Project title: Oncologia e medicina rigenerativa: approcci terapeutici innovativi incentrati sui biometalli
Start/end date: July 2012 – December 2015
Funding Agency/Programme: Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca Avviso. MIUR Asse I – Sostegno ai mutamenti strutturali; Obiettivo Operativo: Reti per il rafforzamento del potenziale scientifico-tecnologico delle Regioni della Convergenza; Laboratori pubblico-privati e relative reti; Ambito: Salute dell’uomo e biotecnologie.Partnership: Myrmex Spa – CNR Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini (IBB) – Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione S.r.l. – IRCCS ISMETT – Fondazione Ri.MED.
Abstract: Biometals are essential elements, and metal ion dyshomeostasis is a recognized co-factor in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Particularly, an altered homeostasis of copper and/or zinc seems to play a role in a variety of cancer types, including lymphoma, and breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Since the reasons of this altered metal ion dyshomeostasis are unknown, we decided to focus on this specific relevant issue. First, we will investigate the molecular determinants of copper and zinc dyshomeostasis in different cancer cells; second we will develop new metal ligands as pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic agents for cancer. Based on copper properties to stimulate angiogenesis, a relevant part of this study will be devoted to investigate the possibility to utilize this biometal to promote angiogenesis during tissue regeneration. In particular, we will address the process of angiogenesis during bone regeneration, and regeneration of ischemic skin and heart tissues. Under all these circumstances, our final goal is to develop biomembranes with angiogenic properties. In addition, we will develop hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as biomimetic scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
