Translational Medicine
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Study area
Medicine and Healthcare
PhD Coordinator
The doctoral programme aims to train researchers who are able to develop research projects that bridge the gap between laboratory activity and clinical sciences, facilitating the translational process in both directions.
Aims:
1. understand and study biological structures in the different levels of organisation, their physiological and pathological modifications in the framework of interactions between people and the environment, exploring diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and facilitating their application in clinical practice;
2. learn a scientific translational research approach which can favour points of contact between biological and clinical-behavioural discoveries and preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation practices in order to improve di health and lifestyle, also considering the global increase in life expectancy;
3. acquire a solid preparation in the methodological disciplines required to formulate correct experimental hypotheses, define experimental designs and critically interpret results;
4. promote communication between biological and clinical-behavioural research, particularly in relation to movement and physical activity in the area of prevention, mental-physical wellbeing, sport and professional performance, in conditions of health, illness and disability, in a unified perspective;
5. understand the ethical implications of clinical and biological research.
Aims:
1. understand and study biological structures in the different levels of organisation, their physiological and pathological modifications in the framework of interactions between people and the environment, exploring diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and facilitating their application in clinical practice;
2. learn a scientific translational research approach which can favour points of contact between biological and clinical-behavioural discoveries and preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitation practices in order to improve di health and lifestyle, also considering the global increase in life expectancy;
3. acquire a solid preparation in the methodological disciplines required to formulate correct experimental hypotheses, define experimental designs and critically interpret results;
4. promote communication between biological and clinical-behavioural research, particularly in relation to movement and physical activity in the area of prevention, mental-physical wellbeing, sport and professional performance, in conditions of health, illness and disability, in a unified perspective;
5. understand the ethical implications of clinical and biological research.
Tutte le classi di laurea magistrale - All classes of master's degree
Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti- Via Francesco Sforza 35
- Degree course coordinator: Prof. Clerici Mario Salvatore
[email protected] - Degree course website
https://dmt.ariel.ctu.unimi.it - Main offices
Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti- Via Francesco Sforza 35
| Title | Professor(s) |
|---|---|
| Evaluation of exercise performance
Requirements: Basic notions of physiology |
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| Dissetting the molecular mechanism that links loss of lysosomal function with the onset of neurodegeneration and development of new therapeutic strategies
Requirements: cell culture |
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| Lipid-based therapeutic strategies to optimize the effectiveness of innovative drugs to rescue mutated CFTR
Requirements: cell culture |
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| Recent studies underlined the importance of an integrate evaluation of the dynamics of interaction among heart, brain and peripheral systems. The project will be aimed to jointly investigate cortical-autonomic-vascular dynamics and to develop a quantitative framework describing the interactions among the different physiological systems in physiological conditions and in critical situations.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| The quantification of the cardiorespiratory interactions from spontaneous variability of heart rate and respiration could help with the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiovascular, respiratory, and autonomic nervous system diseases. The project will exploit advanced signal processing techniques to characterize cardiorespiratory interactions in health and pathological subjects, as in athletes or in heart failure.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| Unraveling the mode of action of antiarrhythmic drug on cardiac rate
Requirements: Knowledge of cell and molecular biology, electrophysiology cellulare |
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| Unraveling the molecular dominance effect of cardiac Na channel (SCN5A) mutations associated with arrhythmic disorders
Requirements: Knowledge of cell and molecular biology, electrophysiology cellulare |
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| Molecular mechanisms of host–parasite interactions in cutaneous Leishmaniasis: new in vitro 2D-3D models to unveil the role of macrophages, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells in the establishment of infection at the site of inoculum
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Pathogenic implications of viral co-infections. In vitro models to study cellular, molecular and epigenetic determinants.
