BrainMap

Mr. Ovidiu Balacescu

Dr.

Senior Researcher (CSI), PhD - INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

I am a senior researcher, Head of Genetics, Genomics and Experimental Pathology Department from The Oncology Institute Prof Dr Ion Chiricuta Cluj-Napoca Romania (IOCN). I have a PhD in Pharmacy at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca (2006), a Marie Curie fellowship in genomics at Gustave Roussy Institute, France (2003-2004) and several international trainings in microarray (mRNA and miRNA), qRT-PCR, bioinformatics, epigenetics, miRNA:mRNA interactor identification and validation. I’m focused on identifying relevant molecular markers, concerning cancer progression and its treatment resistance. Currently, I’m stuying the role of tumor-derived exosomes in modulating the tumor migration phenotype, and manage the implementation of the precision oncology in IOCN, based on NGS assessment. My managerial track record comprises 2 international HORIZON projects, and 8 national pojects. I have more than 2000 citations and a Hirsch-index of 20 (WoS).

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://publons.com/researcher/2551583/ovidiu-balacescu

Curriculum Vitae (25/07/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Metallomic modulation of membrane transporters in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells through nano-sensitizers Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1572 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://metallomex.iocn.ro/

Abstract:

The METALLOMEx project is a fundamental biomedical research project, which proposes to apply a scientific domain in progress: metallomics, aiming to reprogram the chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells using novel metal-based nanostructures capable to re-sensitize the tumour cell. By integrative in vitro characterization of membrane transporters involved in chemoresistance, by metallomic mapping of ovarian tumour cells and by highlighting the cell death pathways induced by metal drugs such apoptosis and ferroptosis, the study will identify potential druggable targets in tumors. The study has the premises to identify predictive or prognostic biomarkers, to validate these biomarkers, to find new theranostic methods with potential for translation to clinical trials, in a cancer casuistry that severely affects the quality of life and reduces the life expectancy of many women diagnosed from Romania and from the World. The implementation of the project will be done in a medical institution with intense research activity and adequate endowments, by a multi- and interdisciplinary team of Romanian and foreign researchers with international visibility, which will make possible the adequate dissemination of results and judicious use of resources provided by the grant authority.

Artificial-intelligence-based end-to-end prediction of cancer immunotherapy response Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
ERANET-TRANSCAN-3-TANGERINE 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://tangerine.iocn.ro/

Abstract:

Cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is widely used in multiple cancer types, with proven benefits. However, response is not guaranteed, difficult to predict, and serious toxicity may occur. Predictive biomarkers for ICIs response exist, but only few of them are clinically used because they require tissue samples, are costly and increase turnaround time. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to predict response to ICIs at patient’s

level.

Aims

TANGERINE partners have developed artificial intelligence (AI)-based histology image analysis and computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics for predicting immune features related to ICIs response. We propose to a) expand and combine them to develop and validate an end-to-end open AI tool to predict response and toxicity to ICIs; and b) identify cellular structures and image patterns associated with ICIs response that explain model predictions.

Methods

Digital images of tumour histopathology slides and CT scans will be retrieved, linked to clinical outcomes data and anonymized for analysis. An initial retrospective (2017-21) data retrieval from 1800 patients at 6 centres will continue with a prospective recruitment of 600 more to validate models. Patients that received ICls as first line for any tumour will be included and response recorded according to iRECIST. Radiomics and deep convolutional neural networks will be used. Model explainability will use spatial transcriptomics data on a subset of 30 patients. At analysis, homogenous subgroups will be considered, as gender and ethnicity.

Expected results and potential impact

TANGERINE will provide a public-available, non-invasive, low-cost tool based on routinely available images and clinical data to accurately predict ICI response and toxicity. The explanatory module might identify new patients on which ICI may be beneficial. The transnational collaboration will provide patients with enough variability to build generalizable

models.

Epigenomic and machine learning models to predict pancreatic cancer: development of a new algorithm to integrate clinical, omics, DNA methylation biomarkers and environmental data for early detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals. Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-PERMED-IMAGene 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); European Institute of Oncology (IT); Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (ES); Pomeranian Medical University (PL); Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse (FR)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://imagene.iocn.ro/

Abstract:

