Translational Medicine
Doctoral programme (PhD)
A.Y. 2026/2027
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) |
|---|---|
| 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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| 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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| The project proposes a multidisciplinary approach to the study and implementation of large language models (LLMs) to support everyday clinical practice, with particular focus on patient management in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Applications will be explored across a broad spectrum, ranging from diagnostic support and personalized therapeutic pathways to doctor–patient interaction and clinical education. Through real-world testing and analysis of their impact on efficiency, communication, and clinical outcomes, the project aims to define integration models that are safe, effective, and scalable. The ultimate goal is to identify strategies for deploying LLMs that enhance quality of care, reduce clinicians’ cognitive load, and promote a more human-centered and personalized approach to medicine.
Requirements: Requirements: Use of large language model user interfaces and knowledge bases; Basic knowledge of head and neck pathology. |
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| Non invasve biomarkers of mitochondrial capacity and microvascualr responsiveness in health and deseaes; periodic ventilation and alveolar-capillary transfer: methdological implications
Requirements: Good knowledge of the cardiopulmonary physiology and of muscular exercise; experience in ergometric and vascular laboratory measurements, including the use of NIRS; good-excellent computer and statistical skills |
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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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| Molecular and Computational Pathology. This research line focuses on the integration of pathomics and genomics through artificial intelligence tools applied to predictive pathology, with the aim of improving diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic selection in oncology. Scientific activity includes the development and validation of predictive and prognostic biomarkers using next-generation sequencing technologies, liquid biopsy, and advanced molecular profiling, with particular interest in solid tumors. A specific focus concerns the study of mechanisms of resistance to targeted and endocrine therapies, as well as the clinical implementation of innovative molecular tests in real-world settings. In parallel, this research line explores the use of computational pathology through the analysis of digital histopathological images, machine learning algorithms, and multimodal models capable of integrating histology, clinical data, and omics profiles. These approaches aim to extract information not immediately visible through conventional observation, generating novel quantitative biomarkers and supporting personalized diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Requirements: This is a purely clinical-translational research line (no basic science), carried out in a hosppital, within the multidisciplinary team of the Division of Pathology and Somatic Molecular Diagnostics at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Candidates should have a strong interest in translational oncology, molecular diagnostics, and digital innovation applied to clinical practice. A background in biomedicine or equivalent training is desirable, along with a willingness to work in a highly collaborative environment involving pathologists, oncologists, bioinformaticians and data scientists. Previous experience in pathology, molecular biology, biostatistics, or computational analysis will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in English and the ability to engage in multidisciplinary clinical research projects are expected. |
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| Integrated Multi-Omic and AI-Driven Molecular Diagnostics for Solid Tumors. This research line focuses on advanced molecular diagnostics for solid tumors, with a particular emphasis on identifying dynamic prognostic and predictive biomarkers in early-stage disease through the integration of multi-omic analyses of biofluids with artificial intelligence approaches. Activities include the development and validation of high-sensitivity platforms and AI models for integrated data analysis, enabling early detection, risk stratification, and dynamic disease monitoring.
Requirements: This is a purely clinical-translational research line (no basic science), carried out in a hosppital, within the multidisciplinary team of the Division of Pathology and Somatic Molecular Diagnostics at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Candidates should have a strong interest in translational oncology, molecular diagnostics, and digital innovation applied to clinical practice. A background in biomedicine or equivalent training is desirable, along with a willingness to work in a highly collaborative environment involving pathologists, oncologists, bioinformaticians and data scientists. Previous experience in pathology, molecular biology, biostatistics, or computational analysis will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in English and the ability to engage in multidisciplinary clinical research projects are expected. |
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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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| Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the KMT2D and KDM6A genes, characterized by high clinical heterogeneity and challenges in early diagnosis. Recent metabolomic studies have identified alterations in sphingolipid pathways in affected patients. Sphingolipids play a key role in numerous cellular processes and are implicated in various diseases. This line of research aims to characterize the sphingolipid profile of fibroblasts from KS patients and healthy controls using ESI‑MS/MS, with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Requirements: Previous laboratory experience with knowledge of the main biochemical techniques |
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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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| Role of the Lysosome–Plasma Membrane–Inflammation Axis in Neurodegenerative Disease Progression. Lysosomal dysfunction is a key driver of neuronal vulnerability and disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence highlights a lysosome–plasma membrane axis in which lysosomal exocytosis and release of bioactive mediators contribute to membrane remodeling and pathological intercellular communication. This project aims to define how lysosomal stress and systemic inflammation interact to trigger pathogenic signaling networks between neurons and glial cells. Using human iPSC-derived models, it will investigate mechanisms of disease propagation and the role of inflammatory signals in amplifying these processes. The goal is to identify novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Requirements: Familiarity with cellular and biochemical techniques and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. |
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| Defining the Molecular Link Between Lysosomal Dysfunction and Energy Failure in Neurodegeneration. Altered brain energy metabolism is an early and shared feature of several neurodegenerative diseases. Growing evidence suggests that lysosomal dysfunction contributes to this deficit by impairing astrocyte metabolism and their ability to support neuronal energy demands. This project aims to dissect the molecular mechanisms linking lysosomal stress to impaired astrocyte–neuron metabolic coupling using human iPSC-derived brain models. It will also explore innovative nutritional strategies based on alternative energy substrates to restore metabolic homeostasis and reduce neuronal vulnerability.
