Tumor Stroma Interaction
Our study focuses on the interaction between tumour and stroma cells in order to provide new insights on cancer development, simultaneously aiming to generate new therapeutics based on modified mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSC).
Current research:
- Dissection of malignant and stromal cell interactions in tumours using ex vivo and in vivo assays
- Gene manipulation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC), as putative stromal cell precursors to specifically deliver anticancer molecules within tumour microenvironment
Laboratory expertise:
- Isolation and characterization of MSC from a variety of tissues
- Isolation and characterization of primary tumour stromal cells
- Isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles by both tumour and stromal cells.
- Ex vivo amplification, introducing both standard and innovative culture conditions including 3D matrix
- Immunophenotyping and FACS sorting
- Proliferation and migration assays
- Plasmid vector construction, cell modification and protein expression analysis by flow cytometry and ELISA assay
- Cytotoxicity assays
- Time-lapse microscopy
- Tumour xenotransplantation (orthotopic and heterotopic mouse models)
- Safety profile analyses
- Multiparametric histological analyses and microscopy
Cancer Immunotherapy
We want to develop anti-cancer cellular therapies based on genetic reprogramming of cytotoxic immune-effectors, empowering their ability to recognize a specific target simultaneously prolonging their action.
Current research:
- Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes (CTL) with gene modification carrying Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CTL-CAR)
- CTL-CAR potential in neuroblastoma and glioma pre-clinical and clinical models
- Identification of tumour-associated antigens as novel targets for new CAR immunotherapies in different neoplasms
Laboratory expertise:
- Isolation and characterization of human CTL
- CTL ex vivo amplification by introducing both standard and innovative culture conditions
- Plasmid vector construction, cell modification and protein expression
- Immunophenotyping and FACS sorting
- Cytotoxicity assays
- Neuroblastoma and Glioma xenotransplantation models
- Time lapse microscopy
- Multiparametric histological analyses and microscopy
- Safety profile analyses
Tissue Regeneration
We want to explore fundamental biological aspects of adult stem cells (ASC) and their properties in the context of tissue regeneration.
Current research:
- Bone remodelling through a combined use of biomaterials and well characterized ASC, identifying key players governing and maintaining the regeneration process
- Supportive function of ASC in improving performance of tissue transplantation
- Exploring novel sources of progenitor cells and innovative biomaterials in promising biomedical applications
Laboratory expertise:
- Isolation and characterization of ASC from different sources
- Ex vivo amplification by introducing both standard and innovative culture conditions
- Immunophenotyping and sorting
- Potency assays for skeletal regeneration
- Pre-clinical in vivo models of tissue regeneration combining cells and biomaterials
- Pre-clinical in vivo testing of biocompatibility and vascularization
- Multiparametric histological analyses and microscopy
- Early clinical implementation and regulatory requirements