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has the lowest survival rate of all cancers in Europe, with no early detection strategies available. The IMAGene project will develop, implement and test a comprehensive Cancer Risk Prediction Algorithm (CRPA) to predict PC in high-risk (HR) asymptomatic subjects; it will investigate the potential for DNA methylation biomarkers to improve currently available risk indexes, and validate the feasibility of using liquid biopsies for early detection of cancer in such HR individuals. A sample of 170 healthy first-degree relatives of PC patients will be recruited, and their epidemiological factors related to PC risks assessed through initial interviews. Subjects will receive medical and psychological visits, and will undergo screening for germline mutations, DNA methylation profiling plus Whole-body MRI at baseline. Biostatistical analysis of data will be performed to develop algorithms able to extract risk profiles from biological and imaging data. All subjects will undergo epigenetic follow-ups plus radiological exam at 1 year after baseline. Participants’ lifestyle, epidemiological and psycho-decisional assessment will be performed through a monitoring process over the 3 years of the project. HR subjects’ lifestyle data will be correlated with DNA methylation profiles. All data collected will feed the supervised machine learning CRPA. Assuming the risk assessment through CRPA and DNA methylation profiling allows a two or three-fold enrichment in early detection of suspicious cancer in HR individuals (compared to the detection rate of pancreatic cysts with malignant potential observed in non-stratified asymptomatic population, 9.3%), we expect a detection rate of suspicious lesions of 20-25% in the selected population. A cost-utility and a detailed ethical analysis will be conducted. The IMAGene project will adopt a transnational, multi-level, multidisciplinary and multi-methodological approach to achieve its aims.

Development of alternative photochromic solutions to dual in situ hybridisation - immunohistochemistry assays for evaluating breast and lymphoid neoplasia Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2308 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://nwcanportal.iocn.ro/PhISHIC/

Abstract:

Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer type and the main cancer related death cause in females. Hormone receptors expression and HER2 status are the only validated predictive factors and their determination is used to guide endocrine and targeted therapy. Accurate determination of the HER2 status in these patients is essential as the natural history of this breast cancer subtype has dramatically changed with the introduction of the targeted therapy. At the other end of the incidence spectrum lymphoid neoplasia represent a distinct category of neoplasm, which pose a great deal of challenges for clinicians, pathologists, researchers and other professional categories that share an interest in the field. The source of these difficulties lie in the inherent heterogeneity of these neoplasms, due to the high number of entities included here, in the diagnostic difficulties that stem from the need of incorporating morphology with ancillary studies (immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics and molecular) and in the variable response rates to the therapy. The diagnosis and research challenges in these cancer types illustrate and emphasize the need for developing assays based on techniques that allow tissue morphology conservation and in situ examinations of molecular changes, used in combinations, like immunohistochemistry- in situ hybridization assays. The project is aimed at developing an alternative method to dual immunohistochemistry – in situ hybridization assays applied in breast and hematopoietic neoplasia, by incorporating the use of photochromic dyes, that can create a negative imprint image of the IHC assays on slides, which also represents the demonstration model of our project.

Exploring the molecular mechanisms mediated by plasma exosomes responsible for the migration phenotype of primary breast cancer cells using microfluidic and genomic approaches Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5128 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://5fca4a360c27f.site123.me

Abstract:

Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that exosomes, a small class of vesicle, are involved in local and distant intercellular communication in many pathologies, including cancer. Although much research has been done regarding the role of exosomes in cancer, there is scarce information on plasma exosome roles in tumor migration and invasion. Therefore, in this proposal we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms mediated by plasma exosomes in editing the migratory phenotype of breast cancer cells. To achieve this goal we will characterize the plasma exosomes, according to the invasive capacity of primary tumors of breast cancer patients, and we will assess the tumor phenotype modulated by plasma exosomes using microfluidic devices. To gain a complete overview of the genomic bases that govern the migration phenotype of cancer cells we will perform microarray and RNA sequencing. Results from these studies will reveal the crosstalk between exosomes and primary cancer cells and will identify complex signaling cascades modulated by plasma exosomes responsible for the migratory phenotype of breast cancer cells. Moreover, this study will lead to identification of novel targets that could predict an migratory/ invasive phenotype of patients with breast cancer

New Targeted Optical Imaging NanoProbes for Near-Infrared (NIR) Real-Time (RT)Image-Guided Surgery of Ovarian Cancer Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0142 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanonirsurgery/home

Abstract:

Currently, a hot research topic is developing at the interface between physics, chemistry and materials science from one side and biology and medicine from other side, aiming to provide novel nano-tools for cancer treatment. However, despite advances in pre-operative imaging techniques, there is not a suitable intra-operative technique to provide real-time feedback to surgical oncologist to distinguish healthy tissue from malignant lesions and visualize submilimetrical tumor deposits. It is through a collaborative consortium gathering physicists, chemists, biochemists, biologists, oncologists, surgeons, histopathologists that this project addresses a challenging subject aiming to validate new targeted optical imaging nanoprobes for near-infrared (NIR) real-time image-guided surgery of ovarian cancer. Actually, we will develop targeted contrast agents to bind specifically to the FRα of ovarian cancer cells for enabling “visualization” of ovarian tumors by distinct optical signature in NIR. At the end of project, after their careful evaluation on ovarian cell lines /ovarian tumors xenografts / carcinomatose models, will be in position to proceed in the future as viable contrast agent in real-time image-guided ovarian cancer surgery. We focus our research effort to implement NIR optical nanoprobes containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved compounds as well to promote new related nano-compounds produced in our laboratories. Actually, the development of targeted contrast agent in the NIR wavelengths range is highly relevant and beneficial to cancer surgery as their signal does not compete with background signal of tissue emitted in visible light spectrum and, therefore, a clear and deep difference between healthy tissue and tumoral lesions can be delineated.

SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of circulating strains in Romania Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Soluţii - 2020 - 1
PN-III-P2-2.1-SOL-2020-0142 2020 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "ŞTEFAN CEL MARE" DIN SUCEAVA (RO); SPITALUL JUDEŢEAN DE URGENŢĂ "SFÂNTUL IOAN CEL NOU" SUCEAVA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO); SPITALUL CLINIC DE BOLI INFECTIOASE SI PNEUMOFTIZIOLOGIE "Dr. VICTOR BABES" TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://rogenofil.usv.ro/

Abstract:

The world-wide infectious disease COVID-19, identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, poses major threats to public health and to the global economy. COVID-19, caused by the new virus, Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by a severe acute respiratory syndrome. The virus has attained various stages of evolution and understanding this evolution and the patterns of its transmission after penetrating a new populations is crucial for designing effective disease control and prevention strategies. Therefore, the general objective of the project is to develop techniques for monitoring the pathogenicity of circulating strains in different geographical regions of Romania, in relation to the phenotypic expression of infection in asymptomatic and mild, moderate and severe SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. The evaluation of the potential of the virus to adapt to human organisms will be determined by genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. To achieve this goal, a team of experts in various complementary disciplines was established, in order to identify the genomic and phylogenetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 strains present in representative regions of the country. The project also aims to develop and implement predictive models to assess the relationship between the presence of risk factors specific to the Romanian population (pathogenetics, socio-demographic, environmental, etc.), changes in genomic composition of SARS-CoV-2 among the sample collected and based on the spectrum of clinical evolution of patients. The results will highlight the evolution and relative contribution of imported cases versus local transmission, the nature of genetic transmission chains distinct to different regions in Romania. Also, the results will provide valuable information in interpreting the genomic evolution of COVID-19 in Romania and the economic, social and health impact of the pandemic

Immunogenicity as a predictive tool for the response to therapy of high mutation load tumors Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0870 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.iocn.ro/CERCETARE/Linkuri-Pagini-Web-proiecte/Immunogenicity-as-a-predictive-tool-for-the-response-to-therapy-of-high-mutation-load-tumors.html

Abstract:

Tumorile cu incarcatura mutationala mare, cum ar fi cancerul pulmonar non-small cell (CPNSC) si melanomul malign (MM), evadeaza de sub supravegherea sistemului imun explicand astfel prognosticul lor nefavorabil. Imunoterapia (IT) isi propune sa depaseasca limitele terapiei standard si sa devina o parte importanta in managementul acestor cancere. Dar IT nu este benefica tuturor, doar o parte din pacienti raspunzand favorabil. Inhibitorii punctelor de control imun (IPCI) sunt deosebit de promitatori si in ultima vreme au fost aprobati asemenea anticorpi monoclonali pentru tratamentul acestor tumori. Totusi rata de raspuns favorabil la aceste tratamente este de doar 15-30%, demonstrand ca, luati separat, IPCI sunt departe de a fi markeri predictivi perfecti. Datele existente sugereaza o sinergie stransa intre radioterape (RT) si IT. O problema nerezolvata ramane validarea unor biomarkeri predictivi credibili. Scopul nostru este de a gasi asemenea biomarkeri in MM si CPNSC pentru selectarea pacientilor care sa beneficieze de IT singura sau combinata cu alte tratamente cum ar fi RT. Propunem un studiu comprehensiv, translational si prospectiv cu doua brate: experimental si clinic. In bratul experimental, molecule ale sistemului imun de la diferite niveluri vor fi evaluate prin metode si tehnici moderne. In bratul clinic, pacientii cu MM si CPNSC tratati cu terapii standard vor fi testati pentru aceiasi markeri iar raspunsul la terapie si evolutia clinica vor fi urmarite. Acest design va permite corelarea markerilor imuni evaluati cu evolutia clinica. Aspectele originale si inovative ale propunerii sunt: evaluarea si corelarea unui numar mare de biomarkeri potentiali de la niveluri diferite; o abordare comprehensiva, de la nivelul molecular la cel celular si clinic, in vederea identificarii unor biomarkeri cu valoare predictiva pentru raspunsul la IT singura/combinata in cancere avansate, cu prognostic nefavorabil.

