A pilot in vitro and in vivo study for molecular characterization of epidermal stem cells and quality and safety assessment of epidermal cultures for combined cell and gene therapy

PRIN 2022 Calza'

Abstract

To highlight and define the intricate pathways governing epithelial stem cells, we propose to use a multi-omics approach to evaluate the QUALITY and SAFETY of normal and gene-corrected KSC for cell and gene therapy. We will accurately define a fully comprehensive atlas mapping both the transcriptional and proteomic profile of KSC and TA in cell cultures derived from healthy donors and EB patients, before and after gene correction. Data deriving from the following analysis will define a KSC-specific and EB signature. Thanks to the classification of exclusive molecular patterns, in vitro and in vivo bio-safety assays will be developed to demonstrate the safety of γRV for gene therapy. A strong scientific rationale and an integrated network of the expertise shared between UNIMORE, UNITO, UNIBO, will lead to innovative improvement in the translational application of stem cells. The project can be intended as a proof of concept.

Project details

Unibo Team Leader: Laura Calzà

Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie

Coordinator:
Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia - UNIMORE(Italy)

Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 53.867,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date: 28/09/2023
End Date: 28/02/2026

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