Requirements: Knowledge of basic 2D and 3D cellular cultures.Omics approach to investigate biomarkers of disease susceptability/progression |
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| Single-cell dissection of small neoplastic clones in multiple myeloma after treatment to pinpoint determinants of chemoresistance
Requirements: Proven knowledge of plasma cell disorders and single-cell transcriptomic analysis, as demonstrated by publications. |
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| Role of Extracellular vescicles in inter-kingdom microbial networking
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Microbiology and/or molecular biology |
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| Microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurological diseases
Requirements: Basic knowledge of molecular biology |
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| Molecular and phylogenetic approaches for studying pathogens with a high social and health burden
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Microbiology and Molecular Biology |
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| This research program will provide basic knowledge of neuroimaging, omic, neurotransmitter and neurocognitive bases of the major psychiatric illnesses, such as psychotic, mood and anxiety spectrum disorders, with particular regards to brain connectivity and prefronto-limbic neuropsychological, omic, and neuromodulatory dimensions. Examples will be provided on how brain imaging, neurophysiological, omic, and neuropsychological multimodal multisource measures need to be analysed and integrated, and how they can be translated into clinical knowledge for assessment of pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response of those major psychiatric disorders.
Requirements: basic knowledge of Machine Learning techniques and of coding languages (Matlab or R); and of brain imaging |
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| Biomarkers associated with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders: epigenetic, inflammatory and hormonal factors involved in the etiology and outcome of these psychiatric conditions
Requirements: Competence in the field of translational research (including mental health assessment) and/ or in the field of molecular biology |
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| Interplay between endothelial surface and C1INH in the pathophysiology of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (HAE) is a rare and potentially fatal autosomal dominant disease characterised by localized edema of the subcutaneous and submucosal tissue. It can be considered the paradigm of Paroxysmal Permeability Diseases (PPDs), pathological conditions characterized by sudden, recurrent, but reversible increase of endothelial permeability without inflammatory, degenerative or ischemic injury.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology. |
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| Exploring the Link Between Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (ISCLS) and Autoimmunity: validation, diagnostic practicability, and clinical relevance of uncommon and novel autoantibodies.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology and immunopathology. |
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| Respiratory physiology and pathophysiology investigated with advanced diagnostic techniques. In particular role of the small airways in the development and manifestation of pulmonary diseases, with reference to the effects of small airways cyclic opening and closing.
Requirements: Knowledge of respiratory physiology, biophysics and/or biomechanics. |
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| Title: Dualistic roles of microbial-induced IL22 in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC).. Patients with IBD often face an elevated risk of developing CRC, a condition known as colitis-associated cancer (CAC). IL22 plays a crucial role in mitigating IBD by promoting the proliferation and survival of epithelial cells (ECs). However, its propensity to induce ECs proliferation also correlates with the formation of tumoral lesions. IL22 is secreted by various immune cell types, including iNKT cells, yet the precise role of these cells in either exacerbating or controlling intestinal inflammation and cancer remains a subject of intense debate. Our preliminary data demonstrate that TitoloCAC tissues are characterized by increased expression of IL22 and a higher NKT22 infiltration. Moreover, we demonstrated the proximity of NKT22 cells to ECs and an enrichment of Odoribacter in CAC patients, a gram-negative bacterium implicated in tryptophan metabolism and in AhR ligands production. We demonstrated that stimulation of iNKT cell lines with Odoribacter-derived metabolites (Os CFS ) induced IL22 production by iNKT cells in AhR-dependent function. Moreover, the administration of Os CFS was sufficient to increase tumorigenesis in C57BL/6 colorectal cancer mouse models but not in iNKT-deficient TRAJ18 -/- mice. Metabolic analyses identified an increased abondance of I3C, capable of increasing NKT22 differentiation in both in vitro and in vivo inducing an increased tumorigenesis in cancer mouse models. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of IL22, specifically NKT22 cells, on the intestinal ECs. The aim is to assess whether closer proximity of these cells to ECs may result in transcriptional modifications favoring the development of tumor lesions. Moreover, we want to validate that the presence ofI3C is the key responsible for NKT22 differentiation and, consequently, tumorigenesis.
