Translational Medicine
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2022/2023
Study area
Medicine and Healthcare
PhD Coordinator
The doctoral programme aims to train researchers who are able to develop research projects that bridge the gap between laboratory activity and clinical sciences, facilitating the translational process in both directions.
Aims:
1. understand and study biological structures in the different levels of organisation, their physiological and pathological modifications in the framework of interactions between people and the environment, exploring diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and facilitating their application in clinical practice;
2. learn a scientific translational research approach which can favour points of contact between biological and clinical-behavioural discoveries and preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation practices in order to improve di health and lifestyle, also considering the global increase in life expectancy;
3. acquire a solid preparation in the methodological disciplines required to formulate correct experimental hypotheses, define experimental designs and critically interpret results;
4. promote communication between biological and clinical-behavioural research, particularly in relation to movement and physical activity in the area of prevention, mental-physical wellbeing, sport and professional performance, in conditions of health, illness and disability, in a unified perspective;
5. understand the ethical implications of clinical and biological research.
Aims:
1. understand and study biological structures in the different levels of organisation, their physiological and pathological modifications in the framework of interactions between people and the environment, exploring diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and facilitating their application in clinical practice;
2. learn a scientific translational research approach which can favour points of contact between biological and clinical-behavioural discoveries and preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation practices in order to improve di health and lifestyle, also considering the global increase in life expectancy;
3. acquire a solid preparation in the methodological disciplines required to formulate correct experimental hypotheses, define experimental designs and critically interpret results;
4. promote communication between biological and clinical-behavioural research, particularly in relation to movement and physical activity in the area of prevention, mental-physical wellbeing, sport and professional performance, in conditions of health, illness and disability, in a unified perspective;
5. understand the ethical implications of clinical and biological research.
Tutte le classi di laurea magistrale - All classes of master's degree
Dipartimento di Scienze biomediche per la salute - Via Mangiagalli, 31 - 20133 Milano
- Degree course coordinator: Chiarella Sforza
[email protected] - Degree course website
https://dmt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it - Main offices
Dipartimento di Scienze biomediche per la salute - Via Mangiagalli, 31 - 20133 Milano
| Title | Professor(s) |
|---|---|
| Study of cross talk between different organs and associated biomolecular mechanisms related to exercise capacity. Objective to identify new markers and possible therapeutic strategies in patients with reduced exercise capacity.
Requirements: Good knowledge of cardiorespiratory pathophysiology |
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| GBA and Parkinson’s Disease: Mutations in GBA gene, an enzyme involved in the sphingolipid catabolism, are a major risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The proposed research project is aimed to dissect the molecular mechanism responsible for the onset of neurodegeneration upon GBA loss of function. In addition, it will be investigated the possible rescue effect of small molecules able to enhance GBA activity and/or to reduce the production of the uncatabolized substrate.
Requirements: Cell culture, lipid analysis, enzymatic assays |
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| Lipid-based therapeutic strategies to optimize the effectiveness of innovative drugs to rescue mutated CFTR: One of the main obstacles in the functional recovery of CFTR lies in the poor stability of the mutated protein on the cell membrane. The project aims to investigate the possibility that exogenous administration of lipids, which are deficient in CF bronchial epithelial cells, may help the functional recovery of CFTR.