Addressing the complex exposome profile in hormone-dependent cancers of the breast and prostate and its influence on tumoral genome Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0795 2017 - 2019

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.umfcluj.ro/component/content/article/8-ro/531-proj_achille?Itemid=216

Abstract:

Nowadays it is generally accepted that cancer is promoted in the presence of certain environmental toxic factors defined globally as exposome, affecting our health status in a negative manner. The carcinogenic mechanism consists in the synergetic action of genetic factors and exposome related factors. Breast and prostate cancers both hormone-depended cancers, continues to represents a major public health problem, their evolution and outcome being major affected by the exposome.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are presented as potential signatures of the exposome related biomarkers. MiRNAs are short sequences of about 21 nucleotides that do not encode proteins but regulate their expression, and are present in human plasma and tissues, interfering with endogenous molecular pathways. The latest data present miRNAs as potential signatures of environmental effect and have to be considered when establishing therapeutic decision for cancer.

Presently, there is a gap in the knowledge concerning the association between exposome exposure and cancer risk for breast and prostate cancer in Romania, as it is elsewhere. Our project is focused on the identification and integration of exposome related miRNA signature patterns as biomarkers for exposome aggressiveness, to predict the genotoxic risk for healthy individuals, and for identifying different molecular subtypes for two major hormone-dependent cancers (breast and prostate). Therefore, in the context of precision medicine, we intent to characterize specific risk factors related to hormone dependency, based on the miRNA genomic and transcriptomic background and correlate it with the environmental exposure, then to transform this integrated signature in a new panel of markers with diagnostic and prognostic value for personalized guidance.

Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in biological fluids: potential biomarkers in prostate cancer and their role in the carcinogenic process Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0371 2017 - 2019

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)

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

Project website: http://pce371.webs.com

Abstract:

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in men in developed countries. The development of non-invasive tests for screening, diagnosis and management of cancer has been the goal of cancer research for many years. The current blood based biomarkers rely mainly on proteins, and these remain highly labor intensive and prohibitively expensive, or lack in sensitivity and specificity. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of RNA longer than 200 nucleotides that is transcribed, but not translated into proteins. It has been documented that lncRNAs are involved in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, which are critical in maintaining the homeostasis of the normal cell. In recent years several lncRNAs have been described as being involved in prostate cancer, some being detected in the circulation and/or urine as minimally invasive markers that aid in diagnosis or the management of the disease. However, most of these studies are focusing on detecting a lncRNA in urine, although there are a few studies showing that these can also be detected in serum or plasma. This proposal aims to identify circulating and urinary lncRNAs that could serve as minimally invasive biomarkers of prostate cancer detection. The primary objective of the proposed study is to identify prostate cancer specific lncRNAs in biological fluids that can accurately distinguish cancer from normal subjects. For this we will screen over 30000 lncRNAc covering all of LNCipedia 2.1 in plasma and exosomes from plasma, urine, exosomes from urine and urine sediments of prostate cancer cases and cancer free controls, already collected as part of an ongoing case-control study. The second objective is to validate the circulating and urinary lncRNAs as biomarkers in an independed larger prostate cancer case-control study and to investigate their association with clinical and pathological characteristics.

The role of miRNAs in the regulation of FA/BRCA pathway with implications in baseline resistance of cervical cancer Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1750 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.iocn.ro/CERCETARE/Linkuri-Pagini-Web-proiecte/RezmiRCervix.html

Abstract:

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among female population worldwide. Romania continues to take the first place by incidence and mortality among the European countries. Despite advances in surgical procedures and systemic treatment, the prognosis of patients with advanced stages remains poor and the majority of patients relapse within 2 years after initial treatment. Therefore identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor resistance is imperative for personalized medicine as well as for future treatment developments.

The research project Rez-miR-Cervix aims to investigate the role of a set of miRNAs with multi-targeting potential in modulating of the transcriptional FA/BRCA pathway, whose activation is involved in baseline resistance to radiochemotherapy of advanced cervical cancer.

The project includes three specific objectives closely related to the aim to identify in cervical tumors a set of miARN with multi-targeting potential, predicted to modulate the FA/BRCA pathway, validate the specific targets of these miARNs on in vitro models and to investigate the molecular and cellular effects triggered by miRNA with multi-targeting potential to modulate FA/BRCA pathway.

A detailed understanding of the multi-targeting role of miRNAs related to modulating the FA/BRCA1 pathway could bring new valuable data that could be further exploited to design specific miRNA-based therapies, to overcome baseline resistance, not only for cervical cancer but also for other tumors with FA/BRCA activated pathway.

Long ncRNAs roles in cancer stem-like cells resistance to therapy in breast cancer Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1984 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.iocn.ro/en/Research/The-projects-web-pages/BREASTSTEMRES.html

Abstract:

This project will investigate the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer stem-like cell (CSC) resistance to standard chemotherapy in breast cancers. CSCs have been showed to be responsible for resistance to standard therapy. Moreover, they are preferentially selected during conventional treatments and are able to repopulate the tumours and induce recurrence. LncRNAs have received increased attention due to their markedly different expression between tumour and normal tissues and recent association with treatment resistance. Therefore, lncRNAs have the potential to be easily translated into clinical practice as they provide better alternatives to targeting protein-coding genes, with fewer side effects. This is important since the human and financial tolls of breast cancer are steadily rising as more patients present baseline resistance rendering standard therapies ineffective, and consequently unnecessary. Therefore, we will screen for doxorubicin and carboplatin resistance specific lncRNAs in cancer stem-like cells isolated from breast cancer cells. We will characterize the functional and mechanistic roles of the most representative lncRNAs and validate their clinical application.