Requirements: Skills: ability to work with eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. preferred: background in cellular immunology and microbiology. Experience with human primary cells |
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| Role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in modulating pathological processes
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemistry and molecular biology techniques; ability in handling cultured cell line models. |
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| (Sphingo)lipid dysmetabolism and primary hepatic cancer
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemistry and molecular biology techniques; ability in handling cultured cell line models. |
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| Novel syndromic alterations associated with the glycosphingolipid dismetabolism
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemistry and molecular biology techniques; ability in handling cultured cell line models. |
M. Trinchera (UnInsubria)
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| Study of the cortical mechanisms underlying motor learning and relearning in healthy individuals and in people with neurological conditions
Requirements: The candidate should have an understanding of the anatomical and physiological mechanisms of the central nervous system. Furthermore, they should be familiar with the effects of neurological disorders on the sensorimotor system. |
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| Central organization of the postural control associated with voluntary movement, either in healthy subjects or in patients affected by movement disorders.
Requirements: In-depth knowledge of the physiology of movement and posture in humans. Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Biological Sciences, Sport Sciences or Biomedical Engineering. Use of programming and data processing software. |
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| Analysis of cerebral motor resinace evoked by linguistc and/or visual stimuli in humans.
Requirements: In-depth knowledge of sensory-motor systems physiology in humans. Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Biological Sciences, Psycology or Biomedical Engineering. Use of programming and data processing software. |
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| Title: The Role of GM1 Ganglioside and Its Oligosaccharide in Counteracting the Multifactorial Aspects of Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Requirements: Experience in the biochemical and molecular biology field is required. Skills in cell cultures, analysis of sphingolipid content and metabolismm, and analysis of protein content are also required |
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| Identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the pathological continuum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer
Requirements: Knowledge of the basic elements of cellular and molecular immunology; a sharp and fresh mind, curiosity, and a passion for research |
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| Role of inflammasome and phagocytosis in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Disease).
Requirements: Knowledge of the basic elements of cellular and molecular immunology; a sharp and fresh mind, curiosity, and a passion for research |
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| Study of molecular mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of neurological disorders
Requirements: knowledge and experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| Mobile genetic elements and neurodegeneration: role of retrotransposons in neuronal genomic instability and neurodegenerative disease progression mechanisms
Requirements: knowledge and experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| Advanced molecular therapies for neurological diseases: genomic editing, therapeutic RNA and innovative viral vectors for targeted treatment of the nervous system
Requirements: knowledge and experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| In vivo human studies of exercise-stimulated metabolism to elicit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses in dysmetabolic conditions. In particular, it wil be covered: incremental exercise testing in normal weight, overweight/obese subjects, and athletes - measurements, clinical indications, and metabolic determinants related to energy metabolism.
Requirements: Good knowledge of the anatomical and physiological aspects of neuro-endocrine-muscular systems. |
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| Crosstalk between bone and mienral metabolism: effects of boine-derived hormones on parathyroid function
Requirements: Knowledge of principles of bone and mineral metabolisms |
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| Development of cellular and molecular therapeutic approaches for neurological diseases
Requirements: knowledge and experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| Development and application of brain and spinal cord organoids as advanced models for studying pathogenetic mechanisms of neurological diseases and as a platform for screening new therapeutic strategies
Requirements: knowledge and experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| Neural organoids and bioelectronic chips: development of hybrid organic-electronic interfaces for regenerative medicine and functional restoration of damaged neural tissue
Requirements: knowledge and experience in cellular and molecular biology |
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| Molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease
Requirements: Cell culture, Western-blot, Real time PCR |
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| Immunomodulatory activity of vector-borne, protozoa parasites (Malaria & Leishmania) and their products on macrophages, microglia, and endothelial cells from different anatomical origins: implication for the pathogenesis, establishment of chronic infections and new drug discovery.