Requirements: Cell culture, lipid analysis, enzymatic assays |
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| Innate immunity in malaria-leishmaniasis co-infection. Malaria and leishmaniasis are severe parasitic diseases endemic in the tropics. The two infections can co-occur and cross-interact in the same patient with implications on the course of the two diseases. The aim of the project is to investigate the role of malaria and leishmania co-infection on macrophages and dendritic cell functions. Expression of co-stimulatory molecules, cytokines release and inflammasome activation will be investigated.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Molecular and phylogenetic approaches for studying pathogens with a high social and health burden
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Microbiology and Molecular Biology |
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| Characterization of molecular mechanisms involved in antigen presentation pathway responsible for antiviral immune response (HIV and SARS-CoV-2) through characterization of: 1. polymorphisms of anti-viral genes associated to inter-indivual susceptibility to infection 2. anti-viral innate and acquired immune response 3. in vitro infection assay (BSL3) and gene expression analyses (RNAseq); 4. evaluation of miRNA correlated to anti-viral activity and to immune system
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with omics approach. |
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| Phage discovery to treat Staphylococcus aureus drug-resistant and/or biofilm-related infections
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Microbiology |
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| Microbiota-gut-brain axis in epilepsy: understanding the microbial signature for future therapeutical approaches
Requirements: Basic knowledge of molecular Biology |
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| This research program will provide basic knowledge of neuroimaging, neurotransmitter and neurocognitive bases of the major psychiatric illnesses, such as psychotic, mood and anxiety spectrum disorders, with particular regards to brain connectivity and prefronto-limbic neuropsychological and neuromodulatory dimensions. Examples will be provided on how brain imaging, neurophysiological and neuropsychological multimodal multisource measures need to be analysed and integrated, and how they can be translated into clinical knowledge for assessment of pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response of those major psychiatric disorders.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Machine Learning techniques and of coding languages (Matlab or R); and of brain imaging |
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| Biomarkers associated with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders: epigenetic, inflammatory and hormonal factors involved in the etiology and outcome of these psychiatric conditions
Requirements: Competence in the field of translational research (including mental health assessment) and/ or in the field of molecular biology |
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| Hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (HAE) is a rare and potentially fatal autosomal dominant disease characterised by localized edema of the subcutaneous and submucosal tissue. It can be considered the paradigm of Paroxysmal Permeability Diseases (PPDs), pathological conditions characterized by sudden, recurrent, but reversible increase of endothelial permeability without inflammatory, degenerative or ischemic injury. Considering the central role of endothelium in PPD the project will address the interplay between endothelial cells and C1INH in the pathophysiology of HAE.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology. |
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| On the route to the construction of safe-stimuli responsive ion-channel proteins: structural interference between channel and hosting membrane. Ion channels require to be held by a membrane. Following a wider program connected to an ERC project (noMAGIC), aimed at the construction of potassium channel variants capable of responding to external safe stimuli, the structural aspects of membrane-protein interaction will be followed with advanced spectroscopic techniques. The activity will be done both at the BIOMETRA Dept. (UNIMI) and at the international Large-Scale-Facilities located in Europe, in collaboration with electrophysiology groups in Milano and in Darmstadt.
Requirements: Knowledge similar to master degree in physics or biology. Some skill in scattering techniques is prefereed. |
L. F. Cantù
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| Molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim is the study of the structural features and interaction properties of proteins involved, in their native or mutated form, in basic processes of degenerative diseases affecting the nervous system, either central or peripheric, like abeta (AD), tau (tauopathies), TDP43 (SLA). The activity will be done both at the BIOMETRA Dept. (UNIMI) and at the international European Large-Scale-Facilities, in collaboration with the Mario Negri Institute.
Requirements: Knowledge similar to master degree in physics or biology. Some skill in scattering techniques is preferred. |
L. F. Cantù
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| The accumulation of genetic mutations in the intestinal epithelial cells and a local procarcinogenic immune response drive the adenoma-to-colorectal carcinoma (CRC) sequence. Although intestinal bacteria are involved, how alterations of the gut microbiota composition (i.e. dysbiosis) contribute to this process is poorly defined. This project aims to characterize the local metabolic framework generated by dysbiotic bacteria colonizing the intestinal adenomas through a multi-omic approach.
Requirements: Skills: ability to work with eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells Preferred: background in cellular immunology and microbiology. Experience with human primary cells |
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| Role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in modulating pathological processes
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemistry and molecular biology techniques; ability in handling cultured cell line models. |
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| Role of the (sphingo)lipid metabolism in the fibrotic process of patients affected by glaucoma
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemistry and molecular biology techniques; ability in handling cultured cell line models. |
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| The research aims to unravel motor learning mechanisms. In the first section, we will address behavioral and biological changes occurring after motor practice in healthy subjects. The second main section is dedicated to motor relearning in neurological conditions. Specifically, we will study behavioral and biological changes occurring after rehabilitation-mediated training.
Requirements: The candidate should be familiar with knowledge on anatomical and physiological mechanisms of the central nervous system. Furthermore, she/he should be familiar with pathology-induced effects of neurological disorders on the sensory-motor system. |
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| Central organization of the postural control associated with voluntary movement, either in healthy subjects or in patients affected by movement disorders.
