S. A. Tooze - Molecular Mechanisms of Mammalian Autophagy Icgeb 2024-10-11 | S. A. Tooze - Molecular Mechanisms of Mammalian Autophagy
40 years of ICGEB Icgeb 2023-09-15 | Celebrate 40 years of ICGEB! Relive joyful gatherings and moments of unity in genetic engineering and biotechnology.#shorts #biotechnology #geneticengineering
S. Giordano - Gastric cancer in the age of targeted agents: identification and validation... Icgeb 2023-09-13 | Silvia GIORDANO Department of Oncology, University of Turin, ITALY speaks on "Gastric cancer in the age of targeted agents: identification and validation of novel therapeutic strategies".AbstractGastric cancer (GC) was the world’s third leading cause of cancer mortality in 2018. In spite of significant therapeutic advances, the overall clinical outcome for patients with advanced GC is poor, with median survival less than 1 year. In spite of whole genome molecular profiling which shed light on the genetic landscape of this tumor, at present few targeted therapies are licenced to treat GC.The postulate of precision oncology is to exploit treatments targeting the molecular characteristics of a specific tumour. At present, only around 5-10% of cancer patients can benefit from targeted therapies. Delivering the right drug to the right cancer patient requires a detailed understanding of how genomic alterations are coupled to drug response. Thus, to improve the value of a target therapy it is mandatory to: (i) molecularly annotate tumors, (ii) properly select patients that could benefit from that therapy, (iii) validate the real biological relevance of the identified targets in a specific tumor type and (iv) identify molecular alterations that could affect the responsiveness to treatment. Targeted therapies licenced to treat GC are restricted to Trastuzumab (and its derivative Trastuzumab deruxtecan), Ramucirumab and the ICIs nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Most of the clinical trials performed during the last years in GC patients to identify new targets and to test new drugs failed. The reason for this failure, in many cases, can be ascribed to the lack of proper patient selection and/or to the inadequacy of robust preclinical data. These considerations imply that, before going to clinic, we need a better knowledge of the genomic environment associated to each oncogenic driver and necessitate predictive biomarkers to better select patients.At present, the best strategy to fulfil all the above-mentioned prerequisites is the use of a large series of human cancer specimens directly transplanted into mice (Patient-derived xenografts, PDXs), in order to generate a study population that could be concomitantly profiled for biomarker assessment and randomized for prospective treatment with targeted agents. This approach combines the flexibility of preclinical analysis with the informative value of population-based studies. We aimed at identifying and validating novel targeted therapeutic strategies in GC, taking advantage of a multi-level platform of GC models, comprising more than 250 PDXs, primary cell lines and organoids. Exploiting this proprietary and unique resource, we: (1) provided a scientific basis for the rational selection of GC patients for anti-HER2 therapies through the identification of positive and negative predictors of response; (2) investigated mechanisms of acquired resistance to Trastuzumab; (3) re- evaluated EGFR as a therapeutic target in a subgroup of GC patients; (4) fighted drug-resistance through targeting persister cancer cells; (5) investigated genetic dependencies guiding response to PARP1 inhibitors; (6) dissected intratumor mismatch repair (MMR) heterogeneity.As a whole, the results of our work have provided a scientific basis for future clinical applications and for guiding the rational design of molecularly oriented clinical trials for gastric cancer.
F. dAdda di Fagagna - DNA is important, but RNA is too Icgeb 2023-09-13 | Fabrizio d’ADDA di FAGAGNA IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM-CNR “Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza”, Pavia, ITALY speaks on "DNA is important, but RNA is too".AbstractTelomere dysfunction is a hallmark and driver of aging and age-related diseases (Rossiello, Nat Cell Bio 2022). We previously reported that damage-induced non-coding RNAs (dincRNAs) are generated at DNA breaks, including dysfunctional telomeres. Their sequence-specific targeting with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) results in DDR inhibition (Francia, Nature 2012; Michelini, Nat Cell Bio 2017; Pessina, Nat Cell Bio 2019).We will discuss published and unpublished results supporting this approach in the study and treatment of age-related conditions. We will also discuss how DNA damage in different settings related to aging cancer and, recently viral infections, brings about the process of cellular senescence and its multipronged consequences. BiosketchDr. d’Adda di Fagagna is a cell and molecular biologist that studies the involvement of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways in physiologically-relevant processes such as aging and cancer. Fabrizio obtained his PhD working at ICGEB under the guidance of Mauro Giacca and Arturo Falaschi. As a research associate and postdoc in Cambridge, UK, he discovered the engagement of DDR factors in the maintenance of telomeres and demonstrated that replicative cellular senescence, a form of cell aging, is the outcome of DDR activation caused by the direct recognition of critically short telomeres. He then set up his own research group at IFOM (FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology) in Milan, Italy, in 2003. Here, he demonstrated that oncogene activation is an intrinsically genotoxic event that, by altering DNA replication, causes DDR activation and cellular senescence establishment. Since then, he continued working on several aspects of cellular senescence. His most exciting recent finding is the discovery of an unanticipated role of non-coding RNAs in the direct activation of the DDR. This discovery fuels most of his present investigative efforts. In 2014, he was awarded a permanent position “for exceptional merits” at the Italian National Research Council (CNR) in Pavia, Italy, where he runs a laboratory. Fabrizio is an EMBO member and received several awards for his work, including the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) Young Cancer Researcher Award and the EMBO Young Investigator Award. He received two ERC advanced grants.