Noi strategii pentru îmbunătățirea calităţii vieții şi supraviețuirea pacienților cu cancer: studii moleculare și clinice a genomului tumoral utilizând apa sărăcită în deuteriu Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2166 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 DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); MECRO SYSTEM S.R.L. (RO); ASOCIATIA "FORUMUL NATIONAL DE ONCOLOGIE COMPARATA" (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.granturi.umfcluj.ro/gencand/

Abstract:

Cancer is the second cause of mortality in developed and developing countries and the most prevalent diseases in which case chemotherapy remains the most effective treatment. However, current interventions with cytotoxic and cytostatic agents are dramatically reduced by the ability of tumor cells to acquire resistance, accounting for approximately 90% of treatment failure. Mainly the outcome of the patients during cancer treatment is determined by the therapeutic agents and it can be improved by adding adjuvant therapy to the treatment regimen. So, our attention was directed toward new emerging effects of deuterium depleted water as it may ameliorates the life quality of patients undergoing chemotherapy. In this project we plan to conduct a translational research model that links basic scientific discoveries with the clinical practice, therefore approaching the subject in a specific manner: bed-to-bench-to-bedside. The project aims to create this model based on the results obtained in basic research, in vitro, on tumor cell cultures, which will be validated on animal models (canine and feline), models that are similar, from the point of view of tumor genomics, to the human genomic model. Due to the similarities in the malignant transformation of these species, the genes involved in tumor progression and apoptotic mechanisms, the project proposes a first phase trial of a predetermined number of patients according to European standards, with advanced cancer suffering, different tumor types and locations. The results of this study will materialize in national and European patents, scientific publications with impact factor greater than 3 and the final product promoted to commercial markets for health. The three major research directions proposed support the development of new generation compounds for personalized cancer treatment, using highly sensitive analytical methods and establishing the concept of combined therapies in order to transform cancer into a chronic non-transmissible disease according to WHO criteria. Since the defects in the apoptotic pathway are responsible for resistance to chemotherapy the cell culture-based studies will allow us to explore mechanisms involved in cancer therapy by combining the investigated compounds with DDW. This project's aim is to combine basic and translational research. By performing fundamental research we will be able to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in basic processes like cell proliferation, DNA repair, apoptosis, generating reactive oxygen species or DNA mutation pattern by deep sequencing and their impact on cancer development, progression and response to chemotherapy in presence/absence of DDW. Next generation sequencing and proteomic studies will bring new information and help generate a tumor profile, which will have an enormous impact in overcoming drug resistance. The overall aim of the GenCanD research project is to establish a reliable method of analyzing and connecting the clinical data with the in vitro and animal model analysis that can lead to new treatment designs of therapy and discover new substances that can improve the life quality of patients undergoing cancer cytostatic treatment.

Modulation of pro/anticarcinogenic effect of toxic chemical agents in breast cancer multitargeted therapy Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0030 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); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); CENTRUL DE MEDIU SI SANATATE S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.granturi.umfcluj.ro/cancerter/

Abstract:

cancers, in addition to having a large number of epigenetic alterations, exhibit prominent epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations may be early indicators of genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic exposure and may be used in the assessment of the carcinogenic potential of environmental, chemical and physical agents. There are many evidences on environmental exposure to toxic chemical agents such as arsenic (As), phthalates and cotinine on multiple cancer types, while for breast cancer these chemical toxic agents can play a major role in therapy and therapy assessment. The project will evaluate the influence to the exposure to a single chemical agent or to a mixture of three of them, along with specific treatment and will explore possibilities to transform a carcinogen into a therapeutic agent. This paradigm will bring scientifically based knowledge and would develop new treatment opportunities. Some breast cancers develop resistance to several treatment plans stressing the great need for new multitarget therapies. We plan to conduct a cell culture-based study that focuses on susceptibilities, gene environment interaction, dose-effect and dose-response relationships in order to evaluate the relevance of the exposure to mixtures, fact that will be related to prognosis and therapy response. Data generated by this study will be used to formulate, develop and validate (as a prototype) new breast cancer multitarget therapies based on EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and p53-siRNA. Other issues addressed by this study will be the epigenetic changes induced by EGCG and p53 siRNA therapy at cellular and molecular level, in parallel with exposure to individual or toxic chemical agents. Our preliminary results show encouraging data by combining the chemotherapeutic effect of EGCG with p53siRNA. This approach will allow us to propose new therapies for breast cancer based on the idea of multitarget therapy by combining the specific effect of p53siRNA along with the administration of natural compounds, and/or exposure to hazardous substances. We intend to propose a prototype for multitargeted therapy in breast cancer, which can be used by pharmaceutical or biotechnological companies to be implemented in clinical research.