Requirements: Deep knowledge of motor and posture Physiology in Humans |
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| To study the biochemical and molecular roles of GM1 oligosaccharide as a novel regulator of neuronal functions to counteract the multifactorial aspects of complex neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, using in vitro and in vivo experiments we are interested to understand the biochemical mechanism behind neurodegenerations: toxin protein accumulation (i.e. alpha-synuclein) mitochondrial disfunction and glia/microglia activation taking as a gold standard the Parkinson’s disease
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of Biochemistry and Cell Biology |
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| Role of inflammasome and phagocytosis in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Disease). Experiments ex vivo using leukocytes from patients to verify efficacy of neo-synthetic molecules able to down regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and to reduce pyroptosis and IL-1β and IL18 synthesis and to restore phagocytic function by TREM2 activation.
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with omics approach |
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| In vivo human studies of exercise-stimulated metabolism to elicit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses in dysmetabolic conditions. In particular, it wil be covered: incremental exercise testing in normal weight, overweight/obese subjects, and athletes - measurements, clinical indications, and metabolic determinants related to energy metabolism.
Requirements: Good knowledge of the anatomical and physiological aspects of neuro-endocrine-muscular systems. |
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| Etiopathogenetic study and translational medicine research applied to neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases represent a broad category of diseases with a high disability and mortality. Currently, novel therapeutic approaches are changing the natural history of some of these disorders. The project will focus on the development of new cell-mediated and/or molecular therapeutic approaches, both in in vitro and in vivo disease models
Requirements: Knowledge in cellular and molecular biology |
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| The bone-parathyroid crosstalk is the item of professor Corbetta research activity. PTH released from parathyroids modulates bone metabolism, while the role of bioactive molecules released by bone cells in modulating parathyroid function is not clear. The proposal will investigate the effects of bioactive molecules released from osteoblasts on parathyroid cells. It will be realized in primary cell cultures derived from human parathyroid tumors, analyzing the receptors of the bioactive molecules and the coupled intracellular signaling pathways modulating PTH secretion and cell proliferation.
Requirements: Experience in endocrinology and metabolism and in molecular and cellular biology at basic level. |
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| Development of cellular and molecular therapeutic approaches for motor neuron diseases. The current absence of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of disabling and often fatal motor neuron diseases requires a continuous research effort in this area. The project will be focused on the study of molecular pathogenetic mechanisms and/or the development of new molecular therapies through the use of patient-specific in vitro 2D (induced pluripotent stem cells- derived motor neurons) and 3D (central nervous system organoids) models.
Requirements: Experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| Vascular calcification (VC) is a major feature of the increased cardiovascular risk in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The aim of this project is to study the effect of uremic toxins on vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells and to setup a new in vitro model of co-colture, to better understand the pathogenesis of VC in uremia
Requirements: Experience in cell colture, western-blot, real time PCR |
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| Study of the infectivity and severity of SARS-CoV-2 on the basis of the isolated variants. Primary objective of the project: Isolation from biological samples, identification, molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2. Secondary objectives: study of the in vitro cell tropism of viral isolates, study of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the isolated variants, characterization of the neutralizing activity of sera and/or vaccines against the different viral variants.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Three-dimensional analysis of human craniofacial morphology in normal subjects and dysmorphic patients
Requirements: Basic information of the anatomy of the soft and hard tissues of the head |
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| Morphofunctional analysis of the interactions between exogenous molecules and the intestinal barrier involved in the inflammatory cutanoeus diseases
Requirements: Good knowledge of cell biology |
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| Morphological and molecular analysis of the epidermal barrier after different physical and chemical stimuli
Requirements: Good knowledge of cell and molecular biology |
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| Characterization of the immune mechanisms involved in the response against viral infections (HIV, HTLV-1, SARS-CoV-2) and identification of putative countermeasures. The project includes: 1. Characterization of immune regulation. 2. Characterization of factors involved in disease progression and viral replication. 3. identification of putative interventions by pharmacological repositioning and novel strategies.
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology |
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| Identification and functional validation of new candidate genes in patients with rare endocrine diseases by combined NGS analyses (WES, targeted, WGS): in vitro and /or in vivo studies. Set up of spheroids cultures form normal and neoplastic tissues to test the efficacy of new therapeutic compounds.
Requirements: Knowledge in endocrinology, basic-level skills in next-generation sequencing techniques, cellular cultures and statistics applied to biomedical research. |
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| "Digital Biobank" project. The Biobank for Translational and Digital Medicine Unit of the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) is a reference point for biobanks. This line of research aims to integrate the histological digitization of cancer biomaterials with genetic and molecular data through the use of neural networks and deep learning algorithms, in collaboration with national and international research groups and companies active in the biotech and digital sectors.