D R Katerere - From farm to pharmacy - the role of biotech in building the African cannabis industry Icgeb 2023-09-05 | ...
P Terblanche - The Frontiers of mRNA Technology, Development, and Transfer in Africa. Icgeb 2023-08-18 | The remarkable history of mRNA technology culminated, five decades after the discovery of messenger RNA in 1961, with the rapid development of mRNA vaccines that saved millions of lives during the Covid 19 pandemic. The extraordinary scientific developments that paved the way for mRNA as a technology and its promise of public health benefits have become a global innovation platform. The development speed of mRNA vaccines during the pandemic demonstrated the potential value of mRNA technology platformsto respond to epidemics and pandemics. Today there is growing evidence that the versatility of mRNA technologies could allow for worldwide development of new vaccines or improving existing vaccines. However, mRNA technology for vaccines and therapeutics have to overcome significant challenges to reach its full value proposition for public health applications at a global level. These challenges includes access (IPrestrictions), high cost of goods, raw material supply and the capabilities and manufacturing capacity to ensure universal access to vaccines particularly for Africa and other LMICs. The WHO/MPP mRNA technology development and transfer Programme is dedicated to empower LMICs to develop and manufacturing mRNA vaccines to ensure sustainable access to this future relevant technology for health.This presentation will focus on mRNA technology and the amazing women frontiers written into the mRNA history books and the next generation of women in the WHO/MPP mRNA Center for technology development and transfer located in the Southern Tip of Africa. A team dedicated to technology development and transfer in a quest for making mRNA vaccine development and manufacturing accessible to LMICs.
Maria Juul Diekmann from Norway: TBFVnet project Icgeb 2023-08-12 | Maria Juul Diekmann, a dedicated and passionate advocate for human health, embarked on a remarkable journey in pursuit of understanding and combatting infectious diseases. Her fervor for medical and molecular biology led her to the University of Roskilde in Denmark, where she delved into research projects centered around cancer and bacterial human pathogens during her Master’s degree.For further information visit the project web site at: www.tbfvnet.eu The project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
Z Abdin - Insect functional genomics for development of innovative green plant protection strategies Icgeb 2023-08-02 | Insect pests seriously threaten global food security, causing annual yield losses of up to 40%. While synthetic, broad-spectrum insecticides remain effective for pest control, their misuse poses environmental and health risks. Additionally, overuse of these chemicals can develop resistance in target insects and harm beneficial insect populations, resulting in pest resurgenceand secondary outbreaks. Reducing pesticide dependency is, therefore, a key goal of sustainable agriculture. One approach is to explore using environmentally safe products and biological control agents as alternatives. Natural insecticide molecules show promise as they offer higher specificity and selectivity, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. The shift to more natural products would improve agricultural practices and enhance the quality of consumer products. The biodiversity of insect parasitoids provides a valuable source of bioactive genes/peptides that could be used to develop safer strategies for controlling crop pests. Researchers can develop newbioinsecticides and plant protection methods by studying the molecular and functional aspects of host-parasitoid interactions in insects. This case study focuses on isolating and characterizing insecticidally bioactive genes from the reproductive secretion of the female parasitoid wasp Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) (=Aenasius bambawalei Hayat). This wasp is highly effective in controlling the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, a significant pest that has caused substantial losses in cotton production in Pakistan since 2005. Through an integrated approach offunctional and molecular studies, the isolated genes/peptides from the parasitoids were studied/examined to understand the host-parasitoid interactions and their potential to develop effective insect pest control methods.
28th ICGEB Annual Symposium Icgeb 2023-07-20 | Recap of the incredible ICGEB 28th Annual Symposium! Held at area science park on 5-6 July 2023, this extraordinary event brought together brilliant minds for eight insightful sessions and over 30 captivating talks on the forefront of biotechnology. It was a platform for our brilliant PhD students and researchers to share cutting-edge topics and showcase groundbreaking advancements in the field.
Arturo Falaschi Conference: TDP-43 function and dysfunction in disease #shorts Icgeb 2023-07-06 | ...