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Study of infectivity and severity of respiratory viruses based on isolated variants
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
L. Signorini
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| Study of the possible involvement and mechanism of actions of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and DNA viruses in the colon cancer pathogenesis
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Definition of new 3D in vitro models to study the interaction between emerging arboviruses (West Nile virus, Zika Virus, Oropuche virus) and human host
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Morphofunctional tuning of the body barriers: nutraceutical applications | |
| Effects of microplastics on the immune system and on inflammatory processes
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology |
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| Advanced thyroid cancer: primary cultures and 3D cells models to study new drugs
Requirements: Cell cultures, transfection assays, confocal microscopy, proliferation and apoptosis assays, Western blot, sequencing |
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| Application of Deep Learning in Predictive Molecular Pathology for Precision Oncology This project aims to enhance diagnosis and biomarker assessment in oncology through the application of deep learning models to histopathological and multi-omic data (genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic). The main objectives are to improve diagnostic accuracy, predict disease progression, and support treatment personalization. Key activities will include data collection and integration, preprocessing, the development of bioinformatics and computational pathology models, as well as training and validation of predictive algorithms. Close interdisciplinary collaboration with pathologists, oncologists, and bioinformaticians will be an integral part of daily activities.
Requirements: Strong interest and aptitude in computer science and/or computational pathology; prior experience in these areas will be considered a valuable asset. |
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| Characterization of the effect extracellular matrix components, tumor microenvironment and 3D arrangement on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and carcinoma progression
Requirements: Requisiti: Knowledge of cell and molecular biology |
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| Study of collagen turnover and expression of genes and proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling in connective tissue in physiological and pathological conditions, and after pharmacological treatment
Requirements: Requisiti: Knowledge of cell and molecular biology |
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| Cellular senescence: from rare diseases to neurodegenerative disorders
Requirements: Basis knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques |
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| Study of adult leukodystrophies and leukoencephalopathies of unknown origin
Requirements: Clinical and research experience in in the field of neurological diseases, as proven by: - At least one year of clinical experience - Publication of scientific articles on peer-reviewed publications - Participation in national and international conferences |
Ettore Salsano (Istituto Neurologico Besta)
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| Immuno-signatures as biomarkers in mitochondrial diseases: from clinical trials to new therapeutic prospective
Requirements: Experience in the field of mitochondrial medicine. Experience in immunological analysis and molecular biology techniques. |
Costanza Lamperti (Istituto Neurologico Besta)
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| Genetic neurometabolic disorders in children: from clinical phenotyping and genotyping to new, innovative, gene-specific therapeutic approaches
Requirements: 1 Specialization (ongoing or already obtained) in Child Neurology and Psychiatry 2 .Clinical and research experience in in the field of pediatric metabolic diseases (specifically, mitochondrial and/or lysosomal diseases), both as proven by: - At least one year of clinical experience - Publication of scientific articles on peer-reviewed publications - Participation in national and international conferences - Participation in clinical trials as investigator/subinvestigator |
Anna Ardissone (Istituto Neurologico Besta)
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| New "omics" approaches for mitochondrial disorders
Requirements: The project involves functional and transcriptomic analyzes. Experience in NGS/RNAseq and knowledge of molecular and cellular biology is required. |
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| Morphological and metrical analysis of the skeleton: study of the biological variability in clinical, surgical and anthropological fields
Requirements: Basic information of osteology |
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| Chemical-toxicological search for biomarkers on alternative matrices throughout innovative targeted and untargeted spectrometrical approaches for forensic purposes
Requirements: Basic information of techniques for toxicological analyses |
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| Morphological analysis of human tissues for forensic purposes
Requirements: Basic information of forensic pathology |
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| SPHINGOLIPID METABOLISM AND SIGNALING AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN TUMOR CELLS. The research project aims to study sphingolipid-mediated signal transduction mechanisms in physio-pathological processes with the aim of identifying targets for the development of innovative and effective therapies against tumors. In particular, the metabolism and the functional properties of specific sphingoid mediators will be investigated in the tumorigenicity of tumor and /or cancer stem cells.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of the experimental procedures used in a biochemical research laboratory |
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| This project aims to apply an integrated strategy to characterize inflammatory and immunological profiles in patients affected by severe infectious syndromes such as sepsis, septic shock, pneumonia, and bacterial meningitis. By analyzing biological samples from hospitalized patients through high-sensitivity multiplex proteomic platforms, the study will investigate inflammatory biomarkers associated with innate and adaptive immune responses. The goal is to identify molecular signatures predictive of disease severity, prognosis, and treatment response, with potential clinical implications for diagnosis and therapy.
