Impacting on tumor-stroma cross talk targeting Periostin and triggering apoptosis by drug-empowered gene therapy in PDAC
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal disease with poor response to current therapies, largely due to a complex tumor–stroma interaction that promotes progression and drug resistance. Our group has developed MSC-based sTRAIL gene therapy, showing strong antitumor activity and synergy with conventional treatments while overcoming resistance mechanisms in both tumor and stromal compartments. We identified Periostin (POSTN) as a key mediator of tumor–stroma crosstalk and therapeutic resistance, also involved in apoptosis-related pathways. The IMPACT project aims to combine sTRAIL-MSC, sensitizing agents, and POSTN targeting to enhance antitumor efficacy. Through advanced 3D models, transcriptomics, and in vivo studies, this strategy seeks to reprogram the tumor microenvironment and improve therapeutic outcomes in PDAC.
Funding body: AIRC; Principal Investigator
ORTHO‑ALLO‑UNION – ORTHOpaedic treatment with ALLOgenic combined ATMP in long bone fracture delayed UNION and non‑union
The project aims to develop a universal therapy for long bone fractures with delayed or non‑union, based on ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) combined with allogeneic cells (allo‑BM‑MSCs) and biomaterials. The goal is to simplify and broaden access to effective therapies for a large patient population, providing treatment as soon as the need for reintervention is identified, rather than using it only as a last resort in established non‑unions.
The project also foresees the creation of a master cell bank for the allogeneic production of cells with osteogenic potential, and the acquisition of the preclinical and clinical data necessary for EU approval of a specific combined ATMP.
Funding Body: European Commission – Horizon Europe, Health programme
Health Extended ALliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine (HEAL ITALIA)
This project is carried out within the HEAL ITALIA consortium, focusing on the development of advanced diagnostic tools and innovative platforms for precision medicine. Activities include translational research, integration between clinical practice and laboratory science, and the training of early-career researchers. The initiative supports the design and implementation of cutting-edge strategies for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized therapeutic approaches.
Funding Body:PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) – Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 “From Research to Business” – Investment 1.3 (Extended Partnerships)
Health Extended ALliance for Innovative Therapies, Advanced Lab-research, and Integrated Approaches of Precision Medicine (HEAL ITALIA)
This project is carried out within the HEAL ITALIA consortium, focusing on the development of advanced diagnostic tools and innovative platforms for precision medicine. Activities include translational research, integration between clinical practice and laboratory science, and the training of early-career researchers. The initiative supports the design and implementation of cutting-edge strategies for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized therapeutic approaches.
Duration: 2022 – 2025
Funding Body: National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4 “Education and Research” – Component 2 “From Research to Business” – Investment 1.4 “Strengthening research infrastructures and creating national R&D champions in selected Key Enabling Technologies”
Combinatory strategies targeting primary cilia and activating apoptosis in pancreatic-biliary cancers
Primary cilia are sensory organelles that regulate key cellular processes, and their dysfunction is associated with tumor development, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and biliary tract cancer (BTC), where they are frequently reduced. Loss of primary cilia contributes to aberrant signaling, increased proliferation, invasion, and tumor progression, supporting a tumor-suppressive role for these structures. Restoration of ciliogenesis has been shown to reduce tumor growth and promote re-differentiation, suggesting ciliotherapy as a potential therapeutic strategy. In parallel, TRAIL-based pro-apoptotic approaches, including MSC-derived soluble TRAIL, have demonstrated antitumor activity in PDAC and BTC. This project aims to integrate cilia restoration and apoptosis-targeting strategies, using multi-omics and 3D tumor models to identify new therapeutic targets and develop more effective combinatory treatments for these highly aggressive cancers.
Duration: 2023 – 2025
Funding Body: European Commission – Horizon Europe, Health programme: MUR / PRIN 2022 Co-Principal investigator