Prof. Marycelin Baba: the impact of an ICGEB CRP Grant Icgeb 2023-07-05 | Prof. Marycelin Baba, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, has been associated with the ICGEB for 13 years; here she tells briefly how our programmes have helped impact science, technology and training across the globe: "When you train a woman, you train a nation, but when you train a teacher you train the world." 💪
M. Alfano - Detect the undetectable: gold nanorods- assisted imaging and thermal treatment of ... Icgeb 2023-07-04 | Massimo Alfano, Group Leader Extracellular Microenvironment UnitUrological Research Institute, DiBit2, Scientific Institute San Raffaele Milan - ITALY speaks on "Detect the undetectable: gold nanorods- assisted imaging and thermal treatment of bladder cancer lesions smaller than 1 mm".AbstractThe diagnostic imaging does not detect bladder tumor smaller than 1 mm, and chemoresistance to intravesical therapy occurs in 50% of bladder cancer patients. As a consequence of technological and therapeutic limitations 60% of bladder cancer patients experience tumor relapse at 3 years follow up, with a consequent poor quality of life and the highest cost per patient among all cancers.Preclinical model of orthotopic bladder cancer expressing the same target identified on the human bladder in situ carcinoma was used. Photoacoustic imaging of targeted gold nanorods allowed for the detection of bladder tumor lesions smaller than 1 mm, and the same contrast agent was exploited for assisted thermal therapy.We have demonstrated the feasibility of a solution that allows for the detection and thermal therapy of tumors smaller than 1 mm at the same time.Massimo Alfano, PhD, group leader of the Extracellular Microenvironment Unit at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele (Milan, Italy). Master’s degree of Science and PhD degree at the University of Milan. The focus of his research is to apply knowledge from basic science to techniques and tools that may really address clinical unmet needs. The group collaborates with several national and international researchers with different scientific skills to achieve an integrated vision of the disease, and is supported by peer-reviewed competitive grants and industrial sponsors.
D Sarkar - MYC’s friends in HCC Icgeb 2023-06-19 | Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly fatal disease with a marked increase in mortality and incidence globally. Current treatment of advanced HCC includes combination immunotherapy, with an only 27% response rate, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors which provide a survival benefit of only ~6 months. Thus, there is an unmet need of better understanding the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and developing novel targeted strategies. MYC, encoding c-Myc, functions as a driver oncogene for HCC. MYC gene is located in chromosome 8q which is a hotspot for chromosomal amplification in many cancers including HCC. The laboratory studies genes that are co-amplified in HCC along with MYC and how they cooperate with MYC to promote aggressive disease, and evaluates combinatorial inhibitory approaches as potential therapeutic for HCC. The current presentation will focus on two such genes, AEG-1/MTDH and MDA-9/SDCBP.
Trailer: ICGEBs Live OnLine Foldscope Tutorials - the example of Central America Icgeb 2023-06-16 | In June 2023, ICGEB's Dr. Lucia Lopéz, Cellular Immunology lab, ICGEB Trieste, Italy, held an online tutorial for more than 30 school teachers from 7 countries in Central America. The project is part of the STEAM project for gender equality, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and coordinated by partners: the Italo Latin-American Organization IILA (iila.org/it) and CECC SICA (ceccsica.info)
S. Pantano - Viruses vs. Computers: What we can get from Whole Virus Simulations Icgeb 2023-06-01 | Sergio Pantano, Head of Biomolecular Simulations, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo Mataojo, Montevideo, URUGUAY speaks on "Viruses vs. Computers: What we can get from Whole Virus Simulations".AbstractThe stability of viral envelopes relies on a complex and dynamic network of intermolecular interactions that are only fully understood in the context of the entire virus structure.Experimental determinations face significant challenges due to the small size of virus particles. However, modern multiscale molecular dynamics simulations enable the simulation of complete virus particles.I will provide an overview of recent whole virus simulations and present several application examples illustrating the utility of these simulations. They include the identification of protein-lipid interactions in Flaviviruses that store energy in the membrane coat of the mature form; the thermal stabilization of circovirus capsid through a single point mutation; and the design of a potent variant-insensitive SARS- CoV-2 entry inhibitor.Short Biosketch: Sergio Pantano got his degree in Physics at the National University of San Luis (Argentina) and his Ph.D. at the SISSA (Trieste, Italy) in 2001. Currently, he runs the group of Biomolecular Simulations at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo. His research interests focus on the assembly and stability of Flavi and Circo viruses, for which he develops and applies multiscale simulation methods.
