BrainMap

Violeta Anca Gafencu

PhD

- INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

ResearcherID: ID: 6506192688

Curriculum Vitae (03/03/2020)

Expertise & keywords

Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-PERMED-PerProGlio 2019 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-international/perproglio.html

Abstract:

Glioblastoma (GBM) as most common aggressive brain tumor has a poor prognosis and median survival times of We propose to use our combined expertise of multiple “OMICS” methods to dissect individual parameters that determine recurrence and therapy resistance in GBM with possible therapeutic implications. Initially, we will use a retrospective cohort of 100 patients with clinical metadata of GBM primary and recurrent samples. Abundance-based biomarkers associated with time-to-recurrence and therapy resistance will be obtained by analyzing extracellular vesicles (EVs) with respect to proteolytic fragments (mass spectrometry based), protease activities, and miRNA content. In addition, a full NGS analysis will be performed to characterize recurrence in individual patients and combine “OMICS” with clinical and imaging data. From these analyses, we aim to identify personalized easy-to-access biopsy markers so that investigation of pre- and post-surgery serum samples (at time of initial surgery) allows to faithfully discern tumor-originating molecules through their decreased abundance in post-surgery samples. We further hypothesize that multimodal monitoring, e.g. combining imaging data with molecular markers allows to establish a molecular signature of GBM recurrence which is particularly powerful for reliable prediction of GBM recurrence in a prospective patient cohort.

Intelligent therapies for non-communicable diseases based on controlled release of pharmacological compounds from encapsulated engineered cells and targeted bionanoparticles Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0697 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE MACROMOLECULARA "PETRU PONI" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-national_grants/intera.html

Abstract:

Non-communicable diseases (atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity), a major cause of mortality, are characterized by associated inflammatory processes. The complex project INTERA aims to develop innovative therapeutic methods to ameliorate the pathological progression by reducing the inflammatory process. The multidisciplinary studies proposed by INTERA can create and define new nano- or micro-medical devices usable for smart and innovative anti-inflammatory therapies. INTERA includes 4 projects: (1) Encapsulation of genetically manipulated eukaryotic cells for controlled release of pharmacologically active products; (2) Development of a 3D platform designed for pre-clinical drug testing composed of cells incorporated into three-dimensional bio-matrices; (3) Intelligent nanobioparticles designed for bioactive compounds vectoring to pathological sites for vascular inflammation targeting. (4) Polymeric conjugates for efficiently inducing the expression of genes of interest with applicability in cellular therapy. The consortium consists of 4 partner research units - two institutes of the Romanian Academy (IBPCNS, ICMP), a university (UPB) and a national CD Institute (INCDFM) with good territorial coverage (Bucharest-Ilfov-Iasi). Predicted Indicators: 10 new R & D jobs, 8 ISI articles, 4 patent applications, 8 new technologies, 7 new service offers posted on the ERRIS platform. Institutional development: the new competences and the improvement of existing ones in partner units will attract the attention of the economic environment towards a better correlation of scientific and economic interests and better valorization in the field of drug science. From a social point of view, institutional development will lead to lowering the cost of these pathologies through new therapeutic approaches, more accessible to the population and hence, improving the quality of life.

Improve institutional competitiveness in the field of type 1 diabetes by developing an innovative concept of immunotherapy based on mesenchymal stromal cells Call name:
P_37_668 2016 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-international/diabeter.html

Abstract:

Genetically engineered apolipoproteins immobilized on nanoparticles: a Molecular Trojan horse targeting atherosclerotic plaque Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2143 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-national_grants/apgen.html

Abstract:

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a pivotal role against atherosclerosis. This role is exerted only by apoE delivered at the lesion level. The main aim of this project is to obtain apolipoprotein-fullerene based nano-systems (AFN) targeted toward the atherosclerotic plaque through transferrin receptor. The transferrin or anti-transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody included in AFN will facilitate their transcytosis through the endothelial layer and will enhance their binding on the macrophage-foam cells. We plan to achieve the following objectives: (1) Setting up a series of AFNs using recombinant apoE3 or apoE3-HRP chimera alone or together with transferrin or with anti-transferrin receptor monoclonal antibodies; (2) Biochemical characterization of the obtained AFNs by size, apolipoprotein/Tf or TfRMoAb ratio, lipid binding capacity; (3). Functional characterization: (i) In vitro tests of the capacity of AFNs to cross the endothelial layer, to bind on macrophage surface and to participate in the cholesterol efflux from the macrophage-foam cells; (ii) In vivo AFNs ability to reduce the atherosclerotic plaques in animal models. Targeting apoE at the plaque using novel biotechnologies will provide an efficient cholesterol efflux from the lipid loaded cells, having significant anti-atherosclerotic benefits. This strategy may open new horizons for developing “synthetic lipoproteins” based on recombinant proteins attached to spherical nanoparticles for diverse therapeutic purposes.

