Cellular differentiation and neoplastic transformation

Areas of research:

Molecular biology is becoming ever more important for perfecting the diagnosis and classification of tumors. It is in this context that we are studying the expression profile of protein-coding genes, which has allowed us to highlight expression patterns typical of oral and colo-rectal tumors—particularly those related to the changed that occur in various phases of tumor progression.

Research activity:

The research concerns carcinomas and their neoplastic forms in the oral cavity and colon. The activity is primarily aimed at identifying the best tumor markers, understanding the molecular basis of carcinogenesis, and developing innovative diagnostic protocols.

 
Ongoing research objectives:

 Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis of the presence of cancer stem cells (CSTs) which are able to trigger and promote the development of various types of tumors. Based on these findings, we have optimized a protocol for isolating CSTs from oral and colo-rectal carcinomas, which can then grow in a culture in a spherical form (see photo). This in vitro study model allows us to characterize the traits that differentiate CSTs from tumor lineage cells and assess the effects of various treatments, pharmacetical and nutraceutical, in order to understand the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of action.

Collaborators

Prof. Francesco Carinci, Università di Ferrara, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e per la Romagna, , Vecchi Istituti Biologici, via Fossato di Mortara, 64 - 44121 Ferrara