Requirements: Knowledge of the pathogenetic basis of infectious diseases and systemic infections (e.g., sepsis, meningitis), knowledge of omics approaches. |
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| This project focuses on investigating novel antibacterial molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies and endolysins, with targeted activity against bacterial biofilms, a major therapeutic challenge in prosthesis-associated infections, including vascular and orthopedic implants. Biofilm formation will be modeled in vitro on inert surfaces (e.g., titanium, silicone, stainless steel) using standardized techniques such as crystal violet assay, fluorescence microscopy, and biomass quantification. The antibacterial activity, anti-adhesion properties, and biofilm penetration capacity of the compounds will be assessed to support the development of next-generation therapeutics for chronic and recurrent infections.
Requirements: Knowledge of the pathogenetic basis of infectious diseases and systemic infections (e.g., sepsis, meningitis), knowledge of omics approaches. |
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| Systemic infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria—such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—are a major health burden in adult patients in low-income countries, especially in hospital environments. Traditional microbiological identification is too slow and often unavailable. The adoption of rapid molecular techniques, such as multiplex PCR or point-of-care isothermal amplification, can greatly reduce time to diagnosis and targeted therapy. This research will focus on bloodstream infections (sepsis) and severe respiratory infections (e.g., hospital-acquired pneumonia), aiming to evaluate feasibility, clinical impact, and antimicrobial stewardship benefits.
Requirements: Knowledge of the pathogenetic basis of infectious diseases and systemic infections (e.g., sepsis, meningitis), knowledge of omics approaches. |
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| Mechanisms of acute lung injury induced by spontaneous breathing: from bench to bedside
Requirements: Experience in animal laboratory of respiratory pathophysiology and related publications |
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| Environmental and genetic factors strongly influence the pathogenesis and evolution of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). The project will evaluate the impact of genetic variants, epigenetic modifications and nutritional intake on liver damage, mitochondrial dysfuntion and cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with histological diagnosis of NAFLD, in in vitro models and in mouse models of hepatic steatosis. The study will be implemented with omics techniques (spatial transcriptomic, single cel transcriptomic, lipidomic, proteomic) that will allow to define non-invasive markers for the identification of patients at risk of progressive disease. | |
| Title: Therapeutic strategies for neurological involvement in Gaucher disease Approved treatments for Gaucher disease do not cross the blood-brain barrier and do not impact the natural history of neurological involvement. Identifying potential disease modifiers for the neurological aspect of Gaucher disease is crucial for patients' management.