C Masimirembwa - Pharmacogenomics in Personalized Medicine, research bench to patient bedside Africa Icgeb 2023-05-25 | Pharmacogenomics (PGx) evaluates drug-gene interactions (DGI) that affect drug safety and efficacy. Research has uncovered numerous variations in genes that code for drug targets and for processes that affect drug metabolizing enzymes & transporters, that have been shown to affect the pharmacodynamics (PD) or the pharmacokinetics (PK) of some medicines. Mechanistic and clinical studies have gone on to show that some of these effects can have a profound effect on treatment outcomes. Most of this work has been done in people of European ancestry. The relatively few studies done in people of African ancestry, are however, revealing important observations; that whole genome sequence and variation in pharmacogenes among African populations is much higher than in Caucasians and Asians and that for clinically relevant pharmacogenes African populations have either unique variants or significantly different population frequencies compared to Caucasian and Asians. At a clinical level, observations of differential response with respect to efficacy and safety of some medicines in African patients compared to Caucasian patients have been made. The WHO pharmacovigilance database, Vigibase, shows that for most drugs, African populations have higher ADRs incidences than other world populations.In response to this gap in basic and clinical PGx knowledge, over the past twenty five years my group has been working on discovering genetic variants associated with pharmacogenes and exploring drug-gene interactions potentially important for people of African Ancestry. This work has culminated in the design and analytical validation of a pharmacogenetic testing open array, GenoPharmR, that can predict clinical response for many medicines on the market. In this presentation I will present our journey from research lab work to patient bedside implementation studies that are likely to profoundly change the standard-of-care from one treatment fits all or generalisation of findings from one population to another to an approach that is individualised at personal and population level. Examples of drug-gene interactions involving CYP2B6-efavirenz, CYP2D6-tamoxifen, CYP2C19-clopidogrel, DPYD-5FU, and others will be covered.
JA Yunes - IGFBP7 as a therapeutic target in acute lymphoblastic leukemia Icgeb 2023-05-25 | Although insulin and IGF1 were known to enhance ALL survival/proliferation in vitro for decades, their role in ALL has not been fully explored, except in T-ALL. Addition of insulin/IGFs alone has a small effect on ALL survival/proliferation. However, in association with one of the low affinity IGF binding proteins, IGFBP7, insulin/IGF have a significant effect on ALL biology both by stimulating the leukemia microenvironment and the leukemia cells itself. It is well documented that the interaction of acute lymphoblastic leukemic (ALL) cells with bone marrow (BM) stromal cells has a positive impact on leukemia cell survival and enhances ALL resistance to chemotherapy. We found that BM stromal cells stimulate ALL’s expression of IGFBP7. Diagnostic BM plasma from children with ALL had higher levels of IGFBP7 than controls. The extracellular IGFBP7 plus insulin/IGF, enhances asparagine synthetase expression and asparagine secretion by BM stromal cells, thus protecting ALL cells against one of the main drugs used in leukemia treatment: asparaginase. But besides this paracrine effect, IGFBP7 exerts also an autocrine action on ALL cells as well. ALL cells express the INSR and IGF1R receptors for insulin/IGFs. We found that IGFBP7 binds and inhibits the internalization of IGF1R, but not INSR, when in response to insulin/IGF1. This resulted in prolonging activation of IGF1R signaling and enhanced ALL survival and proliferation. Moreover, sustained activation of the IGF1R-PI3K-Akt axis concurred to GLUT1 upregulation, enhanced energy metabolism and increased glycolytic metabolism in ALL. All these findings were validated using clinical samples of B- and T-ALL. Importantly, we were able to show that IGFBP7 is targetable. We produced a monoclonal antibody against IGFBP7 and showed that IGFBP7 neutralization had a significant impact in ALL proliferation/survival in vitro and ALL progression in vivo. Mice treated with the anti-IGFBP7 antibody had a longer survival time. In conclusion, our observations reveal a hitherto unknown role for IGFBP7 in ALL biology, revealing a new candidate for drug development.
C O Ryan - Bridging the gap: an integrative approach to molecular autism research Icgeb 2023-05-25 | Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong condition defined by difficulties in social interaction and communication, and the presence of repetitive behaviours and interests. ASD has a complex genetic architecture. Although there is a wealth of ASD genetic data from American and European populations, African populations are underrepresented. My research focuses on the epigenetics and molecular biology of ASD and uses a multi-disciplinary approach. My group published the first epigenome methylation screen from an autistic population from SA. This epigenome screen identified differentially methylated genes associated with ASD and we found a significant enrichment of mitochondrial metabolic canonical pathways directly linked to ATP production. This mitochondrial dysfunction was supported in our cohort using urinary mitochondrial metabolites and, mitochondrial copy number. We then examined the relationship between methylation and specific mitochondrial compensatory processes in our ASD cohort. We found a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and differential methylation of the promoter of the gene central to mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as other genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. This highlighted an unexplored role for methylation in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD. To identify the pathways that crosstalk with mitochondrial pathways, we completed an analysis of 19 molecular datasets to identify common pathways that were implicated with ASD. We found that ASD data converged on four biological pathways, namely mitochondrial metabolism, neurogenesis and neuroinflammation. We identified key players in specific pathways that are now being experimentally tested in a neuronal cell model system. My current research examines the intersection of mitochondrial metabolism with neuronal cell fate in a cell model system. ASD research spans disparate psychosocial and biomedical disciplines that traditionally work in isolation; however, autism research requires an integrative approach. Molecular research is moving towards a biopsychosocial framework that can be informed by autistic experiences. I will also discuss my group’s approach to trying to integrate autistic experiences within a molecular framework.
