Daszczuk.
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Marta Miączyńska, PhD, Professor
Correspondence address: Laboratory of Cell Biology International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology 4 Ks. Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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DEGREES
2013 - Professor of Biological Sciences, nomination by the President of the Republic of Poland
2008 - DSc Habil in Cell Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
1997 - PhD in Genetics, University of Vienna, Austria
1993 - MSc in Molecular Biology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
1991 - BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, UK
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
2018-present - Director, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2014-2015 - Deputy Director for Science, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2013-2014 - Deputy Director, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
2005-present - Professor, Head of Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
RESEARCH TRAINING
2001-2005 - Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden, Germany
1997-2000 - Postdoctoral training, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
1993-1996 - PhD studies, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Austria
1990-1991 - Exchange Student, University of Wolverhampton, UK
HONORS, PRIZES AND AWARDS
2024 - Vice Chair of the EMBO Council
2024 - Co-Chair of EU-LIFE Alliance
2021 - Prime Minister's Award for outstanding scientific achievements
2021 - Member, EMBO Council
2020 - Corresponding Member, Polish Academy of Sciences
2019 - Member, Academia Europaea
2017 - Member, European Molecular Biology Organization
2016-2018 - Member, Council of the National Science Centre
2016 - TEAM, Foundation for Polish Science
2012 - MAESTRO, National Science Centre
2011 - Polish-Swiss Research Programme grant
2007 - Habilitation Fellowship of L’Oréal Poland for Women in Science
2006-2012 - International Senior Research Fellowship, Wellcome Trust
2006-2010 - International Research Scholar, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
2006-2010 - Partner Group grant, Max Planck Society, Germany
2001-2004 - Postdoctoral Fellowship, Max Planck Society, Germany
1999-2000 - Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship, Human Frontier Science Program Organization
1998-1999 - Erwin Schrödinger Postdoctoral Fellowship, Austrian Science Fund
1993-1996 - Bertha von Suttner PhD Scholarship, Austrian Ministry of Science
1990-1991 - Studentship, European Community Tempus Scheme
DOCTORATES DEFENDED UNDER LAB LEADER’S SUPERVISION
M. Olchowik, A. Urbańska, A. Hupałowska, Ł. Sadowski, A. Mamińska, A. Toruń, K. Jastrzębski, M. Maksymowicz, K. Wojciechowska, A. Poświata, M. Wróbel.

Lab Leader:
Marta Miączyńska, PhD, Professor
Senior Researcher:
Ewelina Szymańska, PhD
Postdoctoral Researchers:
Patrycja Daszczuk, PhD
Ranjana Maurya, PhD
PhD Students:
Marta Chwałek, MSc
Malwina Grębowicz-Maciukiewicz, MSc
Bartosz Jary, MSc
Zuzanna Miciak, MSc
Research Assistant:
Agnieszka Świstek, MSc
Lab Technician:
Monika Matuszczyk (part-time)
Laboratory Support Specialist:
Renata Wyszyńska, MSc (substitute: Krystyna Gromkowska, PhD)