PERIPHERAL T-CELL LYMPHOMAS (PTCL): MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION
AND DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE THERAPIES
Identification of the main genomic alterations that concur to
the development of the commonest varieties of PTCL including the
not otherwise specified (PTCL/NOS), angioimmunoblastic (AITL) and
anaplastic large cell (ALCL) ones. Attention will be focused on the
mechanisms of PDGFRalpha gene over-expression and cell cycle
deregulation (with special reference to PTEN, NF-kappaB and
p27).
Identification of genomic and proteomic profiles of these
tumours, potentially provided with diagnostic and prognostic
impact. In particular, the research activity will explore ALCL that
is the third commonest PTCL histotype following PTCL/NOS and AITL,
which have been the object of previous studies.
Development of innovative tailored therapies based on the
pathobiology of PTCL by adopting different approaches including the
mouse model.
Pharmaco-genomic experimental studies.
PERIPHERAL B-CELL LYMPHOMAS: MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION AND
DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE THERAPIES
Development of markers specific of nodal marginal zone B-cell
lymphoma, lacking at the moment. The latter situation leads to a
diagnosis by exclusion and not by identification, a fact that is
limitative in terms of therapeutic startaegies.
Analysis of the somatic mutations, DNA copy number variations,
gene expression profile, miRNA profile and CpG methylation in
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, mantle-cell
lymphoma and grade 3 follicular lymphoma. The obtained data will be
validated by immunohistochemistry on tissue micro-arrays and
chromatic precipitation.