Requirements: Familiarity with cellular and biochemical techniques and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. |
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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. |
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| Molecular mechanisms and biomarkers in neurological diseases
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemistry and molecular biology techniques; ability in handling cultured cell line models. |
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| Study of infectivity and severity of respiratory viruses based on isolated variants
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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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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| Characterization of the vaginal virome through a metagenomic and functional approach
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Advanced thyroid cancer: new molecular and pathological tools for the diagnosis and the evaluation of pharmacological treatments
Requirements: Knowledges of molecular biology techniques and biochemistry, NGS, liquid biopsy . Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams |
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| Melanoma patients who mount an adequate T-cell response and develop immunological memory against the tumor are better protected from recurrence, a response not always occurring due to unknown inhibitory factors. Recent studies indicate that intratumor microbiota can shape the tumor immune landscape. Our preliminary data show that Staphylococcus, particularly enriched in melanomas, can exert immunosuppression. We hypothesize that Staphylococcus, disrupting T-cell activity, fosters an environment promoting melanoma recurrence. We plan to: i) determine the impact of Staphylococcus colonization on melanoma outcome and T-cell infiltration; ii) uncover the molecular basis of Staphylococcus-induced immunosuppression and iii) target intratumor Staphylococcus to boost T-cell responses. This project will reveal a new factor governing inter-subject melanoma outcome variability and establish a foundation for therapies targeting tumor-associated bacteria to enhance T-cell tumor control.
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Title: The Role of GM1 Ganglioside and Its Oligosaccharide in Counteracting the Multifactorial Aspects of central and peripheral 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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| Combining whole exome and RNA sequencing to identify genetic and molecular pathways in neuromuscular disorders and to characterize patient cohorts for gene therapy.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology, curiosity, motivation. |
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| In-vitro and in-vivo development of a mRNA-based therapeutics for primary mitochondrial encephalohepatopathies.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology, curiosity, motivation. |
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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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| 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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| Genomic instability as target in antitumor therapies: precision medicine
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| 2D and 3D models for studying neurodevelopment in rare disorders
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Pharmacological modulation of epigenetic signature in rare disorders
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Genetic models of neurodegenerative disorders
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis of vascular calcification in uremia
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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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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| The eye as a model of early damage in systemic diseases. Pathogenesis and identification of early biomarkers of disease.
Requirements: Anatomy of the eye, basis of physiology of the eye |
P. Fogagnolo
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| Endocrine rare tumors and diseases: Studies on clinical aspects, prognostic risk factors, new biomarkers and innovative treatments .
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology, motivation. |
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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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| 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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| Effects of infection on trained immunity reprogramming
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular immunology with omics approach |
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| "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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| Analisi e ricerca di biomarcatori nelle malattie mitocondriali per studi clinici e nuove prospettive terapeutiche
Requirements: Experience in ELISA analysis and molecular biology techniques. |
Costanza Lamperti (Istituto Neurologico Besta)
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| Omics Approaches to Single-Cell Dissection of Small Neoplastic Clones in Multiple Myeloma After Treatment to Identify Determinants of Chemoresistance. The project aims to use primary patient samples, analyzed with single-cell whole-transcriptome sequencing and B-cell receptor genotyping, to identify residual multiple myeloma cells after therapy, in order to characterize their chemoresistance pathways and identify new vulnerabilities that could lead to disease eradication.
