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Cancer Biology, Cannabinoids, and Chemoresistance to Human Tumors

Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy

Main Areas of Interest

Molecular Basis of Chemo-Resistance in Human Tumors:

Investigating the genetic and molecular factors that cause cancer cells to become resistant to chemotherapy and exploring ways to reverse this resistance.

Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Cancer:

Studying how the endocannabinoid system influences cancer progression and identifying potential therapeutic targets within this system.

Combinatorial Cannabinoid-Based Antitumor Therapies:

Developing and validating new combinatorial therapies using cannabinoid-based molecules to enhance antitumor efficacy.

Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies:

Conducting SAR studies to design and optimize selective inhibitors targeting endocannabinoid system-related proteins, such as EMT, CBR, TRP channels, and metabolic enzymes.

Techniques You Will Learn

During your fellowship, you will gain hands-on experience with a variety of advanced experimental techniques, including:

Cell Culture and Molecular Biology:

2D cell culture using human and murine tumor cells.
Gene silencing and overexpression techniques.
Cell viability and toxicity assays, including necrosis, apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, DNA genotoxicity, autophagy, and senescence.

Analytical Techniques:

Chromatography methods: thin layer, ion exchange, and affinity chromatography.
Cell subfractioning and plasma-membrane isolation proteins.
Qualitative and quantitative PCR; PCR-arrays.
ELISA for cytokine secretion assays.
Flow cytometry for detailed cellular analysis.
Fluorescence and confocal microscopy for high-resolution imaging.

Lipidomics and Metabolomics:

Targeted lipidomics and metabolomic analysis in tumor samples.

Biochemical Assays:

Competitive binding assays (radioligand and fluorimetric-based).
Enzymatic functional assays for FAAH, MAGL, DAGL, NAAA, and ABPP.
GPCR functional assays (cAMP, β-arrestin).

Cell Migration and Invasion Studies:

Wound-healing assays to study cell migration and invasion capabilities.

Pharmacological Techniques:

Ex vivo and in vivo pharmacology in animal models.

Curriculum

The fellowship program spans 6-12 weeks and includes the following components:

Induction and Orientation:

Assistance with settling into the new environment, including finding accommodation and registering at the CNR-ICB guest register.
Allocation of a desk space and full induction on safety, laboratory practices, and personal welfare.

Training and Experimentation:

Initial meeting to discuss training objectives and experimental plans with realistic timelines.
Comprehensive training on each experimental technique, followed by supervised practice.
Ongoing support and engagement with the supervisor and lab members to discuss protocols and data analysis.

Progress Monitoring:

Regular meetings (weekly or bi-weekly) to review progress and plan subsequent experiments.
Keeping detailed and accurate records of all work in a laboratory book.

Academic and Professional Development:

Participation in research group meetings and academic activities within the University.
Opportunities to present research findings and attend workshops on research career development.

Dissemination and Future Planning:

Assistance with preparing research findings for publication or presentation at conferences.
Guidance on identifying future opportunities and integrating new skills into further research or professional practice.

Throughout the training, any specific requests or challenges faced by the fellow will be fully considered to ensure a responsive and effective training plan.

Accommodation

Try Airbnb

Guest house/accommodation near the lab (10 minutes walking)

Miramare Residence - website: http://www.miramareresidence.com/en/

Hotel Santa Marta: - website: http://www.santamartahotel.it/it

Hotel La Tripergola: -website: http://www.latripergola.it/en

Hotel Gauro -website: http://www.hotelgauro.it/

Hotel Villa Luisa: -website: http://www.villaluisaresort.it/en/

B&B O’Chalet -website: http://www.bbochalet.com/

Neronensis Relais & Spa -website: https://www.airbnb.it/rooms/21776567

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$875.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00

This program allows Merit Applications. If you successfully are awarded a merit application - Trialect will take care of all bench and service fees, but you will have to take care of travel and accommodation. All applications will be scrutinized under the merit category. Considering 50 million health professionals around the world, the chances of getting selected under the merit category would be very low.

Who Can Apply

Physicians and scientists from around the world are invited to apply

Host Details

Host Name: Alessia Ligresti

Affiliation: Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy

Address: Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli (Na), Italy

Website URL: http://www.icb.cnr.it/en/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.