The researchers of the unit study the functional relationships between cells and their environment, and their consequences in terms of tumour progression. Dramatic changes of the microenvironment will induce cells to activate tolerance mechanisms against injuries that may constitute a favorable condition for the development of neoplastic lesions. This aspect may be especially the case for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is preceded by preneoplasic lesions such as fibrosis and cirrhosis, or even steatosis. Additionally, the acquisition of a metastatic potential typically results from a series of modifications of the cell interaction with its microenvironment. These two different aspects of the cell interaction with the microenvironment are studied in the unit, focusing mainly on liver or colon cancer tumor models. The research of the unit will be divided in 4 major.