Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RE-IMMUNE (Intelligent Nano-encapsuled siRNA for Restoring Immune Cell Response to Cancer)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2019-02-18 do 2021-02-17
WHY: To effectively bring siRNA-based therapeutic for cancer immunotherapy into the hands of clinicians requires the development of fundamentally new mechanisms to overcome current drawbacks. Accomplishing this will enable more efficient treatment with less side effects.
WHAT: RE-IMMUNE is an interdisciplinary programme in which the field of nanomaterial and nucleic acid nanotechnology merge to develop intelligent nano- encapsulated siRNA for safe and efficient delivery of siRNA in cancer-associated immune cells, to re-program and shift the tumor microenvironment from pro to anti-tumoral. To achieve this goal, I will undertake a high risk/high gain programme at the forefront of nanomedicine. The leading idea is to overcome the drawbacks of naked siRNA by combining two synergic strategies that will protect siRNA until recognition of its target site. I will evaluate intracellular trafficking of siRNA nanodevices and the silencing effect. I will also investigate possible synergic effect of a
siRNA cocktail able to target different genes at the same time. Finally, I will evaluate the re-immunoediting action in vivo.
HOW: The challenge met by the proposed program is to provide a groundbreaking contribution to cancer treatment. To achieve these objectives, I will combine the different scientific backgrounds and expertise of two leading scientists. Prof. Frank Caruso (University of Melbourne) is a world-wide recognized expert on nanomaterials and biomedicine, and Prof. Francesco Ricci (University of Rome Tor Vergata) leads a young and dynamic group at the forefront of DNA nanotechnology for sensing and drug-delivery applications. The fellowship will proceed through a well-defined set of research and training tasks. Thanks to this MSC Fellowship, I will diversify my scientific knowledge and acquire cutting-edge competences (in nanomaterials, microscopy, and nanoscopy), as well as complementary skills, which will become the foundation of my scientific independence.
WHAT: RE-IMMUNE is an interdisciplinary programme in which the field of nanomaterial and nucleic acid nanotechnology merge to develop intelligent nano- encapsulated siRNA for safe and efficient delivery of siRNA in cancer-associated immune cells, to re-program and shift the tumor microenvironment from pro to anti-tumoral. To achieve this goal, I will undertake a high risk/high gain programme at the forefront of nanomedicine. The leading idea is to overcome the drawbacks of naked siRNA by combining two synergic strategies that will protect siRNA until recognition of its target site. I will evaluate intracellular trafficking of siRNA nanodevices and the silencing effect. I will also investigate possible synergic effect of a
siRNA cocktail able to target different genes at the same time. Finally, I will evaluate the re-immunoediting action in vivo.
HOW: The challenge met by the proposed program is to provide a groundbreaking contribution to cancer treatment. To achieve these objectives, I will combine the different scientific backgrounds and expertise of two leading scientists. Prof. Frank Caruso (University of Melbourne) is a world-wide recognized expert on nanomaterials and biomedicine, and Prof. Francesco Ricci (University of Rome Tor Vergata) leads a young and dynamic group at the forefront of DNA nanotechnology for sensing and drug-delivery applications. The fellowship will proceed through a well-defined set of research and training tasks. Thanks to this MSC Fellowship, I will diversify my scientific knowledge and acquire cutting-edge competences (in nanomaterials, microscopy, and nanoscopy), as well as complementary skills, which will become the foundation of my scientific independence.
REIMMUNE project represented an invaluable opportunity to diversify my scientific knowledge and my research skills, acquiring cutting-edge competences through advanced multidisciplinary training. RE-IMMUNE allowed me to reinforce my CV and represent an important step in my career development.
The transfer of knowledge process took place through several activities (e.g.; training courses, one-by-one meetings, supervision in research activities) and it was reached in an inspiring environment characterized by collaborative interactions among supervisors and the other staff members. The interdisciplinary approach of the project, combined with the experience and know-how of the host institutions allowed me to gain new scientific and research skills, I was able to enlarge and build up my scientific background not only in a direct way (topics related to the project), but also in an indirect way, by taking part in the group meetings where all the researchers presented and discussed their projects, but also by exchanging ideas with them. In particular, in the outgoing phase I have chosen as host institution UOM because Prof. Caruso is a renowned, world-class experts in layer-by-layer (LbL) technology, an emerging technique which play a pivotal role in the project.
