The scientific background of our group encompasses medicine, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology.
Dr. Antonella Bandiera
Assistant Professor (Ricercatore) at University of Trieste since 1997
Tel. +39-040-5583679
Fax. +39-040-5583691
Email: abandiera@units.it
Address: via L. Giorgieri, 1 - 34127 Trieste
Building: C11, 2nd floor. Room 231
ORCID ID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0376-9291
Curriculm vitae and publications
"I develop artificial genes coding for bio-inspired polypeptides, named Human Elastin-Like Polypeptides (HELPs). They serve as a scaffold that can be further extended by addition of other bioactive domains"
Research
FOCUS: Development of synthetic genes expressing protein-based biomimetic materials
Synthetic genes consisting of repetitive modules based on human elastin are expressed in E.coli, to develop a new generation of biomimetic materials.
Elastin, one of the components of the extracellular matrix, has become an important model for biomaterial design.
A family of Human Elastin-like Polypeptides (HELPs) has been developed to enhance the self-assembling property of native elastin, its ability to make 2D and 3D matrices, and endow it with new functions.
My current work is focused on exploiting the biotechnological and biomedical applications of functionalised HELPs.
Dr. Bruna Scaggiante
Tel. +39-040-5583686
Fax. +39-040-5583691
Email: bscaggiante@units.it
Address: via L. Giorgieri, 1 - 34127 Trieste
Building: C11, 2nd floor. Room 240
Orcid ID: 0000-0002-8662-138X
Curriculm vitae and publications
"I develop aptamers (nucleic acid-based molecules) as new drugs targeting cellular proteins (the elongation factors eEF1A1/A2) involved in tumorigenesis. I have developed a new immunochemical method to measure eEF1A1/A2 expression to test how combinations of aptamers, antineoplastic drugs and nutraceutics act to reduce the growth of human cancers."
Research
FOCUS 1: Characterisation of the elongation factors eEF1A1/A2 as molecular targets for cancer diagnosis, treatment and management
The differential expression of the isoforms of the elongation factors eEF1A1/A2 can be exploited to monitor the severity of some human cancers (liver, breast, prostate, colon) as well as the potential sensitivity to anticancer drugs and adjuvants, such as aptamers and phytochemicals. The latter can be developed as nutraceuticals or simply derive from the diet. Thus, these studies support a rational approach to leveraging diet and lifestyles to prevent cancer.
FOCUS 2: Population-based studies on life habits and cancer risks and on cancer prevention
I carry out these investigations together with health care institutions (the Pathology and Cytopathology Unit of the University of Trieste and members of the Breast Units of Trieste). As the president of the patient association LILT, I apply the results of these studies to support campaign for primary and secondary cancer prevention programs.
Dr. Federica Tramer
Assistant Professor at University of Trieste since 2006
Tel. +39-040-5588748
Email: ftramer@units.it
Address: via Giorgieri, 1 – 34127 Trieste
Building: C11, 2nd floor. Room 229
ORCID ID: 0000 0003 4286 0191
Curriculm vitae and publications
"I am studying the effect of several natural compounds on normal and cancer cells. My focus is on their antioxidant activity and on their ability to modify the cellular redox status influencing cell viability, physiology and proliferation."
Research
FOCUS: Development of a drug-delivery system for anthocyanidins
Anthocyanidins derive from the chemical cleavage of anthocyanins, i.e. flavonoid pigments occurring in fruits and vegetables. Recent data show the selective cytotoxic properties exerted on cancer cells but not in normal ones. To improve this remarkable effect and exploit it for the prevention of colorectal cancer, I am developing of a drug-delivery system based on polymeric nanoparticles and test it on various cancer cell lines.
