Innovative three-dimensional (3D) biotechnologies for regenerative medicine and immune-oncology

The experimental activity of the Regenerative Medicine laboratory (RML), involves the development and validation of patient-specific 3D physiological models, for the in-depth study of the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of cardiovascular and oncological pathologies. To this end, our laboratory has developed several types of in vitro 3D cultures over the past decade, including advanced models such as organ-on-chip and microfluidic, organoid and mini-organ models for the development and translational investigation of new therapies oncological or for regenerative applications. Employment of our technologies including 3D culture, microfluidic systems and 3D bioprinting has highlighted the key role of biophysical, biochemical and environmental factors in identifying relevant criteria to aid planning and/or development of advanced in vitro methods.
The experimental activity has recently been integrated with advanced programs of reconstructive medicine and three-dimensional modeling, the focus of which is described in the development of cutting-edge technologies for the generation of patient-specific complex heterocellular tissues, supported by living and competent tubular endothelial networks.
In this context, the experimental activity aims to exploit the technological advances for the generation of patient-specific dynamic bioenvironments, supported by the manipulative capacity of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and immuno-competent organoids, integrated with customized biological sensors capable of develop Machine Learning (ML). Bioenvironments are made up of multicellular actors arranged topographically, in a Modulable Biological Environment (MBE), by extrusion 3D bioprinters (z-axis and core-shell technologies), which faithfully summarize the hierarchical histological characteristics of natural organs. The 3D models we develop are living functional representations, in vitro, of complex human organs or tissues, belonging to a specific person, on which to test innovative or experimental drugs or therapeutic approaches (personalized medicine).

KEYWORDs:
3d Bioprinting, Biomaterials, Biofabrication, iPSC, Organoids 2.0

Projects

  • Engineered T lymphocytes (CAR-T) for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • Competent coronary vessel integrated into human 3D myocardium to unravel the epigenetic dynamics of Sars-CoV-2 infection in the heart
  • Dynamic Immunomodulated Vascularized Patient-Specific Tumor Microenvironment
  • Bioprintable decellularized cardiac extracellular matrix-derived hydrogel (DystroGel) for modeling the 3D microenvironment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • Magnetically Guided CD8+ T Lymphocytes in a 3D Tunable Environment (MBE) to Enhance Immune Response and Therapeutic Effects in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Organoids
  • Generation of individual-specific tissues for the repair of damaged organs
  • Dysfunctional role of SP1 post-translational modifications in human monocyte-derived dystrophic macrophages
  • The role of microRNA-34 in the regulation of T-cell autoimmune response in depressive syndrome

Team

Nome / NameRuolo / RoleEmail
Claudia BearziRicercatore Seniorbearzi@ingm.org
Marika MilanPost Docmilan@ingm.org
Maria Grazia CeraoloPost-Docceraolo@ingm.org
Maila ChirivìPhD Studentchirivi@ingm.org
Salma BousselmiPhD Studentboussemi@ingm.org

Publications

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