Requirements: Theoretical-practical knowledge of the main molecular biology techniques and of the most common computer applications (eg Office package, Adobe suite, SPSS). Propensity to use social media for scientific dissemination. |
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| Project "HEROES" (HER2-lOw in brEaSt cancer). Multidimensional molecular characterization of HER2-low breast cancer. This project will take place at the European Institute of Oncology and it will integrate digital pathology, proteomics, and NGS techniques on tumor tissue and liquid biopsies (circulating free DNA) in order to identify new biomarkers for the treatment of breast cancer patients with low levels of HER2 expression.
Requirements: Theoretical-practical knowledge of the main molecular biology techniques and of the most common computer applications (eg Office package, Adobe suite, SPSS). Propensity to use social media for scientific dissemination. |
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| Characterization of the effect extracellular matrix components, tumor microenvironment and 3D arrangement on carcinoma progression
Requirements: Knowledge of cell and molecular biology |
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| Study of collagen turnover and expression of genes and proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling in connective tissue in physiological and pathological conditions, and after pharmacological treatment
Requirements: Knowledge of cell and molecular biology |
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| Hypertension, cardiac fibrosis and dietary pattern: focus on cellular crosstalk and sphingolipid signaling on the heart of hypertensive Emilin 1 knockout mice, by monitoring protein and sphingolipid composition in heart tissue extracts and on hiPSCs cardiomyocytes. Objectives will be reached by untargeted LC-MS/MS analyses for protein and sphingolipids followed by validation. Advanced bioinformatics tools will be utilized for the interpretation of large datasets produced by high-throughput technologies. The project will provide better insight into mechanisms contributing to cardiac fibrosis. | |
| Molecular studies of rare genetic diseases (chromatinopathies) to highlight the molecular basis of senescence. Project aims to identify the pathogenetic mechanisms observed in chromatinopathies and in senescence-diseases, paving the way to identify a therapeutic approach to change these disorders into curable diseases.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques |
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| Genetics of mitochondrial diseases (MD). MD are a group of diseases with high clinical, biochemical and molecular heterogeneity, caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA. New sequencing technologies have greatly improved mutational analysis for MD. This study aims to exploit new approaches (e.g. long reads NGS, whole RNA sequencing, single cell transcriptomics) to increase the diagnostic rate and accelerate novel disease gene discovery.
Requirements: Experience in NGS. Knowledge of molecular biology |
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| Morphological and metrical analysis of the skeleton: study of the biological variability in clinical, surgical and anthropological fields
Requirements: Basic information of osteology |
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| Sphingolipid metabolism and signaling as a therapeutic target in tumor cells. The research project aims to study sphingolipid-mediated signal transduction mechanisms in physio-pathological processes with the aim of identifying targets for the development of innovative and effective therapies against tumors. In particular, the metabolism and the functional properties of specific sphingoid mediators will be investigated in the tumorigenicity of tumor and /or cancer stem cells.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of the experimental procedures used in a biochemical research laboratory |
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| Integrated approach for the characterisation of bacterial virulence and resistance factors, host immunity and microbiota in severe infections in critically ill patients: identification of possible targets for intervention. The project includes the characterisation by sequencing of the bacterial genome with the identification of virulence and resistance factors, the study of innate and adaptive immunity and the analysis of the microbiota (intestinal and respiratory).
Requirements: Knowledge of the pathogenetic basis of infectious diseases, knowledge of omics approaches. |
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| Translational research on biological material from COVID-19 patients has the objective to understand disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets to address future epidemics. Aims of the research are to investigate the immunological, genetic, and epigenetic patients’ features with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and the molecular characteristics of the virus, and to explore which disease mechanisms and host factors are associated with COVID-19 severity. The project has the final objective to improve disease management, identify possible therapeutic and vaccine-mediated immune targets.