Non-Invasive Intelligent Systems for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis Based on Circulating miRNA Integrated in the Clinical Workflow Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1959 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SOLUTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS SAIA

Project partners: SOLUTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS SAIA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); RIVEL MARKET SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://rivel.ro/intelcor/

Abstract:

The INTELCOR project will develop the best non-invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis, early detection, differential diagnosis (with benign adenoma), and progression prediction tests. The last two tests will be developed for the first time. To be considered the best, the tests should be the most accurate (95%-100%), robust, and transparent. The tests are based on circulating microRNA (non-invasive) and advanced artificial intelligence methods (the highest robust accuracy). They will be also white-box or transparent models, discovered from microarray data, and their relationship with the hallmarks of cancer will be revealed, using knowledge mining in various knowledge bases. These tests will take as inputs the levels of circulating microRNA biomarkers discovered by us, and will output a diagnosis - normal, CRC, or adenoma - or a prognosis - progressive or non-progressive CRC. To transform these molecular and cellular models into real clinical decision support (intelligent) systems, they will be embedded in an automated CRC clinical workflow, created for the first time. The tests will be also implemented as Software as a Service (SaaS) and in hardware (via FPGA), to further increase their commercial potential. This will be done for the first time for a medical test. INTELCOR is a highly interdisciplinary project. Thus, UMF Cluj (P1) will enroll and investigate the CRC patients clinically, pathologically, imagistic, and will produce the corresponding microarray data. SAIA (CO) will develop a bioinformatics data analysis workflow and use it to develop the tests, which will be functionally analyzed together with P1. Rivel Market (P2) will develop and implement a top level CRC Electronic Medical Records for data integration, and the first automated CRC clinical workflow for tests integration into clinical practice. They will also implement the tests as software packages, as SaaS, and in hardware, for commercial reasons. As validation on large cohort of patients is known to improve the credibility and the marketability of omics tests, more data will be acquired from specialized companies. All available data will be integrated by CO in a multicenter database and a meta-analysis will be performed. As in any project combining high throughput data with artificial intelligence, the number of microarray samples and the computational power are important, but costly. INTELCOR is carefully designed to satisfy the financial and time constraints and reach not only the best published results, but also the best CRC omics tests on the market, by properly combining the human resources and facilities of the 3 partners with the project budget.

Hybrid composite graft obtained by tissue engineering and stem cells with application in regenerative medicine Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0700 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

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 TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.umfcluj.ro/Detaliu.aspx?t=Cercetare-Granturi-web

Abstract:

This project from the Regenerative Medicine field aims to improve the result of tissue grafting by using Tissue Engineered hybrid synthetic scaffolds - stem cells (SC) (Embryonic and adult SC). SCs will be cultured on application – tailored scaffolds made of titanium with a porous or lattice structure and of bio-polymers, aiming the differentiation towards the tissue corresponding to the desired medical application. The SCs will be assisted during attachment by bioactive layers coated on the scaffolds and during differentiation by the synergistic action of the substrate characteristics and microspheres – mediated delivery of growth factors. The hybrid composites will be personalized, considering the scaffolds geometry and the sequence of multilayered cellular material.

The objectives will be achieved through a biomedical research consortium made up of applied and fundamental science, as well of medical institutions.

The project is made up of two directions. 1. to produce and describe structures capable to maintain and promote tissue development. 2. to describes the “in vitro” and “in vivo” interactions between the newly created materials and tissues. 3D-biocompatible materials, seeded with SC that differentiates into structures, with morphological and functional properties resembling those of the original tissues will be created.

The project is designed to generate information that will be used to develop devices that have the ability to replace complex tissue defects.

The benefits derived from these studies are:

• Economical and medical, in the treatment of patients requiring complex tissue reconstruction for lowering the medical costs and quick social reinsertion.

• The development of individualized therapies, validated by “in vitro” studies on reconstituted tissue fragments.

• The use of newly developed biomaterials and technologies for a large area of organ and tissue reconstruction by means of Tissue Engineering (liver,skin,bone,myocardium,neural).

