University of Cagliari
PhD Program in Life, Environmental and Drug Sciences
- Role
- Dottorando
- laura.fancello@unica.it
- Address
- Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.S. 554 bivio per Sestu | 09042 Monserrato CA
Curriculum: Drug Sciences
Supervisor: Maria Letizia Manca
Co-Supervisor: Maria Manconi
Curriculum Vitae
Laura graduated in February 2023 in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology with the experimental thesis ‘’Formulation of Hyalurosomes containing Curcumin and biotechnological Lavander extract and their use in the treatment of psoriasis’’. During her studies at the university of Cagliari, she joined the Erasmus Studio Program and spent 9 months in Santiago de Compostela and Valencia (Spain).
In April 2023, she won a post-graduate Erasmus Traineeship in Valencia (Spain) and improved her knowledge of in vitro studies using different cellular cultures. During the same year, in July, she got a pharmacy license and worked as a pharmacist for 3 months in Cagliari.
In October 2023, she was granted a PNRR scholarship and joined the XXXIX Cycle of PhD program in Life, Environment and Drug Sciences at the University of Cagliari, under the supervision of Professor Maria Letizia Manca. The main line of her research is the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids with phospholipid vesicles for the treatment of cancer diseases (PNRR Grant M.D. 118/2023 M4C1 - Inv. 4.1 CUP F22B23000410007 for the expansion of the number of innovative PhD programmes).
Research Topic
New strategies for treating chronic myeloid leukemia using therapeutic nucleic acids delivered in lipid and/or polymeric nanocarriers
Abstract
Laura Fancello's research project focuses on the development of new strategies for treating Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). CML is a myeloproliferative neoplastic disease characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome, which generates the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. This gene produces a constitutively active tyrosine kinase, BCR-ABL, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. While current therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective, they have limitations such as side effects and drug resistance, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches.
The project's main aim is to block BCR-ABL gene expression using therapeutic nucleic acids, such as siRNA and mRNA, delivered via lipid and/or polymeric nanocarriers. The research seeks to obtain stable, biocompatible nanoparticle formulations capable of targeted drug delivery, overcoming issues of stability and bioavailability.
The methodology involves the formulation and preparation of various nanocarriers, including liposomes and polymers, with different co-solvents or excipients to ensure stability. These formulations will be extensively characterized for their physicochemical stability and release properties, and their biological efficacy and toxicity will be evaluated in vitro on cancer cell lines. The project also aims to deepen the understanding of mRNA and siRNA delivery mechanisms and their intracellular release.
In conclusion, this innovative approach aims to develop pharmaceutical nanoformulations capable of stimuli-specific release of therapeutic nucleic acids, establishing a robust and standardized production method for future scalability. The expected outcome is a positive impact for CML patients.
Publications