Requirements: Knowledge of the pathogenetic basis of infectious diseases, knowledge of immunology and omics approaches |
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| Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment. It will be evaluated the role of exosomes and their molecular cargo in this cross-talk. The project aims to identify novel molecular markers and possible targets of novel therapeutic strategies
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Cell Biology |
P. Limonta
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| Environmental and genetic factors strongly influence the pathogenesis and evolution of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis (NAFLD). The project will evaluate the impact of genetic variants, epigenetic modifications and nutritional intake on liver damage and cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with histological diagnosis of NAFLD, in in vitro models genetically modified by CRISPR-Cas9 techniques and in mouse models of hepatic steatosis. The study will be implemented with omics techniques that will allow to define non-invasive markers for the identification of patients at risk of progressive disease. | |
| Autonomic nervous system assessment to optimize training in elite athletes and to optimize exercise prescription for cardio‐metabolic and cancer treatment/prevention
Requirements: Knowledge of exercise physiology, elements of neurophysiology of autonomic nervous system, etiopathogenesis of cardiometabolic and oncologic diseases |
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| Lifestyle (focusing mainly on physical exercise) as sustainable tool for individual, environment and society, fostering wellbeing and reducing cardiometabolic risk factors
Requirements: Knowledge of exercise physiology, elements of neurophysiology of autonomic nervous system, etiopathogenesis of cardiometabolic and oncologic diseases |
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| The cytoskeleton protein filamin A (FLNA) plays a crucial role in endocrine tumors behaviour, regulating responsiveness to pharmacological therapy and invasiveness. The aim of the present project is to test the effects of a recently discovered FLNA inhibitor, PTI-125, on cell proliferation and on the expression/function of the receptors target of pharmacological therapy that are regulated by FLNA in different endocrine tumors (pituitary, adrenocortical and medullary thyroid tumors).
Requirements: Cell cultures; cell transfection and silencing; protein detection (western blot, co- /immunoprecipitation); cell imaging, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration assays; nucleic acid extraction, PCR |
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| The immune etiopathogenesis of Graves’ disease (GD) and orbitopathy (GO) still needs to be elucidated and T helper 17, T follicular helper and T regulatory cells seem to play a key role. Current treatments for GD target the thyroid and those for GO are based on steroids, which have a large immunosuppressive spectrum and several side effects. The aim of this project is to analyse the lymphocytes resident in target organs of GD and GO, much more specific than those blood derived, to clarify their alterations and individuate possible novel target of immunotherapies.
Requirements: Cell cultures; isolation of mononuclear cells from peripheral blood (Ficoll) and tissue; flow cytometry; cell proliferation assays; cytokine analysis (ELISA, ELISPOT); single-cell transcriptomics; extraction and analysis of nucleic acids (PCR) and proteins (western blot, spectrophotometry); tissue staining (hematoxylin-eosin, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry). |
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| Cohesins involvement in tumors. Project aims at dissecting the functional role of cohesins mutations in etiology of tumors for assessing new possible therapeutic strategies. | |
| The molecular basis of the protein aggregation dependent neurodegenerative diseases: structural and dynamic requirements for the protein-oligosaccharide interaction mediating protein aggregation and deposition.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience with knowledge of the main biochemical techniques |
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| Starting from its origin, Nanomedicine has focused its efforts in the development of nanoparticle-based solutions for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer, thanks to nanoparticles’ ability to improve biodistribution and targeted-accumulation site of drugs or diagnostic tracers administered systemically, increasing their efficacy vs toxicity (or the signal to noise) ratio. The objective of this research project is the development of protein nanoparticles that display a natural tumor homing, to deliver anticancer drugs or fluorescent tracers, improving their therapeutic index and diagnostic accuracy, reducing their toxicity due to off-targeting and limiting the onset of drug-resistance. The developed nanoparticles will be characterized from a chemical and structural point of view and their interaction with biological systems will be studied in vivo and in vitro.
Requirements: Cell biology skills for the management of immortalized human or mouse cell lines. Knowledge of the main biochemical techniques. |
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| Real-time analysis of body centre of mass displacement to detect individual locomotion features/anomalies
Requirements: Interest/knowledge in physiology and biomechanics of locomotion. Software design. |
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| Molecular profiling of solid tumors: development of Next Generation Sequencing based systems analysis for DNA and RNA profiling of solid tumors (lung and prostate cancers) to evidence mutations in genes drivers of tumorigenesis targeted by therapy and highlight germline alterations that may be consistent with genetic predisposition to cancer.
Requirements: Expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques: DNA and RNA squencing. Basic experience in the bioinformatic evaluation of gene variants. methylation results. |
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| Study of the antitumor role of different natural compounds in "in vitro" models of human cancers and the molecular mechanisms involved, in order to identify new molecular targets for future therapeutic strategies.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell cultures, and in cellular and molecular biology |
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| The role of iron and heme in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction in hemoglobinopathies. Due to the optimization of treatments, the life expectancy of patients with hemoglobinopathies has dramatically increased during the last decades, and new complications are emerging, including those age-related. According to recent data, heme and iron contribute to vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis progression. The aim of this study is to investigate vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in patients with hemoglobinopathies focusing on the role of iron and heme.