Intelligent Systems for Recurrence and Progression Prediction in Superficial Bladder Cancer based on Artificial Intelligence and Microarray Data: tumor mRNA and plasma microRNA Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-1221 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SOLUTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS SAIA

Project partners: SOLUTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS SAIA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.saia.ro/?p=17

Abstract:

IntelUro will develop the most accurate (95%-100%) intelligent predictive systems for superficial bladder cancer recurrence and progression. For a new patient, these systems will take as inputs the level of tumor mRNA or plasma microRNA (non-invasive) biomarkers discovered by us, and will predict if the patient will evolve toward recurrence/progression or not. Thus, the therapy could be personalized for the benefit of the patient with a dramatic decrease of the management costs. UMF Cluj (P1) will perform the complex clinical and pathological investigations of the patients, and the microarray experiments. SAIA (CO), will implement a software platform for data collection and integration with data available from other international centers, and will develop a bioinformatics methodology and workflow, combining statistical and advanced artificial intelligence techniques, for knowledge discovery in this multicenter database. ICIA (P3) will collaborate with SAIA in various stages of the development and implementation of the integrated bioinformatics platform. SAIA and UMF will collaborate in interpreting the clinical and biological meaning of intermediary and final results, like the specific alterations of signaling pathways discovered or the clinical decision support offered by some predictions. As in any project combining high throughput data with artificial intelligence, the number of microarray samples and the computational power are important, but costly. IntelUro is carefully designed to satisfy the financial and time constraints and reach the best published results, by properly combining the human resources and facilities of the 3 partners with the project budget. The project will be carried out with the highest possible ethical standards, complying with all EU and national regulations.

Evaluating the existing genetic diversity among local maize inbred lines towards developing new hybrids, with superior qualities and increased productivity Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0511 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE -DEZVOLTARE AGRICOLA TURDA (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/site/icbmiclaus/

Abstract:

Maize is the most important crop of the world in terms of production, serving as staple food in many countries around the globe. According to FAO statistics, maize production reached 817 million tons last year, while rice and wheat were trailing behind with 678 and 682 million tons, respectively. This tremendous productivity is explained mainly by the large-scale use of hybrids, worldwide. They owe their superior characteristics to heterosis, a phenomenon that Darwin hinted to and that is currently being used by breeders in their constant efforts of ameliorating crops. They have also slowly replaced the local races and inbred lines, but the latter two have always been a constant reservoir of genetic biodiversity that one has to turn back to when trying to create new hybrids. The tools for evaluating genetic diversity are various nowadays but the most important ones come from the filed of molecular biology. Whereas studies with isoenzymes and RFLP markers are a thing of the past, they have the merit of opening the way to marker-assisted breeding. With the advent of new technologies, like high-throughput sequencing and microarray analysis, one can take this to a whole new level. In this context, we propose here the use of SSR and SNP markers in evaluating the genetic diversity among local maize inbred lines and races nationwide, defining the so-called heterotic groups, and then use these knowledge in designing cross-pollinating schemes that would render us with new hybrids, having superior qualities and increased productivity. We’ll analyse the effect of heterosis on these newly developed hybrids at three main levels: molecular, biochemical, and morphological. Besides the immediate applied results of our research, i.e. development of superior crop material, our observations will potentially offer a paradigm to understanding the underlying mechanisms of heterosis in plants.

Early detection of post-therapeutic relapses of colorectal adenocarcinoma by tumoral and immunological markers follow-up in peripheral blood Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0753 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul Oncologic „Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuţă”

Project partners: Institutul Oncologic „Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuţă” (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul Oncologic „Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuţă” (RO)

Project website: http://srrom.ro/277/index277.html

Abstract:

The aim of our study is to identify novel markers with prognostic value for post-therapeutic relapses of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Current guidelines recommend the carcinoembryonic antigen, colonoscopy and computed-tomography for the follow-up of CRC. Still, 80% of the patients relapse in the first two years after initial treatment and the majority are detected in a symptomatic phase, having an unfavorable outcome. Our study rallies to the numerous efforts oriented toward optimizing the follow-up procedures in CRC. We are focusing on circulating tumor cells (CTC) and immunological changes detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with CRC progression. We intend to enroll 50 patients diagnosed with CRC, disease-free after surgery with curative intent. We will follow them according to current guidelines for a median period of 24 months. At baseline and every 3 months during follow-up period we will collect peripheral blood for detection of CTC, T-cell subsets, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, as well as serum markers like transthyretin, serum alfa-enolase and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. These variables, obtained by minimal invasive procedures, will be correlated with data regarding the primary tumor. We intend to genotype the tumor by RNA microarray and Real-Time PCR and to phenotype it by immunohistochemistry. The identified biomarkers will be afterwards proposed for testing in a new prospective clinical study.

Assessment of the platinum-based drugs effects in colorectal carcinoma with emphasize on tumor stem cells functional genomics and immunomodulation Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-1057 2011 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul Oncologic "Prof.Dr.I.Chiricuta" Cluj Napoca

Project partners: Institutul Oncologic "Prof.Dr.I.Chiricuta" Cluj Napoca (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.iocn.ro/CERCETARE/Pagini-Web-proiecte/Idei-250.html

Abstract:

The investigation of platinum-based drug effect on tumor stem cells responsible for tumor generation and propagation is a novel and expanding field, and in the colorectal cancer casuistry they are many features uncovered. Studies concerning the action of platinum compounds against immune mechanisms focusing activated lymphocytes involved could bring novelties in the field of cancer cell biochemistry and function. Our aim is to perform a multidisciplinary and translational study that impact patient care in colorectal carcinoma. The project objective is to evaluate the platinum-containing drugs effect on stem cells in colorectal carcinoma, this population being responsible for the resistance against chemotherapy treatment. It is feasible to assess the platinum-treated stem cells, with accent on apoptosis, multidrug resistance, metabolism and cell signaling. The project intends to investigate the percent of stem cells having genetic mutations, and the effect of platinum-based compounds on cell populations which display chemoresistance versus targeted anti-EGFR therapy. We propose also to examine the lymphocyte populations implicated in antitumoral immune response, emphasizing the CD8 positive T lymphocytes and the natural killer cells, in order to establish the magnitude of immunomodulation following the platinum compounds action. By completing the proposed objectives, we intend to bring new, significant results in biochemistry of the platinum compounds.

Analysis of microRNA biomarkers as predictive values for cervical cancer treatment, in relationship with environmental exposure to arsenic, phthalates and ETS. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1328 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); CENTRUL DE MEDIU SI SANATATE S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.iocn.ro/CERCETARE/Pagini-Web-proiecte/Analysis-of-microRNA-biomarkers-as-predictive-values-for-cervical-cancer-treatment-in-relationship-with-environmental-exposure-to-arsenic-phthalates-and-ETS.html

Abstract:

Cervicall-arsen-array is an inter and multidisciplinary research project under the requirements of the program PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3. The activities under this project will be conducted during a periode of 36 month.

The acronym of the project is Cervicall-arsen-array and it would be applied to the research domain 4. HEALTH, thematic area 4.1.3 Methods of investigation and intervention based on molecular and cellular medicine, genomics and proteomics.

The research domain is cervical cancer and the project is aiming to identify new molecular targets combining the post transcriptional (miRNA) approach along with toxics exposure (arsenic, phtalathes and cotinine) and propose measurable indicators to predict the prognostic and evaluate the treatment efficiency in advanced stage IIB-IIIB of cervical cancer.

The main goal of the Project is to elaborate a prediction model for therapy response (pharmacogenomics) in patients with advanced cervical cancer (stage IIB-IIIB) based on serum genomics signature (miRNA-microarray) and to investigate if toxic exposure to mixture (arsenic, phthalates and cotinine as a ETS biomarker) could influence the treatment response.

These objectives can be accomplished by an experienced and professional multidisciplinary research team coordinated by IOCN- the Cancer Institute with high recognised experience in cell biology, functional genomics, and applied clinical research: P1- by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca- University with high research and management of clinical research programs record; P2-by Environmental Health Center Cluj Napoca – is an institution involved in research and development at national and international level. P3- Babes Bolyai University Cluj Napoca- the largest University in Romania with major contribution to multidisciplinary research.

Impact of feed co-contamination and mitigating solutions to increase feed safety, animal health and food quality. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0616 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIOLOGIE SI NUTRITIE ANIMALA - IBNA BALOTESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU BIOLOGIE SI NUTRITIE ANIMALA - IBNA BALOTESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" RA (RO); ASOCIATIA CENTRU DE CERCETARE STIINTIFICA IN DOMENIUL BIOCHIMIEI APLICATE SI BIOTEHNOLOGIEI (BIOTEHNOL) (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.ibna.ro/activitate/proiecte/PN2-parteneriate.php

Abstract:

The extent and impact of the situations when animals are exposed to more than one contaminant remain to be analysed and quantified and this is the major objective of this research project. That is why, the present project will develop a comprehensive approach to reach a better understanding of the interaction between different contaminants of feed and food: co-contaminants and propose mitigating solutions in case of feed co-contaminations. One of the most often reported co-contamination in the field includes microorganisms (Echerichia coli, Salmonella etc, the main food borne human pathogens originated from the animal gut) and natural toxins such as mycotoxins, which are the most frequent natural contaminants of cereals. For many contaminants of the agro-food chain there is no regulations/legal limits of tolerance issued by the European Commission, the National Ministries of Agriculture or by the National Sanitary Veterinary Agencies. The elaboration of some regulations and its enactment is imperiously necessary. More recently, EFSA (EFSA Journal, 2010) recommends conducting in-depth studies to document that the doses accepted as maximal limits have no genotoxic effects. Using new tools of genomics and proteomics (PCR microarrays, real time PCR, western blot, xMAP array), the present project will give a better insight in the mechanisms of action of co-contamination and based on the data supplied by these new tools it want to determine the maximal tolerance levels (norms) for some contaminants commonly present in the growing pigs (10-30 kg) diet. The project also, propose mitigating solutions in case of feed co-contaminations In this regard a probiotic bacterial product is currently under development in IBNA laboratory which has proved healthy benefits and excellent efficacy in reducing the gastrointestinal infections in pig as well as in other farm animals either in experimental trails or in commercial farms. The project focuses on the pig. The pig is a great cons

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List of research grants as project coordinator
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