MICROBIOLOGIA DELLA TERRA E AGRICOLTURA SOSTENIBILE Icgeb 2023-05-20 | Intervengono Iris Bertani, ricercatore associato Laboratorio di Batteriologia ICGEB-International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Rebeca Fuzinatto Dall’Agnol, cofondatore SimbioticaConduce Antonio Maconi, curatore Galileo Festival della Scienza e InnovazioneIn collaborazione con ICGEB-International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies
Adam Kevely, PhD student from the Slovak Academy of Sciences, works on the TBFVnet project Icgeb 2023-05-17 | Adam Kevely, PhD student from SAS, Slovakia, spent one month in the Molecular Virology Laboratory at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ICGEB, in Trieste, Italy studying high-throughput screening techniques for antiviral drugs discovery. He also collaborated with the laboratory of Daniel Ruzek, at the Veterinary Research Insitute (VRI) in Brno, in the Czech Republic.The results of this collaboration are part of Adam Kevely's first author scientific paper. Here, he recounts how his involvement in the TBFVnet project has advanced his scientific knowledge and career.He also considers how the possibility to collaborate with other Groups in different countries enriches scientific experience.For further information visit the project web site at: www.tbfvnet.euThe project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
Olga Sofronie, PhD student from Moldova, is working on the TBFVnet project Icgeb 2023-05-10 | Olga Sofronie, is a PhD student in the Molecular Virology laboratory at the ICGEB in Trieste, Italy.She tells us her background and what has fuelled her passion for science, by discussing the aim of her project. Since the end of January 2023, she has worked to set up a molecular diagnostic method for TBEV detection.Her involvement in the TBFVnet project at ICGEB Trieste has been predominantly to become familiar with state-of-the-art techniques, equipment, and methodologies. She explains how this has consolidated her research.We also ask about her vision for the future. Her visit has been funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation as part of the Tick-Borne Flavivirus network project.
M. Beers - Epithelial Cell Dysfunction In Lung Fibrosis: It’s About Proteostasis and Quality Control Icgeb 2023-05-10 | Michael Beers, Robert L. Mayock & David A. Cooper Professor of MedicineDepartment of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , USA speaks on "Epithelial Cell Dysfunction In Lung Fibrosis: It’s About Proteostasis and Quality Control".
L. P. De Haro - Biosecurity in the age of Synthetic Biology with a focus on Biomedical Applications Icgeb 2023-05-10 | Leyma P. De Haro, Assistant Biosafety Officer, CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Office of Environment, Health, and Safety, Pasadena, CA, USA speaks on "Biosecurity in the age of Synthetic Biology with a focus on Biomedical Applications".
K. Zanier - HPV, E2F4 and p53: partners in oncogenic transformation Icgeb 2023-05-09 | Katia Zanier, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling laboratory, CNRS/University of Strasbourg, France speaks on "HPV, E2F4 and p53: partners in oncogenic transformation".
A. Gronenborn - The awesome power of fluorine NMR - from drugs to cells Icgeb 2023-05-09 | Angela Gronenborn, Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA speaks on " The awesome power of fluorine NMR - from drugs to cells".
B. Ndimba - Innovations & Bioeconomy of the South African Fruit, Wine, Tea, Fynbos and related... Icgeb 2023-05-09 | Bongani Ndimba, Agricultural Research Council (ARC)Fruits, Vines, Fynbos Teas, Flowers & Wine Research Institute speaks on "Innovations & Bioeconomy of the South African Fruit, Wine, Tea, Fynbos and related Flowers Industries".
Alessandro Marcello is partner in the network of labs that study and survey Tick-Borne Flaviviruses Icgeb 2023-05-03 | Alessandro Marcello, PhD, is Group Leader of the Molecular Virology Laboratory and Principal Investigator at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ICGEB in Trieste, Italy.He tells us about the role of ICGEB in this project, the European Economic Area and the Norway Fund.He also explains why it is important to sustain international cooperation in science, and a One Health approach, revealing how this project might be pivotal in finding new therapies or strategies to prevent infection.The Molecular Virology Laboratory in Trieste, Italy studies human pathogenic viruses. Within this project the lab is involved in developing viral diagnostic methods and studies the host cell response to TBEV infection to discover antiviral drugs.The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology has the expertise to promote, facilitate, increment and assist international networking and communication.For further information visit the project web site at: www.tbfvnet.euThe project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
Vittorio Venturi, ICGEB on Omics for Plants for the UN ITT STI Forum 2023 Icgeb 2023-05-03 | ICGEB Bacteriology Group Leader and Scientific Coordinator, introduces the existing and advancing trends in omics and plant microbiomes and discusses how such technologies can impact on multiple levels of agricultural industry, ranging from disease prediction and prevention, diagnosis, treatment through environmentally friendly biopesticides and biofertilisers.He also discusses uses of genome editing in plants. The ICGEB experience and lessons learnt/messages for policy makers.