Requirements: The candidate is required to have experience in the field of iron metabolism. |
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| Pathways of rejection and immunomodulatory therapeutic prospectives in lung transplantation. Despite immunosuppressive drugs at hand, the main factor limiting the success of lung transplantation is still the immune-mediated rejection. Actually, specific biomarkers as well as target therapies are lacking. Project aims: 1) describe in situ and peripheral immunological scenarios associated with graft tolerance and rejection; 2) elucidated the role of immunological checkpoints in allogenic tolerance; 3) characterize immuno-metabolism of checkpoints-expressing lymphocytes.
Requirements: Background knowledge in cellular biology. |
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| Epigenetic mechanisms related to the metabolic memory during the development of microvascular complications in diabetic patients.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology. |
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| Study of the activity of HSP90 inhibitors as new leishmanicidal and antimalarial agents. Evaluation of the effect of HSP90 modulation in different stages of development of the two parasites.
Requirements: Knowledge of basic elements of cellular biology |
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| The human body can be more understood if considered as a whole. This research line will exploit the holistic approach based on high throughput "-omics" technologies for deciphering the intricate, and common processes that underlay the genesis of gastro-hepatic disease, obesity, insulin intolerance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and ultimately, cardiovascular diseases in humans. This will hopefully lead to the discovery of new molecules acting as common biomarkers in the Precision Medicine era.
Requirements: Experience in Separative Techniques and Mass Spectrometry. Manipulation, purification and extraction of bioactive substances from biological matrices. Quantitative and statistical procedures. |
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| Hypoxia, represents a common adverse feature in diseases as respiratory distress syndrome (ARSD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By contrast, at altitude, the human body orchestrates a defense against hypoxia by activating adaptive responses. This research is aimed to investigate the determinants of the double face of hypoxia by studying the systemic response of the body in terms of "–omics" profiles in serum of healthy, healthy hypoxic and diseased hypoxic patients.
Requirements: Experience in Separative Techniques and Mass Spectrometry. Manipulation, purification and extraction of bioactive substances from biological matrices. Quantitative and statistical procedures. |
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| Although the association between insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) diseases is well defined, we are still looking for “ideal” biomarkers, more directly predictive of CV risk. The aim of this project is to discover new and advantageous biomarkers for the genesis of liver disease, obesity, insulin intolerance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and ultimately, CV diseases by performing -omics experiments on samples from the epidemiological study CAMELIA (2009-2011).
Requirements: Experience in Separative Techniques and Mass Spectrometry. Manipulation, purification and extraction of bioactive substances from biological matrices. Quantitative and statistical procedures. |
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| Biomechanics and bioenergetics of human locomotion in simulated hypogravity. The analysis of metabolic cost and mechanical work of human gaits in simulated hypogravity will define and optimize the gait choices during different tasks on celestial bodies with lower gravity than on Earth.
Requirements: Knowledge of muscle and locomotion physiology and biomechanics; skills in data analysis also with purposely written software |
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| Inherited bleeding disorders are a group of diseases caused by genes defects resulting in impaired hemostasis. About 28% of patients presenting with a bleeding disorder cannot receive a clear diagnosis. Most rare diseases have a genetic cause and only a few environmental well-defined exposures cause recurrent bleeding. Therefore, in this project, we propose to sequence the exome of families with bleeding disorders of unknown etiology, expected to have a hereditary pattern, aiming at identifying the causal genes and investigating its relationship with the clinical phenotype.
Requirements: The candidate must have experiences in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology. Study/work experience abroad and publications will be considered. |
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| Despite recent advances in diagnostic method and treatment, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. It is widely accepted that genetic factors play an essential role in its development. The aim of this project is to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic risk factors associated with prognosis for coronary artery disease in the young (Iranians) with the purpose to identify predictive biomarkers and new molecular targets.
Requirements: The candidate must have significant experience in Molecular Biology and bioinformatics skills in genomic data analysis. Study / work experience abroad and publications will be considered. |
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| Role of the small airways in the physiopathology of pulmonary diseases, with particular reference to the effects of small airways cyclic opening and closing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in animal models.