Requirements: Documented experience in the field. |
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| Autonomic nervous system assessment to optimize training in elite athletes and to optimize exercise prescription for cardio‐metabolic and cancer treatment/prevention
Requirements: Knowledge at introductory level of exercise physiology, elements of physiology of autonomic nervous system and etiopathogenetic mechanisms of cardio‐metabolic diseases and cancer |
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| lifestyle (focusing mainly on physical exercise) as sustainable tool for individual, environment and society, fostering wellbeing and reducing cardiometabolic risk factors
Requirements: Knowledge at introductory level of exercise physiology, elements of physiology of autonomic nervous system and etiopathogenetic mechanisms of cardio‐metabolic diseases and cancer |
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| Epicardial fat: From the biomolecular aspects to the clinical practice | |
| Thyroid and adrenal cancers: Studies on clinical aspects, prognostic risk factors, new biomarkers and innovative treatments . | |
| Manipulation of insulin receptor (IR) alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic strategy to block IGF2 autocrine proliferative loop in adrenocortical carcinoma
Requirements: Cell cultures; cell transfection and silencing; protein detection (western blot, co-/immunoprecipitation); nucleic acid extraction, PCR. |
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| Chromatinopathies: from bench to the bedside
Requirements: basic knowleedge of cell and molecular biology technique |
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| Development of H- ferritin nanocages for diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer
Requirements: Cell biology skills for the management of immortalized human or mouse cell lines. Knowledge of the main biochemical techniques . Knowledge in mice handling and murine model development for in vivo studies (if possible). |
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| Patient-derived organoid of breast cancer: development, characterization and application in tumor biology studies
Requirements: Manipulation of tumor cell lines. Knowledge of the main biochemical and cell biology techniques. |
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| Exploitation of extracellular vescicles for diagnosis, treatment and management of breast cancer
Requirements: Manipulation of tumor cell lines. Knowledge of the main biochemical and cell biology techniques. |
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| Genomic Markers in Digital Twin Models for Advanced Stratification of Patients with Complex Diseases
Requirements: NGS sequencing, knowledge of basic principles of bioinformatics |
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| Study of antitumor role of a vitamin E isoform in human glioblastoma cell lines and the molecular mechanisms involved, in order to identify new molecular targets for future therapeutic strategies.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology methods |
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| Micro/nanoplastics and renal pathology: study of distribution, validation of identification methods, diagnostic utility and clinical relevance in different glomerular and interstitial renal pathologies
Requirements: Knowledge of the fundamentals of nephropathology, molecular biology techniques and morphological methods |
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| Immune check point in lung transplantation
Requirements: Experience in laboratory techniques applied to the analysis of immune markers on lung tissue after transplantation |
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| Il glioblastoma (GBM) è il tumore cerebrale più comune derivato dagli astrociti negli adulti ed è caratterizzato da una sopravvivenza mediana di 14 mesi. La metilazione del promotore MGMT è monitorata di routine nei pazienti, essendo correlata alla risposta del GBM alla Temozolomide (TMZ). Tuttavia, il 55% dei pazienti con GBM presenta promotori MGMT non metilati. Nuovi pathay stanno emergendo per il loro ruolo nella resistenza alla TMZ e come potenziali bersagli farmacologici. Abbiamo dimostrato per esempio il coinvolgimento della CMA, di un microRNA e del fattore HIF-1a come fondamentali per la resistenza a TMZ. Tuttavia ci proponiamo di continuare nella ricerca di pathway e target coinvolti nel metabolismo cellulare, nella detossificazione da ROS e nella regolazione della traduzione. Un pannello composto da peptidi, small molecules e microRNA verranno valutati in linee commerciali e colture derivate da pazienti. Modelli murini ortotopici verranno utilizzati per valutare anche in vivo il ruolo di tali trattamenti e l’importabza biologica della modulazione dei loso specifici target.
Requirements: Requirements: Knowledge of the basic elements of molecular oncology and tumour metabolism. Basic knowledge of pharmacology, cell biology, use of organoids and molecular biology techniques. |
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| Drug discovery for vector borne, poverty-related, emerging parasitic diseases, malaria and leishmaniasis: identification of novel potential antiparasitic compounds and their mechanisms of action to overcome the problem of resistance
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| THE DOUBLE FACE OF HYPOXIA IN HEALTH AND DISESE. Hypoxia, represents a common adverse feature in diseases as respiratory distress syndrome (ARSD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By contrast, at altitude, the human body orchestrates a defense against hypoxia by activating adaptive responses. This research is aimed to investigate the determinants of the double face of hypoxia by studying the systemic response of the body in terms of "–omics" profiles in serum of healthy, healthy hypoxic and diseased hypoxic patients.
Requirements: Experience in Omics Techniques and Mass Spectrometry. Manipulation, purification and extraction of bioactive substances from biological matrices. Quantitative and statistical procedures. |
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| HYPERGLICEMIA, DIABETES, OBESITY AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: LOOKING FOR A LINK IN THE CIRCULATING LIPIDOMA AND METABOLOMA. Although the association between insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) diseases is well defined, we are still looking for “ideal” biomarkers, more directly predictive of CV risk. The aim of this project is to discover new and advantageous biomarkers for the genesis of liver disease, obesity, insulin intolerance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and ultimately, CV diseases by performing -omics experiments on samples from different clinical studies ongoing in our group.