Requirements: Proven knowledge of plasma cell disorders and single-cell transcriptomic analysis, as demonstrated by publications. |
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| Single-Cell Multi-Omics Dissection of Leukemic and Immune Determinants of Response to HMA–Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The project aims to integrate primary patient samples with bulk genomic profiling and single-cell transcriptomic and T cell receptor sequencing to identify leukemic and microenvironmental determinants of response to HMA–Venetoclax therapy. By analyzing bone marrow samples at diagnosis and early during treatment, the study seeks to characterize resistant leukemic states—such as stem-like dedifferentiation etc—as well as dysfunctional immune niches marked by impaired T cell clonality and persistent inhibitory signaling. These approaches will enable the identification of cellular and molecular trajectories associated with treatment failure, and uncover actionable vulnerabilities, including immune checkpoint pathways (e.g., LAG-3) and pro-survival signaling networks, to inform combinatorial therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming resistance and improving durable remission in AML.
Requirements: Clinical experience in the treatment of acute leukemias, laboratory expertise in single-cell analysis, and a proven track record of scientific activity (publications, conference presentations). |
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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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| Endometrial Virome Signatures and Their Functional Impact on Infertility: An Organoid-Based Study Using Multiple Functional Approaches.
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Type 1 Diabetes: Why Does the Immune System Attack the Beta Cell?
Requirements: Basic knowledge in cell culture and in 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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| Unraveling how micro- and nanoplastics impair reproductive function from central endocrine control to embryo development
Requirements: basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Microplastics and Viral Infections: Effects on Inflammation, Immunotoxicity, and Pathogenesis
Requirements: basic knowledge in cell culture and in molecular biology |
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| Epicardial fat: From the biomolecular aspects to the clinical practice
Requirements: Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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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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| 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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| Development and validation of bioinformatic models for risk stratification in chronic liver disease through integration of omics, hepatic endophenotypes and clinical biochemistry data in well-phenotyped cohorts for the identification of new terapeutic targets
Requirements: Previous experience in bioinformatics/statistical analysis of large datasets, familiarity with clinical and omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), knowledge of R/Python/Bash, and an interest in chronic liver diseases |
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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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| Characterization of the effect extracellular matrix components, tumor microenvironment and 3D arrangement on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and carcinoma progression
Requirements: Requisiti: experience in 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 or with medical devices.
Requirements: Requisiti: experience in cell and molecular biology |
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| Characterization of the pathophysiological mechanisms of acute brain injuries and identification of new therapeutic opportunities. The project will utilize biological samples, clinical data, and imaging from patients requiring intensive care for acute neurological conditions (traumatic brain injury, stroke, encephalitis), as well as pre-clinical experimental models.
Requirements: Previous experience in clinical and pre-clinical research concerning acute traumatic, cerebrovascular, and infectious brain diseases; proficiency in cellular and molecular biology; expertise in brain imaging analysis (MRI, angiography, CT scan); skills in biomarker analysis. |
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| Viro-immunological mechanisms and neuroinflammation in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders: from CNS compartmentalization to translational biomarkers
Requirements: Knowledge/experiences in biomedical sciences, with particular reference to immunology, virology, neuroscience, cellular and molecular biology, or related disciplines. |
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| Immunological and virological biomarkers in HIV infection: implications for cure strategies
Requirements: Knowledge/experiences in biomedical sciences, with particular reference to immunology, virology, cellular and molecular biology, or related disciplines. |
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| Immunogenicity and safety of Herpes Zoster vaccination in people living with HIV
Requirements: Knowledge/experiences in biomedical sciences, with particular reference to immunology, virology, cellular and molecular biology, or related disciplines. |
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| Morphofunctional tuning of the body barriers: nutraceutical applications
Requirements: Good knowledge of cell biology and preparation/maintainance of cell cultures |
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| Study of the Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Delirium in a Population of Older Adults
Requirements: Knowledge of molecular biology techniques, with a particular focus on protein analysis, gene expression, and epigenetics |
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| Morphometric analysis of craniofacial variability: traditional and advanced 3D approaches at individual and population scales.