Requirements: Knowledge of respiratory physiology, biophysics and/or biomechanics. |
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| The project plans to study platelet activation in patients thrombocytopenia associated to different immune diseases with hemorrhagic or thrombotic phenotype, evaluating the modulation of therapies. Platelet activation will be evaluated "ex vivo" and "in vitro" through flowcytometry and using a microfluidic platform. This system simulates the conditions of the blood flow and allows to evaluate platelet thromboformation by varying analytical conditions.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience with knowledge of the main biochemistry |
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| Network Physiology (NP) is an emerging field of computational physiology that allows to study the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular regulatory systems and their dynamical interactions. The project will evaluate associations between the functioning of physiological control mechanisms, as assessed via typical NP methods before major cardiac surgery, and the development of postoperative cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| An impairment of the cardiac neural control during physical exercise and recovery phase can expose the subject to the risk of arrhythmic events. The project will use advanced time series analysis techniques for the indirect assessment of the cardiac neural control during maximal physical exercise and the return to baseline situation.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| Cerebrovascular autoregulation is a fundamental mechanism for maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion in the presence of blood pressure changes. The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of vascular resistances. The project will use advanced signal processing techniques to characterize the interaction between the autonomic nervous system and cerebrovascular autoregulation in physiological conditions and in critical situations.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| Role of sphingolipids in the mechanism of repair of damaged myelin, with focus on multiple sclerosis.
Requirements: Knowledge of the basics of sphingolipid biochemistry. Knowledge of the techniques of cell culture. |
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| Combining whole exome and RNA sequencing to identify genetic defects and molecular pathways in muscular dystrophies (MD). The candidate will apply NGS-based sequencing techniques to a cohort of undiagnosed MD patients. Molecular, histological and biochemical studies in patients’ muscle and cellular models will be used to investigate disease pathogenesis and to develop therapeutic approaches.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology, curiosity, motivation. |
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| Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to address cell-type specific effects of impaired respiratory chain assembly. The candidate will use iPSCs technology and differentiation protocols (myocytes, cardiomyocytes, neurons) to model human disorders due to defects of Cytochrome c Oxidase assembly. Biochemical and molecular techniques will be used to advance our knowledge about the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology, curiosity, motivation. |
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| The project aims to evaluate the effect of a structured Incremental and Aerobic Exercise intervention on quantity and quality of nocturnal sleep and on potential metabolic modulators of BRCA penetrance in breast cancer women with BRCA mutations.
Requirements: Skills in adapted physical activity. Use of the actigraphy for sleep analysis and activity levels. Experience in the administration of exercise programs. |
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| The aim of the project is the evaluation of the epicardial and paravascular adipose tissue. The inflammatory role of adipose tissue is emerging as promoter of obstructive vascular disease. With the advanced imaging technique it is possible to quantify the inflammatory status of adipose tissue. The correlation of this parameter with patients clinical conditions, pharmacological and surgical therapy allow to understand this inflammatory process with a possible prognostic role of adipose tissue.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cardiovascular imaging techniques |
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| Three-dimensional analysis of human movement in health, disease and sports
Requirements: Basic information of the anatomy of the human locomotor system and biomechanics |
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| Innovative therapies for Parkinson's disease: study of lipid metabolism as a therapeutic target to counteract oxidative stress and neurodegeneration and of the metabolic effects induced by patients treatment with tDCS (transcranic direct current stimulation)
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cell Biology |
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| Study of metabolic alteration that sustain cardiac hypertrophy and ischemia reperfusion damage in myocardium. In vitro models and clinical studies at the aim of identifying innovative therapeutic approaches.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cell Biology |
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| Study of lipid metabolism alteration in Cystic Fibrosis patients and their corelation with comorbidities and lung transplant rejection.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cell Biology |
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| Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), is a NAD-dependent histone deacetylase, that regulates metabolism and mitochondriogenesis. A high expression of Sirt 1 has protective effects in rodents with the metabolic syndrome. This study will analyze the myocardium, adipose tissue of the epididymis and kidneys of wild-type and heterozygous mice for Sirt 1 treated with an obesogenic diet compared to animals with a regular diet. Melatonin will be used to stimulate Sirt 1. Focus on: Endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, inflammation, fibrosis, and mitochondrial damage. | |
| Study of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. We aim to assess the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in the course of natural disease, following vaccination as well as therapy with antivirals and/or monoclonal antibodies.
Requirements: Basic knowledege of Cell Biology |
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| Study of the gastrointestinal tract as a pathogenic site of HIV infection. We aim to asses the mucosal barrier, local immunity and the microbiome during HIV infection.