Requirements: Experience in Separative Techniques and Mass Spectrometry. Manipulation, purification and extraction of bioactive substances from biological matrices. Quantitative and statistical procedures. |
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| Biomechanics and bioenergetics of human movement and locomotion, also in simulated hypogravity
Requirements: Knowledge of muscle and locomotion physiology and biomechanics; skills in data analysis also with purposely written software |
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| The project aims to study platelet function in patients with congenital platelet disorders developing microfluidic devices capable of reproducing physiological and pathological flow conditions. Platelet interactions with biological matrices involved in hemostasis will be analyzed. The effect of potentially corrective pharmacological treatments will also be evaluated. The analyses will be supported by complementary techniques, including cytofluorimetry and aggregometry, for the identification of functional and molecular biomarkers.
Requirements: The candidate is required to have knowledge aobut platelet and haemostasis physiopathology, and laboratory techniques such as aggregometry, flow cytometry and microfludics assays. |
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| Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disease characterized by organ damage caused by the formation of clots in the microcirculation, especially in the cerebral circulation. Recent studies have shown that patients with TTP are at risk of developing cerebrovascular events during clinical remission. This may be the result of endothelial dysfunction that occurs during the acute event and that may continue in some patients during clinical remission. In this study, we propose to estimate the prevalence of cerebralsmall vessel disease through the identification of typical neuroradiological features, and to evaluate its association with new biomarkers of neuronal, astrocytic, and microcirculatory damage, in order to identify predictive biomarkers of an increased risk of cerebrovascular events.
Requirements: The candidate should have knowledge of the basics of brain imaging and should be updated on new biomarkers used in clinical and research activities in neurology and microcirculatory diseases |
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| Respiratory physiology and pathophysiology investigated with advanced diagnostic techniques. In particular role of the small airways in the development and manifestation of pulmonary diseases, with reference to the effects of small airways cyclic opening and closing in patients and in animal models.
Requirements: Knowledge of respiratory physiology, biophysics and/or biomechanics. |
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| The project aims to establish an advanced in vitro model of vascular inflammation and metabolic dysfunction to study the complex interactions between platelets and the endothelium. By combining static systems with microfluidic platforms that mimic the pathological conditions characteristic of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that drive platelet adhesion in response to inflammatory and metabolic stimuli. This innovative approach will improve our understanding of the processes that contribute to thrombotic risk and support the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience with knowledge of the main biochemistry |
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| Network Physiology (NP) is an emerging field of computational physiology that allows to study the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular regulatory systems and their dynamical interactions. The project will evaluate associations between the functioning of physiological control mechanisms, as assessed via typical NP methods before major cardiac surgery, and the development of postoperative cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| An impairment of the cardiac neural control during physical exercise and recovery phase can expose the subject to the risk of arrhythmic events. The project will use advanced time series analysis techniques for the indirect assessment of the cardiac neural control during maximal physical exercise and the return to baseline situation.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| Cerebrovascular autoregulation is a fundamental mechanism for maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion in the presence of blood pressure changes. The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of vascular resistances. The project will use advanced signal processing techniques to characterize the interaction between the autonomic nervous system and cerebrovascular autoregulation in physiological conditions and in critical situations.
Requirements: Expertise in biomedical signal processing and statistics. |
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| Role of sphingolipids in the mechanism of repair of damaged myelin, with focus on multiple sclerosis.