I successfully received the following training / transfer of knowledge: i) Layer by layer technology to synthesize smart nanocarriers, ii) training on experimental methods and techniques for the characterization of the nanocarriers (e.g.; DLS, cryo-TEM, SEM); iii); training on confocal microscope and imaging Flow cytometer; iv) training on super-resolution microscopy (STORM, FLIM, FCS and 3D SiM microscopes); v) training on 2D and 3D cell culturing / preparation of cell samples; vi) complementary knowledge of immunology, histology and molecular biology; vii) training on software for images processing; viii) manipulation of samples for in vitro experiments; ix) analysis and discussions of biological/immunological outputs.
I also acquired complementary research skills, such as improvement of scientific writing thanks to co-writing papers (1 published, 1 submitted and 1 in preparation), management of international collaborations and multi/interdisciplinary teams; supervision and mentoring of undergrad and PhD student (3); projects management and research budget administration (I followed all the phases of RE-IMMUNE, supported by the dedicated staff of UNITOV), reinforcement of communication and dissemination skills (participation in 1 international conference, organization of 2 workshops on MSCA actions, invitation to 1 webinar).
The transfer of knowledge process took place through several activities (e.g.; training courses, one-by-one meetings, supervision in research activities) and it was reached in an inspiring environment characterized by collaborative interactions among supervisors and the other staff members. The interdisciplinary approach of the project, combined with the experience and know-how of the host institutions allowed me to gain new scientific and research skills, I was able to enlarge and build up my scientific background not only in a direct way (topics related to the project), but also in an indirect way, by taking part in the group meetings where all the researchers presented and discussed their projects, but also by exchanging ideas with them. In particular, in the outgoing phase I have chosen as host institution UOM because Prof. Caruso is a renowned, world-class experts in layer-by-layer (LbL) technology, an emerging technique which play a pivotal role in the project.
I successfully received the following training / transfer of knowledge: i) Layer by layer technology to synthesize smart nanocarriers, ii) training on experimental methods and techniques for the characterization of the nanocarriers (e.g.; DLS, cryo-TEM, SEM); iii); training on confocal microscope and imaging Flow cytometer; iv) training on super-resolution microscopy (STORM, FLIM, FCS and 3D SiM microscopes); v) training on 2D and 3D cell culturing / preparation of cell samples; vi) complementary knowledge of immunology, histology and molecular biology; vii) training on software for images processing; viii) manipulation of samples for in vitro experiments; ix) analysis and discussions of biological/immunological outputs.
I also acquired complementary research skills, such as improvement of scientific writing thanks to co-writing papers (1 published, 1 submitted and 1 in preparation), management of international collaborations and multi/interdisciplinary teams; supervision and mentoring of undergrad and PhD student (3); projects management and research budget administration (I followed all the phases of RE-IMMUNE, supported by the dedicated staff of UNITOV), reinforcement of communication and dissemination skills (participation in 1 international conference, organization of 2 workshops on MSCA actions, invitation to 1 webinar).
The dissemination plan of the scientific results and information will contribute to European excellence and competitiveness as well as boost innovative capacity, thus offering new hopes for cancer treatment. For these reasons RE-IMMUNE project might have a great impact on future direction of European healthcare research. Moreover, the MSC Fellowship will strengthen and facilitate a long-term collaboration between UNITOV and UOM, grating opportunities of participation in other joint research programmes that will ensure a mutually beneficial co-operation between Europe and Australia as well as boost extra mobility and sharing of know-how. Furthermore, the possibility to experience an excellent scientific environment will spur my critical thinking on the side of identifying the right strengths and weaknesses of the European system. I believe that this represents a fundamental step to help EU maintain high competitiveness and great influence in our changing world.