Giulia Bortolussi, ICGEB on Genome Editing for the UN ITT STI Forum 2023 Icgeb 2023-05-03 | ICGEB Research Associate from the Mouse Molecular Laboratory introduces the current trends and future prospects of genome editing in human and plant health, and discusses genome editing technology - as prepared for the United Nations, Science, Technology and Innovation Forum 2023
Emanuele Buratti, ICGEB on Omics for the UN ITT STI Forum 2023 Icgeb 2023-05-03 | ICGEB Molecular Pathology Group Leader introduces existing and advancing trends in -omics development for the study of complex biological interactions in different organisms.An outline on omics technologies and human health - as prepared for the United Nations Science, Technology and Innovation Forum 2023
Ashild Kristine Andreassen partners in the lab network to study and survey Tick-Borne Flaviviruses Icgeb 2023-04-26 | Ashild Kristine Andreasson, Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health NIPH, introduces her institute and tells us what TBEV is, which animals transmit the virus, and the numbers of TBFV infections in Europe and worldwide.She also explains the most typical symptoms, and defines encephalitis. She further explains why is it underestimated, and what the scientific community (and the TBFVnet team) can do to improve the surveillance and diagnosis of TBEV and other TickBorne FlaviViruses.Dr. Andreasson touches upon the broader impact of the project to similar studies in this field.NIPH is sequencing and analyzing the genome of TBE isolated viruses in relation to their inflammation potential to the central nervous system. This work will bring new knowledge to improve the diagnostic potential of encephalitis in humans.For further information visit the project web site at: www.tbfvnet.eu The project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
N.S. Bhavesh - Fascinating mechanism of single-stranded nucleic acid recognition by RNA... Icgeb 2023-04-26 | Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, Group Leader, Transcription RegulationLa, ICGEB New Delhi, INDIA speaks on "Fascinating mechanism of single-stranded nucleic acid recognition by RNA Recognition Motifs".RNA binding proteins or RBPs play an indispensable role in cellular machinery, especially processes such as transcription, post-transcriptional modification of RNA, RNA transport, and stabilization. Post-transcriptional modifications of RNA are a major route through which eukaryotes regulate gene expression. These modifications include splicing, mRNA polyadenylation, 5’ capping, and RNA editing. RBPs bind DNA and RNA through specific RNA binding domains (RBDs) or modules. Binding affinities and specificities vary throughout this family of proteins. The RNA recognition motif, or RRM, is the most widely distributed RBD in nature. RRMs are canonically identified through the presence of two RNA binding consensus motifs (RNP). They have a typical three-dimensional architecture, which classically consists of a four-stranded β-sheet supported by two α-helices, with the β-sheet serving as the primary surface for nucleic-acid recognition.Despite these unifying traits of RRMs, they possess remarkably diverse DNA and RNA recognition capabilities. Our recent structural studies on DNA and RNA recognition by RRMs paint an interesting picture of how a single fold is able to recognize different cognate RNAs and DNAs by virtue of minor but crucial alterations to its binding surface. In addition, delineating nucleic acid binding specificities of RRMs has provided molecular clues to the progression of debilitating diseases.
Science & the City Italy - Biofuels: fuelling the future, Rome 13 December 2022 Icgeb 2023-04-26 | Held at IILA (Italo-Latin American International Organization) Headquarters in Rome, Italy, ICGEB presentsBiomass: fuelling the future, withVittorio Venturi, Group Leader, Bacteriology lab, ICGEB TriesteSyed Shams Yazdani, Group Leader, Microbial Engineering lab, ICGEB New DelhiThe move from fossil fuels to renewables is one of the keystones in the battle against climate change and in the transition to a sustainable world. Among the available types of renewable energy, biomass is unique in its ability to provide solid, liquid and gaseous fuels which can be stored and transported. Biofuels have several advantages in terms of emissions savings, fuel security, rural economic development. However, the various challenges associated with the conversion process limit their production. Scientific research and the development of new technologies play an important role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy system. Event curated by Science & the City Italy – ICGEB.
ICGEB: The Goals of Science Icgeb 2023-04-26 | A documentary of six short stories of basic research in biotechnology and the positive impact on sustainable development for the good of society.
I Goal della Scienza - The Goals of Science - brought to you by ICGEB Icgeb 2023-04-26 | A short documentary of six episodes that recount stories on basic research in biotechnology and the positive impact on sustainable development for the good of society. Originally filmed in Italian, the complete documentary features subtitles in English.
