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Cancer Research - Drug and Biomarker Discovery

Institute Pascale, a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Naples, Italy

Cancer Research - Drug and Biomarker Discovery

"Chief. Experimental Pharmacology Unit Department of Research

Institute Pascale, a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Naples, Italy

Main Areas of Interest

The main research areas of the Experimental Pharmacology Unit, part of the Translational Research Department are:

Preclinical and clinical development of novel therapeutical approach by novel combinations, drug repositioning; high-throughput and high-content screening; identification of new prognostic and predictive biomarkers using multiparametric flow-cytometry, proteomics, metabolomics; bioinformatics and molecular modeling.

Specialties

Oncology

Cancer

Techniques You Will Learn

Experimental techniques you will learn during your program here:

Both locations

2D and 3D cell culture

Cell viability/toxicity assays (necrosis, apoptosis, DNA genotoxicity, autophagy, senescence)

Evaluation of synergy, additivity, antagonism, in anticancer drug combination preclinical studies

Immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation;

Cell subfractioning, plasma-membrane isolation proteins

Qualitative and quantitative PCR; PCR-arrays

ELISA Assay -Flow cytometry: Our facility currently houses two BD FACSCalibur (one in Naples and one in Mercogliano), one Muse™ Cell Analyzer in Mercogliano, one BD FACSCantoTM II analyser (3-Laser, 8-Color) in Naples. A new cell sorter will soon be acquired by the laboratory.

A wide range of applications may be performed but not limited to: extracellular or intracellular markers, multicolor cell immunophenotyping, cellular processes such as apoptosis, ROS production, cell cycle analysis, live/dead cell discrimination and cell sorting.

Naples

-Fluorescence and confocal microscopy - Immunohistochemistry - Extracellular vesicles:isolation and purification of different specific vesicles population based on density gradient (using ultracentrifugation) from cell culture media and plasma samples. Once purified, extracellular vesicles are characterized by imaging and functional assays(wb, flow cytometry, invasion, adhesion,…),.

Mercogliano

-Proteomic facility: Identification and quantification by shotgun proteomics approach of proteins in a biological complex (cells, tissues o biological fluids) using the ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) in combination with mass spectrometry (MS) technology (LC/MSMS) -High-throughput and high-content screening: the Robotic platform, highly innovative, consists of Hamilton’s Automated Cell Culture Systems and Opera Phenix High-Content Screening System. The platform allows the identification of targets, validation of targets, repositioning of drugs, screening of small molecules, evaluation of drug toxicity on living cells, on fixed cells and complex cellular models as well as 3D culture and microtissues. -The animal facility of the CROM Research Center in Mercogliano is used for Oncology studies, to performing vivo experiments on xenografts and orthotopic models. It is also equipped with highly sensitive "In vivo Imaging" system such as the IVIS XR Imaging System. - Metabolomic profiling facility. We use a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer (600MHz Bruker Advance) equipped with cryoprobe and an automation system for routine analysis of twenty-four samples. Recently it has been installed also a second probe named High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) that permits the spectra acquisition directly on tissues (frozen samples) without extraction procedures. - Cytokinome facility. a Bio-plex 200 system that is a suspension array system, based on dyed microspheres conjugated with a monoclonal antibody specific for a target protein, which offers a reliable multiplex assay solution that permits analysis of up to 100 biomolecules/cytokines in a single sample. -Bioinformatics and Systems Biology. A Laboratory equipped with servers and graphical workstations containing advanced computing charts, and specialized software able to analyze different omics data and to integrate them through interaction network approaches and statistical analyses. The Unit is part of the Multidisciplinary Oncology Groups (GOM) for Abdominal Cancers with a specific focus on Colorectal Cancer, being the reference Unit for the translational correlative studies associated with academic clinical trials acrtivated within the GOM

Curriculum

6-12 weeks curriculum

Fellows will be supported to settle down into their new environment (find appropriate accommodation, locate amenities, etc.). A desk space will be allocated. Full induction (safety, laboratory practices, personal welfare, etc.) will be provided by the Institute’s designated staff and by myself. I will arrange an initial meeting with the fellow to discuss the objectives of the training and the expected mechanisms of their fulfilment. Experimental plans with realistic timelines will then be decided.

The fellow will be fully trained to run each experiment. They will then be allowed to attempt the experiment themselves, with the trainer present during their first run. They will be able to engage with me (supervisor) and other members of the laboratory to discuss any aspects of the general running of the laboratory or specific protocols that they require clarifications on. They will also be trained in how to analyze and interpret their data. I will arrange a weekly or bi-weekly meeting with the fellow to discuss and reflect on their progress and decide the next set of experiments based on data generated. A fellow must keep adequate and accurate records of their work using the laboratory book provided.

The fellow will be given opportunity to partake in research group meetings and other activities within the Institute, including attending relevant meetings, seminars, clinical rounds.. They will also be encouraged to present their work orally at a research group meeting at least once before they complete their visit.

Towards the end of the training I will have a meeting with the fellow to discuss plans to publish their work (if enough data collected) or disseminate their findings in a future conference. They will also be assisted to identify existing or future opportunities, globally or within their original work environment, that the training has empowered them to be eligible and competitive for and how they can be assisted to access them and also integrate the knowledge and skills gained into their further research or professional practice roles.

All throughout the training any peculiar challenges or specific requests of a fellow will be fully considered to ensure a responsive, relevant and adequate training plan is developed for them.

Accommodation

Accommodations near the Institute in both Naples and Mercogliano locations (10 minutes walking) are available. A Metro Station is located in front of the main entrance of the Institute in Naples, a free minibus is active for transportation of researchers from Naples to Mercogliano and back every day.

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$625.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00

Who Can Apply

Physicians and scientists interested in cancer research from around the world can apply

Host Details

Host Name: Alfredo Budillon, M.D., Ph.D

Affiliation: Institute Pascale, a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Naples, Italy

Address: Address: Istituto Nazionale Tumori- IRCCS G. Pascale Via M. Semmola, 80131 Napoli, Italy Tel. +39-81-5903292 Fax. +39-81-5903813

Website URL: https://www.imecba.com/

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.

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