Molecular medicine

Our unit, working in close synergism with a large laboratory at the National Institute of Health (Dipartimento di Ematologia, Oncologia e Medicina Molecolare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome), is focused on normal and cancer stem cells and microRNAs. We have published five reports in Nature Journals, between 2007 and 2008, discussing these topics. Current research projects include the role of selected microRNAs in the regulation of hematopoiesis, particularly at stem and progenitor cell level, as well as in cancer stem cells. Furthermore, we are focused on the use of chemically modified microRNA sense and antisense sequences (e.g. “antagomirs”) in vivo therapy of solid tumors through suppression of miR-mediated oncogenic actions.

Unit members

Selected publications

D. Bonci, V. et al. The miR-15a/miR-16-1 controlsis implicated in prostate cancer progression control by targeting of multiple oncogenic activities. Nat Med, 14:1271-7, 2008.

Carè A. et al. MicroRNA 133 controls cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. Nat Med, 13: 613, 2007.

Ziegler B. et al. KDR receptor: a key marker defining hematolymphopoietic stem cells. Science, 285: 1553,1999.

Malicki J. et al. A human HOX4B regulatory element provides head-specific expression in drosophila embryos. Nature, 358: 345, 1992.

Gabbianelli M. et al.  "Pure" human hematopoietic progenitors: permissive action of basic fibroblast growth factor. Science, 249: 1561, 1990.