R. Sonti - Modulation of host innate immunity during bacterial infection of rice Icgeb 2023-04-26 | Ramesh Sonti, Director, ICGEB New Delhi Component, New Delhi, INDIA speaks on "Modulation of host innate immunity during bacterial infection of rice".Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial blight, a serious rice disease. As part of its virulence repertoire, Xoo secretes a battery of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) that target different components of the rice cell wall. However, the CWDEs are double edged swords as the damage that they cause serves as a mark of infection and results in induction of Damage Triggered Immune responses that are part of pathogen triggered immunity (PTI). Xoo suppresses these defense responses using four different effector proteins that it secretes into rice cells via a type 3 secretion system (T3SS). Mutational analysis indicates that these four proteins function redundantly in suppression of PTI. Three of these T3SS effectors have 14-3-3 protein binding motifs. Each of these T3SS effectors interacts with different rice 14-3-3 proteins and this interaction is necessary for the ability of the effectors to suppress PTI. Some of the effectors that suppress PTI also appear to trigger a second layer of the plant immune response that is commonly referred to as Effector Triggered Immunity (ETI). Xoo is able to suppress ETI using five other T3SS effectors. At least for one of these effectors, the suppression of ETI appears to be due to physical interaction with effectors that elicit ETI and alteration of their intracellular localization. These results suggest a complex interplay of Xanthomonas T3SS effectors in suppression of both PTI and ETI to promote virulence on rice.
A. Rossini - Set-up and characterization of an iPSC- derived neurocardiac co-culture model Icgeb 2023-04-26 | Alessandra Rossini, Eurac Research, Group Leader, Institute for Biomedicine, Bolzano, ITALY speaks on "Set-up and characterization of an iPSC- derived neurocardiac co-culture model".The autonomic nervous system is an important player in many cardiac disorders. However, the lack of a proper human model led to an elusive understanding of the molecular and functional mechanisms behind the autonomic control of the heart.We successfully created an in vitro neurocardiac model system based on the co-culture of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and sympathetic neurons (SNs) derived by human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).The implementation of this co-culture system with patient hiPSCs can lead to a significant contribution in deciphering the role sympathetic neuronal activation in many disease, including not only cardiac disorders but also neurological conditions associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy.
Boris Klempa: partner in a network of labs that study and survey Tick-Borne Flaviviruses Icgeb 2023-04-20 | Boris Klempa, PhD, Head of Virus Ecology Group, and Principal Investigator at the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, introduces the work of his institute and his Groups' study of the interaction between tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and the tick.Here, he describes how this impacts a One Health approach.The Biomedical Research Center has long-standing expertise in a TBEV-tick-model. This expertise allows characterisation of new virus isolates in terms of their tick replication and transmission efficiency.For further information visit the project web site at: www.tbfvnet.euThe project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
Daniel Ruzek is the lead partner of a network of labs that study and survey Tick-Borne Flaviviruses Icgeb 2023-04-13 | Daniel Ruzek, PhD, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the Veterinary Research Insitute (VRI) in Brno, Czech Republic, talks about the purpose, scope and some of the milestones of the TBFVnet project. He also explains how this is important for international collaboration and introduces the work of the VRI.The Czech Republic is at the heart of the endemic area for TBFV, between Western Europe and the East. The research of the Veterinary Research Institute focuses on the pathogenesis of TBE, development and testing vaccines and antivirals and is also involved in national and international surveillance and diagnostic programs. Therefore, the Veterinary Research Institute is best placed to coordinate the activities of TBFVnet.For further information visit the project web site at: www.tbfvnet.euThe project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
UNOSSC Episode 2: From Bangladesh to India trailer Icgeb 2023-04-04 | Najneen Rejwana was a pioneer EMPOWER Fellow, who spent six months at the ICGEB New Delhi Component in 2022. Her story was heralded at the UN Conference for Least Developed Countries #LDC5 in Doha, Qatar, and this trailer premiered.
UNOSSC EMPOWER Fellowship: Ep.5 From DR Congo to South Africa Icgeb 2023-03-31 | Nadine Tambwe, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo – Congo DRC, was awarded a Fellowship under the ICGEB EMPOWER Programme, funded by the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation. She is at ICGEB Cape Town to study new possibilities for an improved and effective therapy of prostate cancer.
UNOSSC EMPOWER Fellowship: Ep.4 From Colombia to South Africa Icgeb 2023-03-30 | Lida Carolina Lesmes Rodriguez moved from Colombia to ICGEB Cape Town to study the influence of common human coronaviruses on the immune system in COVID-19 patients. She was awarded an EMPOWER Fellowship funded by the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation.
UNOSSC EMPOWER Fellowship: Ep.3 From Zimbabwe to South Africa Icgeb 2023-03-29 | Ruvarashe Loveness Mhuruyengwe is from Zimbabwe and moved to ICGEB Cape Town to investigate the genetic characteristics of Sorghum cultivars able to tolerate drought. She was awarded an EMPOWER Fellowship funded by the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation.