Requirements: Basic knowledege of Cell Biology |
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| Role of immune system in muscle homeostasis. This project will determine the role of the immune system in muscular dystrophies. First, we will used a combination of loss-of-function methods that specifically targeted regulatory T cells (Tregs) to examine if Tregs regulate the pathogenesis and progression of muscular dystrophy. Then, we will induce experimental immune tolerance by thymus transplantation and evaluate the effect of genetic or pharmacological interference with dendritic cells (DCs) cascade on disease severity. The final aim of this project is to provide an in-depth analysis of the role of central and peripheral immunity on muscular dystrophy that should be beneficial to the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Requirements: Requirements. knowledge of in vitro and in vivo cellular and molecular biology and experience in muscular dystrophy models. |
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| Identification of new vaccine strategies for the generation of effective and lasting humoral and cell-mediated responses. 1. Evaluation of the immune correlates of protection against infections (SARS-CoV-2, HBV, HIV, Meningococcus); 2. Pre-clinical analysis of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to new vaccines; 3. Clinical validation of the response to new vaccines; 4) Analysis of the response to vaccines in fragile subjects (eg HIV-infected patients).
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with omics approach |
|
| Role of extracellular vesicles in the onset of allograft rejection in lung transplanted patients. EV will be purified from broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from lung transplanted patients with acute, chronic rejection or stable disease. The EV transcriptional profile will be obtained by RNA-seq analysis. Then, EV will be co-cultured with primary bronchial and alveolar cells and their functional effects will be assessed with cellular assays. Specifically, inflammatory factors and bioenergetics changes in recipient cells will be analyzed by real-time live cell assays.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| The role of the V-ATPase pump in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma (GBM). The V-ATPase pump is a central factor for the regulation of cellular energy needs. Previous studies have shown that some pump subunits contribute to GBM growth. Through primary neurosphere cultures, metabolic pathways and signaling directly related to the oncogenic activity of the pump will be elucidated.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| The goal of the lab research will be to identify and characterize genetic variants predisposing to liver disease xploiting NGS analyses in large cohorts. Functional studies will be conducted both in vitro, exploiting genome-editing strategies, both in 3D multileage models and in human liver organoids and in vivo to understand the biological mechanisms underlying the genetic association. Results will improve patients risk stratification and pinpoint novel therapeutic targets in a precision medicine perspective.
Requirements: Competence in cell isolation and culture and/or molecular biology and/or bioinformatics and/or genetic analysis |
Courses list
November 2022
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Cardiovascular Interactions | 3 | 16 | English | |
| Evaluation of Physical Exercise - 2024 Update | 2 | 14 | English | |
January 2023
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Motor Learning and Relearning in Neurological Conditions | 2 | 10 | English | |
February 2023
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Application of 3d-Based Assessment Methods to Anatomical Structures: from Acquisition to Analysis | 2 | 10 | English | |
| The Double Face of the Moon. Scientific Papers: from Authoring to Reviewing | 3 | 15 | English | |
March 2023
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| 2d, 3d and 4d Ipsc-Derived Cellular Models to Study Neuromuscular Diseases | 2 | 12 | English | |
| Genetic and Molecular Diagnosis in Endocrine Diseases | 2 | 10 | English | |
| Imaging Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Radiology | 2 | 10 | English | |
| Spectroscopy and Imaging of Biosystems On the Nano-, Meso- and Macro-Scale | 4 | 20 | English | |
April 2023
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Bedside Measures of the Human Movement: Clinical and Instrumental Measures of Force, Tonus and Dexterity | 2 | 10 | English | |
| Biomedical Instrumentation in Clinical Research | 2 | 10 | English | |
| Single Cell Analysis for Biomolecular and Matobolomic Pathways Discovery | 2 | 12 | English | |
May 2023
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Autonomic Nervous System Regulation in Elite Sport and Exercise | 2 | 10 | English | |
| Basic Tools for Biomedic Research: Fundamentals Math, Stats and It (Software programming) | 3 | 32 | English | |
| Evolution of Modern Medicine | 2 | 12 | English | |
| Psychiatric Neurosciences | 2 | 10 | English | |
June 2023
| Courses or activities | Professor(s) | ECTS | Total hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Cancer Network Biology: Experimental Approaches Towards Precision Medicine | 3 | 16 | English | |
| Exercise Medicine | 2 | 10 | English | |
| Proteomics and Lipidomics for Disease Related Biomarkers Discovery: Technical Aspects and Applications | 2 | 10 | English | |
Following the programme of study
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