Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics. Coordinator: Angelini

Research Themes

- Analysis of genetic (mutations and polymorphisms) and epigenetic (non-coding RNA) alterations, both germline and somatic, as possible biomarkers of susceptibility and new drug targets.

- Analysis of polymorphisms in genes encoding drug-metabolism enzymes, drug transporters and targets, as well as in genes in key tumor pathways (e.g. angiogenesis, DNA repair). The aim of the analysis is to predict the efficacy and safety of therapy, as a strategy that could guide the clinician in choosing the best pharmacological approach.

- Liquid biopsy: analysis of circulating biomarkers, in particular mutations in circulating DNA and non-coding RNA such as miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA. The aim of the analysis is to monitor the response to therapy in cancer patients.

- Identification of potential new drug targets and evaluation of the efficacy of new molecules (synthetic or of natural origin) through 2D and 3D cellular models.

Lab Members

Sabrina Angelini, Associate Professor

Emma Coschina, PhD Student

Federica Arienti, PhD Student

Luca Ghelli, PhD Student (Co-tutoring with Prof. Morroni)

Internship projects

Two positions open on the themes above mentioned for students attending FaBiT courses.

Main Publications

• Di Vito, et al., Arbutus unedo L. Fractions Exhibit Chemotherapeutic Properties for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, «PLANTS», 2024, 13, Article number: 1201, pp. 1 – 18. (https://hdl.handle.net/11585/973755)
• Ravegnini, et al., Analysis of microbiome in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Looking for different players in tumorigenesis and novel therapeutic options, «CANCER SCIENCE», 2022, 113, pp. 2590 – 2599. (https://hdl.handle.net/11585/894912).
• Catellani, et al., Specific miRNAs Change After 3 Months of GH treatment and Contribute to Explain the Growth Response After 12 Months, «FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY», 2022, 13, Article number: 896640, pp. 1 - 13. (https://hdl.handle.net/11585/894916).
• Ravegnini, et al., Identification of miR-499a-5p as a Potential Novel Biomarker for Risk Stratification in Endometrial Cancer, «FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY», 2021, 11, Article number: 757678, pp. 1 – 11. (https://hdl.handle.net/11585/840004).