BrainMap

Maria Florina Bojin (Mirea)

Associate Professor

Associate Professor - UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA

Curriculum Vitae (09/01/2019)

Expertise & keywords

Development of new technologies, drugs and vaccines for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Call name:
11Sol/2020 2020 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” ()

Affiliation: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

In the present context of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and increased number of cases of COVID-19 which is continuously increasing in Romania, the proposed approach is addressing prevention of disease by identification of a peptide-based vaccine, which can induce specific immune response with protective role. Immunization of the population will decrease the number of persons suffering of COVID-19, thus reducing the burden on the health system induced by this highly contagious infectious disease.

The behavior of oral mesenchymal cells in relationship with a new resin composite material in modern regenerative periodontal therapy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1474 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI PRODUSE AUXILIARE ORGANICE S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://bc.umfcluj.ro/stemdent/

Abstract:

Gingival recession is a common problem affecting a large number of individuals and the treatment is based on the use of periodontal plastic surgery procedures usually using palatal grafts and advanced flaps, which aim to cover the exposed roots. The clinical situation is furthermore complicated by the concomitant presence of non-carious cervical lesions (cervical abrasions), which demands parallel restorative/ periodontal surgical approaches. Periodontal tissue has a reduced intrinsic regenerative potential, mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells MSC(s) contained in the palatal grafts used in coverage surgeries could augment the local pool of MSCs. The use of autogenic MSCs may be an opportunity to increase periodontal regeneration since there are no safety standardized protocols for the use of the ex vivo manipulated MSCs. Resin composite materials used to restore cervical abrasions during root coverage treatment could have hazardous effects on local MSCs due to eluted components. The local microbial fingerprint, a particular genetic or inflammatory trait of the host could influence local MSCs' fate.

STEMDENT aims to develop a new application of modern regenerative periodontal therapies through investigation of the insights on oral MSC behaviour in relationship with environmental factors (new resin composite material), and some biologic characteristics of the host.

The objectives of STEMDENT are: ►to develop investigation sets for evaluating the oral MSCs' behaviour in relationship with some individual characteristics of the host; ►to develop/ characterize a new nanohybrid composite material; ►to develop standardised combined muco-gingival surgical/ restorative therapies for gingival recessions/cervical abrasions based on experimental evaluation of the behaviour of the oral MSCs in relationship with the new and other nanohybrid composites and the host individual characteristics; ►to upgrade the understanding and use of the research results; ► to develop an informational space in the domain of periodontics/ chemistry; ►to disseminate the results of the standardized treatment at European standards.

STEMDENT is conceived as a complex interdisciplinary / multidisciplinary project, with four partners with specific competencies in fields such as: periodontology, cytology and stem cell culture, histopathology, immunology, regeneration (neuronal tissue), veterinary medicine, chemical bio-components development and production, organic chemistry, marketing and project management. The innovative character of the project is given by the improvement of the biosafety of the new materias based on thoroughly evaluation of the biological responses including stem cells’ behaviour. The standardization of the clinical and laboratory research after the establishment of some associative arguments between the periodontal and restorative treatments and the evidence of some negative risk indicators on MSCs behaviour (local regeneration) has been demonstrated to be the new approach, in order to improve the therapy by increasing its predictability and the oral-quality-of-life.

STEMDENT major results will be: standardized clinical treatments for the patients with combined gingival recessions and cervical abrasions that will eliminate the aesthetic and functional deficits and a new direct radiopaque nanohybrid resin composite material for dental therapy, biologically and clinically tested. The results of the project will impact on the training of students and researchers from the partners’ institutions and on the market position of the firm.

TRANSLATING STEM CELL TECHNOLOGIES TO THE CONSERVATION OF HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1336 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU CRESTEREA BOVINELOR (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU CRESTEREA BOVINELOR ARAD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); SEMTEST-BVN S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.consens-cercetare.ro

Abstract:

The last local cattle breed in Romania, the Grey Steppe (Sura de Stepa) breed is included by FAO in the endangered-maintained category. To avoid further loss of this important genetic material, we should engage in an effective management of farm animal genetic resources and include it among our conservation priorities. So far, storage of semen, embryos, ovaries, oocytes, and somatic cells have been considered for the conservation of genetic diversity. Uniquely, the cluster we proposed joins together a research team with considerable experience in human stem cell research to a network of bovine research stations, veterinary medicine academic department and commercial company specialized in cryopreservation and cattle reproductive techniques, to achieve the translation of stem cell technologies to the cryoconservation and preservation of genetic diversity of a valuable indigenous endangered species, followed by implementing, monitoring and administrating a gene bank for the ex situ conservation of the Grey Steppe cattle breed of the Moldavian variety.

Tumor-associated fibroblasts as novel therapeutic target in anti-tumor therapy – identification of origin, role and characteristic molecular markers Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0455 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara

Project partners: Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.taf-research.ro

Abstract:

Microenvironment has a key role in tumor development, so that identification of stromal targets for cancer therapeutics is of great interest and could provide strategies that will complement therapies directed against cancer cells. The failure of immune surveillance to prevent tumor development and the observation that effective therapies can become ineffective over time suggest that mechanisms exist, whereby tumors can escape the immune system. Tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs), potentially originating from recruitment of resident tissue stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or epithelial to mesenchymal transition within tumors, are important for tumor progression, providing both functional and structural supportive environment. The true origin, role, and biological characteristics of TAFs are not fully understood yet.

The main objective of our project is to fully characterize TAFs obtained from solid tumors (breast cancer), to establish their origin and role within the tumor stroma. MSCs will be used as normal/precursor cells to which the TAFs will be compared in order to identify specific marker, which would be used as target in prospective anti-tumor therapy designs. Cellular therapies in vitro prototype proposed by this project involves enhancement of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) functionally active against TAF-derived specific antigen.

Novel biomarkers and therapeutical strategies in immunosenescence and Alzheimer disease-associated immunosenescence Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-1060 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara

Project partners: Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.biothera.ro

Abstract:

Immunosenescence is defined as the progressive alterations appearing at the morphological and functional level into the immune system during the aging process.

The specific objectives of the present research project are:

-Defining the immunosenescence status by introducing novel cellular biomarkers with specificity for this process.

-Characterization of the proliferative potential, propensity for apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generating-capacity of the T cell subpopulation defined by the novel cellular biomarkers.

-Defining the immunosenescence status by introducing novel serological biomarkers.

-Defining the Alzheimer disease-associated immunosenescence in clinically diagnosed dementia and prodromal (predementia) stages by introducing novel biomarkers for this pathology.

-Exploring novel immunomodulatory therapeutical strategies in immunosenescence and Alzheimer disease-associated immunosenescence.

The expected impact of the present proposal is related to a significant development of the actual knowledge level regarding mechanisms and manifestations of immunosenescence and Alzheimer disease-associated immunosenescence. The projected applicative research directions are towards diagnosis and therapeutical strategies, the final deliverable products of the project being new diagnostic and therapeutical recommendations for these conditions.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects