Cell Isolation & Culture Platforms

Isolation and characterization of adult mesenchymal/stromal stem cells from different sources including: bone marrow, adipose tissue, decidual tissue. Isolation and characterization of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes and primary tumour stromal cells. Isolation and in vitro establishment of primary cancer cells from patient derived tumor samples including: pancreatic cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, glioblastoma.  Ex vivo cell expansion under standard and innovative culture conditions. Development of 3D tissue-like cultures from cell lines and primary cells.

Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting

High-performance flow cytometry platforms (BD FACSymphony A1 and Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX) enable up to 16-color multiparametric immunophenotyping, as well as cell viability, enzymatic activity, mitochondrial function, cell cycle, and proliferation assays. A BD FACSAria III cell sorter allows high-purity isolation and purification of specific cell populations. These technologies support our basic, preclinical, and translational research.

Our core facility help investigators advance their research by:
  • Delivering high-quality services and expert technical support
  • Providing timely and cost-effective access to essential technologies and resources
  • Supporting scientific publications through primary data generation and analysis
  • Offering consultations and training
  • Performing sample testing and processing
  • Providing data analysis

Vector & MSCs Engineering

Lentiviral and retroviral vector design using advanced plasmid-based platforms;  genetic modification of MSCs using lentiviral/retroviral vectors; stable expression of soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL), engineering of lentiviral and retroviral vectors using advanced plasmid-based platforms. (RNA extraction, reverse transcription, PCR amplification, bacterial transformation, cell transfection, T cell transduction).

CAR Design

Next-generation CAR constructs with optimized intracellular signaling domains; parallel/complementary receptor architectures to overcome antigen heterogeneity and immunosuppression.  Identification and validation of novel tumor-associated antigens for rapid translation into functional CAR designs.

In Vitro Models

2D/3D culture systems including patient-derived primary tumor models (spheroids embedded in Cultrex Ultimatrix scaffold; lymphocytes under standard and innovative culture conditions. In vitro monitoring of cytotoxicity by CAR T cells. Luminescence (Glomax,CLARIO Star) for tumor viability. Fluorescence or label-free live-cell analyses (Incucyte SX5) and Immunofluorescence analyses (Olympus, Evident microscope) In VITVO platform (Rigenerand) for 3D tissue-like cultures. Cellply per R&D.

Combinatorial Strategies

Integration of sTRAIL MSC therapies with chemotherapeutics (Paclitaxel, Gemcitabine, Bortezomib, AKT inhibitors,) to reverse apoptosis resistance in tumor cells and modulate stroma compartment.

Cell Expansion

Bioreactor-based expansion (Wave Bioreactor, System 2/10 EH, GE Healthcare); proprietary media for lymphocyte expansion and differentiation.

Molecular Assays

Protein expression analysis (ELISA, Western blotting and in-cell Western analysis). Multiparametric functional characterization of MSC osteogenic potential; identification of predictive gene signatures and development of cGMP-compliant potency assays.Bioinformatic analysis of gene expression data using QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) for pathway, network, and functional enrichment analysis.

In Vivo Models

Orthotopic and heterotopic xenograft models (neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, skin cancers, sarcomas, T-ALL, pancreatic cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, sarcoma). Heterotopic xenotransplantation models. Heterotopic xenotransplantation models. NOD-SCID and NSG mouse models. Ectopic bone formation models in NOD/SCID mice; histological and immunohistochemical analysis of newly formed tissue. Orthotopic tumour models. Biocompatibility and vascularization testing.

Imaging & Histological Technologies

Time-lapse microscopy. Multiparametric histology. Advanced microscopy platforms. Histological evaluation of tumour and regenerative models.

Imaging & Histological Technologies

Time-lapse microscopy. Multiparametric histology. Advanced microscopy platforms. Histological evaluation of tumour and regenerative models.

Osteogenic Assessment & Biomaterial Integration

Hydroxyapatite deposition and matrix mineralization assay; real-time PCR profiling of osteogenic differentiation and commitment (QuantStudio1, Applied Biosystem). Evaluation of MSC adhesion, colonization, and interaction with osteoconductive  biomaterials.

Allogeneic Donor Selection & Cell Therapy Platform

Identification and selection of optimal allogeneic MSC donors based on predictive gene signature associated with regenerative potential.Support for Master Cell Bank generation and development of scalable off-the-shelf MSC based products, integrating GMP manufacturing, quality control and regulatory requirements.

Clinical Translation & Clinical Correlation

Technology transfer for GMP-compliant manufacturing; collaborative manufacturing runs with Center for Advanced Cell Therapy (Oslo); regulatory compliance. Validation of cell storage, handling and transportation under clinically relevant conditions; preserving viability, proliferation and osteogenic potential for multicenter clinical trials. Correlation of in vitro osteogenic differentiation profiles with clinical outcomes in patients treated with MSC-based therapy for long-bone non-unions.