Requirements: Knowledge of the basics of sphingolipid biochemistry. Knowledge of the techniques of cell culture and of basics of cellular and molecular biochemistry techniques. |
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| The project aims to develop a macrofluidic model of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using 3D bioprinting techniques. HCC is the fastest growing neoplasm in the Western world and there is no effective pharmacological treatment. The development of a 3D model, equipped with functional intra and peri tumor vascularization, will allow the testing of functionalized nanoparticles with targeting units able to selectively bind to tumor cells starting from the vascular network or from hydrogel matrices grafted in the vicinity of the tumor itself (slow and programmed release). The development of this 3D model falls fully within the development objectives, in the experimentation and in the European regulatory context, of a cultural approach focused on Replacement Refinement and Reduction (3R), referred to animal models.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology techniques |
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| Combining genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics to identify genetic and molecular pathways in neuromuscular disorders and to characterize patient cohorts for the development of innovative therapies (SEQMD).
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology, curiosity, motivation. |
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| This project proposes a multidisciplinary approach to studying and implementing LLMs in daily clinical practice, with a particular focus on patient management in the fields of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Applications will be explored ranging from diagnostic support and personalized therapeutic pathways to clinician-patient communication and medical education. Through real-world testing and analysis of their impact on efficiency, communication, and clinical outcomes, the project aims to define safe, effective, and scalable models for LLM integration. The goal is to identify strategies for the use of LLMs that improve quality of care, reduce clinicians’ cognitive workload, and promote more human-centered and personalized medicine.
Requirements: 1) Use of user interfaces and knowledge bases of large language models; 2) fundamentals of head and neck pathology |
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| The aim of the project is the evaluation of the epicardial and paravascular adipose tissue. The inflammatory role of adipose tissue is emerging as promoter of obstructive vascular disease. With the advanced imaging technique it is possible to quantify the inflammatory status of adipose tissue. The correlation of this parameter with patients clinical conditions, pharmacological and surgical therapy allow to understand this inflammatory process with a possible prognostic role of adipose tissue.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of cardiovascular imaging techniques |
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| Lipid metabolism in cardiophaties.Study of lipid metabolism alterations at the local and systemic level in patients with aortic stenosis and myocardial ischemia. The aim is the identification of markers of these pathologies and their validation through a translational (bed to bench) approach that includes animal models and the reaserch of potential innovative therapies
Requirements: No specific skills are required. |
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| Study of electrostimulation as a thereapeutic approach in neurodegenerative diseases. This research explores the application of electrical stimulation in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, investigating both the molecular mechanisms of electrical stimulation in in vitro models, and the local and systemic effects observed in patients with Parkinson's disease, with a particular focus on the impact on their cognitive, motor, and metabolic functions.
Requirements: No specific skills are required. |
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| Intratumoral Staphylococcus disarms anti-tumor T cell defenses and affects melanoma and breast clinical outcome | |
| Viro-immunologic and microbiome features in people living with HIV
Requirements: Basic knowledege of Cell Biology |
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| HIV neuopathogenesis
Requirements: Basic knowledege of Cell Biology |
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| Immunepathogenesis of Long COVID Syndrome
Requirements: Basic knowledege of Cell Biology |
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| Single Cell Analysis for biomolecular and matobolomic pathways discovery
Requirements: knowledge of in vitro and in vivo cellular and molecular biology. |
P. Mauri (CNR)
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| The role of Immune Checkpoints in trasplants: the pathways of rejection and new therapeutic prospectives
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with omics approaches |
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| Identification of new vaccine strategies for the generation of effective and lasting humoral and cell-mediated responses
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with omics approach |
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| V-ATPase at the crossroad of epigenetics and bioenergetics in glioma stem cells
Requirements: expertise in cellular biology possibly with primary/3-D cultures; basic knowledge of NGS, RNAseq, epigenetics and data analysis |
Dario C. Altieri Robert and Penny Fox Distinguished Professor, Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia (PA-USA)
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| Role of extra-cellular vesicles from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the lung microenvironment of lung transplanted patients
Requirements: expertise in cellular biology possibly with primary cultures; basic knowledge of NGS, RNAseq and data analysis |
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| Identification and evaluation of the genetic mechanisms underlying liver disease development to develop precision medicine approaches
Requirements: Previous research experience in clinical or basic hepatology, or genetics/molecular biology or bioinformatics/computational sciences |
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The call for applications is being finalized
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