Combined hormonal treatment-induced gene transactivation of anti-atherosclerotic proteins as an innovative therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2660 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-national_grants/aterte.html

Abstract:

Cardiovascular disease causes more that 55% of all deaths in Europe, hyperlipidaemia being a major contributor. The apolipoproteins have an important role in lipid metabolism. The goal of this proposal is to determine the fine tuning of the apolipoprotein (E, AI and CII) gene regulation by the estrogen/thyroid hormones, in order to reduce the atherosclerotic process. To this, the main objectives are: 1.To identify the molecular mechanisms involved in apolipoprotein gene regulation by estrogen / thyroid hormones. For this we plan to i) localization of the regulatory elements responsible for apolipoprotein gene modulation by estrogen/thyroid hormones, ii) test the interaction of ERs/TRs with other factors and assess their role in apolipoprotein gene regulation, iii) assess the effects of the endocrine disruptors on apolipoprotein expression by estrogen / thyroid hormones; 2. To determine the beneficial effects of combined hormonal treatments in experimental atherosclerosis, by i) assessment of the effects of combined hormonal treatments on lipid plasma levels in normal/atherogenic mice, ii) evaluation of apolipoprotein gene modulation and investigation of atherosclerotic plaques development in mice receiving combined hormonal treatments. The result will elucidate the gene regulatory mechanisms of anti-atherosclerotic apolipoproteins by estrogen/thyroid hormones, and will reveal the link between hormonal imbalance and dyslipidaemia, with clinical applications.

Apolipoprotein E-based novel anti-atherosclerosis cell-therapy approaches Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0591 2011 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul de Biologie si Patologie Celulara "Nicolae Simionescu"

Project partners: Institutul de Biologie si Patologie Celulara "Nicolae Simionescu" (RO)

Affiliation: Institutul de Biologie si Patologie Celulara "Nicolae Simionescu" (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-national_grants/pniiidpce201130591.html

Abstract:

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an athero-protective molecule, playing a pivotal role in lipid metabolism. The goal of the project is to induce an increased apoE expression in monocytes and endothelial cells (EC) in order to prevent or regress the atherosclerotic process. We have 3 objectives: 1. To identify the transcriptional mechanisms leading to activation of apoE expression. We will (1a) investigate transcriptional regulation of apoE gene in monocyte and macrophages. (1b) induce upregulation of apoE gene in endothelial cell. 2. To target apoE expressing monocytes at the atherosclerotic plaques. We plan to (2a)induce ex vivo apoE expression in monocytes; (2b)test the minimal monocyte activation that allows the most efficient infiltration in atheroma; (2c)transplant apoE expressing monocytes in apoE null mice and follow plaque regression. 3. To generate a tissue specific transgenic mouse model that expresses apoE specifically in the endothelium and to asses its sensitivity to atherosclerosis. We will (3a)obtain transgenic mice with inducible endothelial-specific expression of apoE3; (3b)assess the association between EC-secreted apoE and different lipoproteins; (3c)determine the ability of EC-secreted apoE to reach the subendothelial space; (3d)evaluate the regression of the atherosclerotic plaques in mice expressing apoE3 in EC. The project will lead to novel apoE based anti-atherosclerotic treatments and will open new horizons for developing cell-specific base therapies.

Biologically inspired systems for engineered structural and functional entities Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0028 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry

Project partners: "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (RO); "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (RO); "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (RO); "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (RO); "N. Simionescu" Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology (RO); " Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi (RO); " Costin D. Nenitescu" Institute of Organic Chemistry (RO)

Affiliation: "N. Simionescu" Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology (RO)

Project website: http://www.intelcentru.ro/Biomimetics_PCCE

Abstract:

The project aims to study, to develop and to preliminary test biomimetic structural and functional entities, able to act as gene transfection vehicles of non-viral type, and having a DNA packaging capacity of about 2  5 kilobases. The main features of these entities are: (i) the general structure of a polyplex, (ii) the functionality of a cargo-complex that chemomimic the histones, morphomimic the nucleosome and biomimic a virus like gene vector, (iii) the ability to include or to reversibly bind and transport (bio)chemical species necessary to assist the DNA vehiculation and trafficking, (iv) are based on fullerene-rich polymers and / or dendrimers, (v) the capacity to associate to artificial extracellular matrices, in order to generate gene delivery systems with transfection ability, for ex vivo applications. The developed entities will represent effective tools in genetic and tissue engineering, useful in health restoration, life quality enhancement, and to cure tissue and human organism deficiencies. The envisioned engineering strategy to build biomimetic entities may sustain a spin-off type transfer of knowledge towards hi-tech application areas, with a clear echo in clinics and, finally, in human health. The project involves seven complementary teams hosted by four research and academic institutions. In equilibrated ratios, senior, young and junior researchers will collaborate inside the project frame.

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