Requirements: Fundamental knowledge of craniofacial morphology and 3D model acquisition techniques. |
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| Multi-omic dissection of immunological determinants of graft-versus-leukemia effect and graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Requirements: 1Experience in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and experience in translational research, including multiparameter flow cytometry and analysis of post-transplant immune reconstitution. |
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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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| 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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| Evaluation of innovative treatments to overcome therapy resistance in GBM
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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| Investigating the role of alpha-synuclein-autophagy axis as a contributor of systemic inflammation in acute ischemic stroke. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is primarily known as a presynaptic protein that modulates synaptic vesicle dynamics and neurotransmitter release. In contrast, aggregated forms of α-syn are associated with neurodegeneration and represent a hallmark of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease. Beyond the nervous system, α-syn has been detected in peripheral compartments, including blood cells, where it appears to exert various, yet still poorly understood, physiopathological functions. This project aims to characterize the role of α-syn in circulating immune cells isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects and patients with acute ischemic stroke. The objective is to explore potential associations between the amount and subcellular distribution of α-syn, the status of the autophagic and mitochondrial systems, the level of systemic inflammation, and the cognitive and functional profile of patients with acute cerebral stroke. The project offers the opportunity to acquire skills in cellular morphology and molecular biology within a deeply multidisciplinary research context.
Requirements: Conoscenza di base delle metodiche di biologia cellulare e molecolare; curiosità e passione per la ricerca. |
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| In search of muscle-specific and non-muscle-specific biological pathways bridging aging and sarcopenia. The project aims to identify the biological pathways linking aging and sarcopenia, integrating both non-muscle-specific pathways (proteostasis, autophagy, mitochondrial function, inflammation, antigen presentation) and muscle-specific pathways (MyoD, MyoG, neuromuscular junction markers, cholinergic receptors, SNAP25). The project offers the opportunity to acquire advanced expertise in cellular and molecular biology, transcriptional regulation, and aging-related cellular pathways, within a strong translational framework. The PhD candidate will be involved in experimental activities focused on the development and application of in vitro models of the tripartite synapse involving muscle cells, motor neurons, and immune cells, as well as the analysis of muscle biopsies, with the aim of investigating the molecular and functional mechanisms underlying sarcopenia. The analyses will include the characterization of gene and protein expression profiles and their integration with clinical parameters, in order to define relevant molecular and functional correlations.
Requirements: Conoscenza di base delle metodiche di biologia cellulare e molecolare; curiosità e passione per la ricerca. |
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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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| Study of innate immune mechanisms in malaria–leishmaniasis co‑infection, focusing on macrophage and dendritic cell responses.
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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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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| Molecular and Structural Mechanisms of Type 2 von Willebrand Disease: From Variants to Phenotype
Requirements: The candidate should possess a strong background in von Willebrand disease, with expertise in the molecular and structural characterization of von Willebrand factor, along with solid bioinformatics/biocomputing skills for the evaluation of VWF phenotipic/genetic variants |
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| Engineering of protein nanocages and extracellular vescicles for the tumor-targeted treatment of solid tumors
Requirements: Knowledge of the main biochemical techniques for protein engineering, purificationa and separation. Characterization of biological nanoparticles. Knowledge of techniques for nanoparticles' surface modification. Cell biology skills for the management of immortalized human or mouse cell lines. Knowledge in mice handling and murine model development for in vivo studies. |
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| Restoring lipid imbalance and mitochondrial function in Leukodystrophy-18 via sphingolipid desaturase 1 stabilization
Requirements: Proficiency in key biochemical and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture methods.Experience in analytical chemistry and LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry. |
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| Immunological Characterization of Patients with Thalassemia: Insights into Disease Pathophysiology and Clinical Outcomes
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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| Deciphering Metabolic–Inflammatory Dysregulation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Acute Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Requirements: Basic Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology |
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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 diagnosis of MASLD, 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. The project will focus also on the effect of new drugs on hepatic metabolism and damage, particularly in patients with type2 diabetes and obesity.
Requirements: Knowledge of metabolic liver disease and of the main diagnostic tools used to assess hepatic steatosis/fibrosis and cardiovascular damage. Basic knowledge of cellular and 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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| Evaluation of the interactions between genetics, intestinal microbiota, and the immune system in pediatric and adult chronic inflammatory bowel diseases using multi-omic approaches, in order to search for mechanisms associated with therapeutic refractoriness.
Requirements: Ability to work with eukaryotic cells and human biological samples. Experience with flow cytometry, spatial proteomics, and metagenomics techniques. Preferred skills: background in cellular immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. |
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| Microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurological diseases
Requirements: Basic knowledge of molecular biology |
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| Aptamer-Based strategy targeting respiratory viruses
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Microbiology and Molecular Biology |
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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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