Pharmacology and biochemistry of cancer

Research groups:

  • (GI:PHARMA) Our research group is actively involved in the elucidation of the role (and the possible pharmacological modulation) of TRP channels and cannabinoid receptors in intestinal tumor pathogenesis, with a special focus on the evolution of cancer from intestinal inflammation. Our group is also involved in the identification of new plant-derived compounds and nutraceuticals with potential intestinal chemopreventive activity. We routinely use cell culture methods as well as in vivo experimental models of intestinal tumors (e.g. tumors induced by carcinogenic agents, colitis-associated cancer, xenografts model, metastatic models of colon cancer).
  • (BIOCHEM) The main research lines of the group are: – Molecular mechanisms in regulation of iron cellular homeostasis under different physio-pathological conditions. – Correlation between iron metabolism, cancer, drug response and chemoresistance. – Development of new metal-based nanocarriers as antineoplastic agents. – Nucleolar stress and carcinogenesis. – Role of ribosomal proteins in carcinogenesis, chemotherapy and drug resistance. – Uptake, cytotoxicity and therapeutic activity of drugs delivered through new nanocarriers.
  • (I.A.RE.G.) Molecular mechanisms involved in the control of autophagy in cancer and pharmacological targets; iii) the study of potential biological activities of molecules from natural and synthetic origin. For this purpose, experimental models in vitro and in vivo, and techniques of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology and histology are being used.

Partecipants:

  • Francesca Borrelli
  • Raffaele Capasso
  • Rosa Carnuccio
  • Carlo Irace
  • Angelo Antonio Izzo
  • Maria Chiara Maiuri
  • Barbara Romano
  • Annapina Russo
  • Giulia Russo
  • Rita Santamaria