Elucidating molecular connetion between IAHSP onset and Alsin protein by means of Homology Modelling and Molecular Dynamics

The Infantile-onset Ascending Hereditary Spastic Paralysis (IAHSP) is an incurable rare neurodegerative disease related to a mutation-driven aberrant behaviour of the Alsin protein. The lack of information on Alsin atomic structure limits a complete understanding on pathology mechanisms. In this work, molecular modelling techniques have been applied to shed lights on Alsin folding dynamics and misfunction induced by aberrant mutations.

Development and characterization of a novel human 3D model of bone metastasis from breast carcinoma in vitro cultured

Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the skeleton causing significant morbidity. Here, we set-up a novel and advanced ex vivo model by using fresh tissue from human vertebral bone metastasis from breast carcinoma patients able to retain the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells heterogeneity.

Comparing genomic profiles of tumour and peritumoral biopsies to find new possible biomarkers for glioblastoma therapy.

The study of glioblastoma genomic profiles permits the use of CNAs load to identify patients with poor prognosis and the understanding of the genomic signatures essential for the disease maintenance and the identification of new potential biomarkers.

View the meniscus: MicroCT strategies for enhancing microstructure visualization

The optimization of imaging protocols for soft tissue visualization is mandatory in the musculoskeletal field. Combining these techniques with histology and mechanics can provide a comprehensive structural and functional assessment of the tissue.

V-ATPase as a mediator of treatment resistance in Glioblastoma Multiforme: an in vitro study to investigate new therapeutic strategies

Recent evidences suggest the involvement of the Vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase) in the development and/or progression of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This proton pump could be a valid therapeutic target but more in-depth studies are necessary. The aim of this study is to better define the in vitro effects on Glioma Stem Cell (GSC) primary cultures viability of single and combined treatment with Bafilomycin-A1 (Baf-A1), a V-ATPase inhibitor, and Temozolomide (TMZ), the chemotherapeutic agent currently used to treat GBM patients. We found out that GSC were resistant to TMZ and more sensitive to treatments with Baf-A1 and that the two drugs exerted a synergistic effect when administered together.

3D printed microfluidic devices for cell culture

A successful application of the 3D printed materials in the biomedical field requires extensive studies to ensure their biocompatibility at every step of the process. Here, different components suitable for cell applications, including a microfluidic device, were 3D printed using common resins and a deep analysis of their biocompatibility and post printed protocols was conducted.

Recellularization of decellularized porcine caval veins

Decellularized material has been reported to be more suitable for cells to grow when compared to synthetic materials because repopulating cells are provided with the structural environment of native tissue. The aim of this study is to prepare and to test porcine caval veins through their decellularization followed by repopulation with human endothelial cells.

Nuclear receptor modulators: Catching information by machine learning

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are involved in fundamental human health processes and are a relevant target for toxicological risk assessment. To help prioritize chemicals that can mimic natural hormones and be endocrine disruptors, computational models can be a useful tool.1,2 In this work we i) created an exhaustive collection of NR modulators and ii) applied machine learning methods to fill the data-gap and prioritize NRs modulators by building predictive models.

Light-based 3D printing of functional polydimethylsiloxane- based microfluidic chips

The objective of the work is to fabricate and functionalize 3D printed PDMS-based microfluidic chips through digital light processing DLP-3D printing.

Chilled storage of zebrafish embryos: Development of an efficient protocol

Making the zebrafish embryo available to be able to share it between different laboratories groups could pave the way for this animal model with the aim of disseminating and promoting the use and application of zebrafish in scientific research.