UNOSSC EMPOWER Fellowship: Ep.2 From Bangladesh to India Icgeb 2023-03-28 | Najneen Rejwana from Bangladesh moved to ICGEB New Delhi to design and develop new antimalarial drug compounds. She was recipient of an ICGEB EMPOWER Fellowship, funded by the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation.
ICGEB The Goals of Science - Ep.5 Innovation starts here Icgeb 2023-03-27 | Here is the fifth episode of ICGEB The Goals of Science. This episode tells the story of ICGEB's commitment to health and well-being for all.Medicines are a great achievement for humankind. Today we have medicines to treat many diseases, but these are not always available to everyone in the world. Can science help provide patients around the world with wider and cheaper access to innovative medicines?Natasa Skoko is Group Leader of Biotechnology Development at ICGEB in Trieste and focuses her research activity on biopharmaceutical development. Her team studies production strategies for biosimilars, biological drugs developed from commercial products whose patents have expired. The aim is not only to produce drugs in a new way but to increase the know-how and capabilities of the pharmaceutical industries in ICGEB Member States.This story recounts how ICGEB's scientific research can improve healthcare and therapies.
UNOSSC EMPOWER Fellowship: Ep.1 From Tanzania to South Africa Icgeb 2023-03-27 | Maria Mgella Zinga from Tanzania was awarded a Fellowship under the ICGEB EMPOWER Programme, funded by the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation. She spent her fellowship at ICGEB Cape Town to identify new possible biomarkers for Plasmodium falciparum infections to enhance the potential to detect malaria cases.
ICGEB WE-STAR fellow Paidamoyo Mataranyikas acceptance speech, Cinzia Vitale Spring Gala, Trieste Icgeb 2023-03-27 | 23 March, 2023
A Phulukdaree - Gene variants in coronary artery disease Icgeb 2023-03-10 | Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality amongst non-communicable diseases, globally. Coronary artery disease is one of the major causes of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. A variety of factors, from environmental, lifestyle and genetic predisposition are viewed as determinants of disease susceptibility. The underlying mechanisms of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, is influenced by chronic inflammation, dyslipidaemia, obesity, elevated oxidative stress, chronic hyperglycaemia and hypercoagulation in affected individuals. A few genes of interest which we have investigated to date include: glutathione S transferase subtypes, uncoupling proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, drug transporters and coagulation factors. Considering the complexity of the pathologies associated with one disease, the compounding effect ofcomorbidities, and diverse population groups in South Africa – and globally, it is vital that genetic variants of key molecules implicated in pathologies, are identified. This information will, ultimately and ideally, contribute to a more personalised approach to patient care.
J. Holloway - Exploring the (epi)genome for the origins of allergy and asthma Icgeb 2023-03-09 | John Holloway, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research)Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine Southampton General Hospital, UK speaks on "Exploring the (epi)genome for the origins of allergy and asthma".Abstract: It has been recognized for centuries that allergic disease runs in families, implying a role for genetic factors in determining individual susceptibility. More recently, a range of evidence shows that many of these genetic factors, together with in utero environmental exposures, lead to the development of allergic disease through altered immune and organ development. Environmental exposures during pregnancy including diet, nutrient intake and toxin exposures can alter the epigenome and interact with inherited genetic and epigenetic risk factors to directly and indirectly influence organ development and immune programming. Understanding of these factors will be essential in identifying at-risk individuals and possible development of therapeutic interventions for the primary prevention of allergic disease. In this presentation I will summarise our work on understanding the complex interplay between genetic – epigenetic and environmental factors in determining susceptibility to allergic disease and asthma including genome-wide association, epigenome-wide association studies and studies of intergenerational effects of environmental exposures.Biosketch: John Holloway is originally from New Zealand where he graduated from Otago University and undertook his PhD in the Malaghan Institute on the genetic basis of asthma. He is now Associate Vice President (Interdisciplinary Research) and Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK and his research program focuses on genetics, epigenetics and functional genomics of allergic and respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. His current research includes exploring the mechanisms of prenatal programming of respiratory disease and epigenetic mechanisms underlying atopy and asthma susceptibility; gene-environment interactions in the early life origins of asthma and COPD; characterisation of genetic factors influencing asthma severity; and identification and validation of novel asthma susceptibility genes. Professor Holloway has published extensively in the field of allergy and respiratory genomics and details of his publications and research.
UNOSSC EMPOWERED 2022 Full Documentary Icgeb 2023-03-08 | Jointly launched by ICGEB and the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation in Doha, the short documentary recounts the adventures of five women scientists from the Global South awarded Empower Fellowships. They brought forward their research during their 6-month stay in the labs at ICGEB Cape Town and New Delhi.On International Women's Day 2023, we celebrate Women in Science
