Laboratory of Experimental Oncology

- Petronini Pier Giorgio; piergiorgio.petronini@unipr.it; 0521 033767 (PO MEDS-02/A)
- Alfieri Roberta; roberta.alfieri@unipr.it; 0521 033768 (PA MEDS-02/A)
- Bonelli Mara; mara.bonelli@unipr.it; 0521 033766 (PA MEDS-02/A)
- Cavazzoni Andrea; andrea.cavazzoni@unipr.it; 0521 033765 (PA MEDS-02/A)
- Fumarola Claudia; claudia.fumarola@unipr.it; 0521 033762 (Technician Cat D)
- La Monica Silvia; silvia.lamonica@unipr.it; 0521 033747 (RTD-A MEDS-02/A)
- Galetti Maricla; m.galetti@inail.it; 0521 033965 (INAIL Researcher)
- Digiacomo Graziana; graziana.digiacomo@unipr.it; 0521 033965 (MEDS-02/A Research Fellow)
- Pagano Mariano Marco; marco.paganomariano2@unibo.it 0521033764 (MEDS-02/A PhD student)
- Falcone Emanuela; emanuela.falcone@unipr.it 0521 033764 (MEDS-02/A PhD student)
- Blesio Andrea; andrea.blesio@unipr.it; 0521 033764 (MEDS-02/A PhD student)

For info and contact: 
- Scientific officer: Prof. Pier Giorgio Petronini, piergiorgio.petronini@unipr.it; tel: 0521 033767
- Technical manager: Dr. Claudia Fumarola, claudia.fumarola@unipr.it; tel: 0521 033762 
 

Integrated Bio-tech complex, Building D, 1st floor, 39 Volturno Street, 43125 Parma
 

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Our activity focuses on pre-clinical translational research in oncology, with innovations in omics technologies and 3D models. We evaluate the efficacy of molecularly targeted and immunotherapy-type therapies (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors), prioritizing drug combinations, in solid tumor models of lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, sarcomas, and cancers of unknown origin (CUP). A priority focus is the identification of strategies to overcome primary/acquired resistance, through omics (RNA-seq) approaches validated using cell and molecular Biology techniques. Studies integrate in vitro models (2D, 3D cultures in normoxic and hypoxic environments) with molecular analyses (qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry) and in vivo xenograft models (murine PDX).

Techniques in use

• Functional studies on normal and neoplastic cells of different histological origins, including assays of cell proliferation and viability, assessment of cell death, migration and invasion assays, growth in soft agar, and three-dimensional (3D) growth models, including spheroid generation. Analysis of cell viability using holographic imamines.
• In vitro assays for evaluation of angiogenic process.Using do co-culture assays (tumor-endothelial cells).
• Cell separation and set-up of co-culture systems for the study of interactions between different cell types (e.g., tumor cells-lymphocytes).
• Molecular Biology techniques: Western blotting, RT-PCR, modulation of gene expression by plasmid constructs and lentiviral vectors (over-expression and silencing).
• Cytofluorimetric analysis by flow cytometry.
• Immunofluorescence techniques for the analysis of protein expression and localization.
• Use of radiolabeled tracers for the study of transport and incorporation of cellular substrates.
• Biochemical and metabolic assays (ELISA, enzyme activity assays, protein assays).
• Use of the Seahorse Bioscience XFp system for real-time measurement of cellular metabolic parameters.
• Isolation of tumor cells from solid biopsies and pleural exudate and their propagation in in vitro culture.
• Fitting and management of xenograft models in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice.

Main instrumentation provided

• Blot Scanner, Licor C-Digit®
• Liquid scintillation beta counter, Packard Tricarb
• Cell and Tissue Dissociator, Miltenyi Biotec Gentlemacs™
• Electroporator, Biorad Gene Pulser II Apparatus, Gene Pulser II Capacitance Extender Plus
• GeneAmp PCR System, Applied Biosystems 2700
• Microplate reader, Infinite M Nano with nanoquant plate, Tecan
• Fluorescence microscope, Nikon Eclipse/E400, equipped with Epifluorescence device, Nikon, and Digital Net -Camera control Unit, Nikon DN1000
• Real-Time PCR System, Applied Biosystems StepOne™
• UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, Beckman Coulter Du730 Life Science
• Hypoxic workstation
• Holomonitor ™ Live Cell Imaging System

Current research projects

• New PET radioligands for assessing response during progression to osimertinib treatment in NSCLC models
• Preclinical research for optimization of molecularly targeted therapies in malignant pleural mesothelioma
• Evaluation of the efficacy of combining the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib with antiangiogenic therapies in preclinical models of Ewing's sarcoma
• Impact of KRAS non-G12C mutations on tumor VAsculature in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer cells: rationale and STRAtegies for combined targeted inhibition of KRAS signaling and tumor angiogenesis (RAVASTRA)
• Study on the effect of KRASG12D and KRASG12V mutations on transcriptional profiling in human lung carcinoma cells by Nanopore direct RNA sequencing molecular approach
• Dissecting the Impact of Orphan Genomic Alterations (OGAs) in advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
• Role of Environmental Pollution in the Process of Lung Carcinogenesis