Category: Post & News

Bridge Editing: The Cutting-Edge Technique for Modifying DNA Post & News admin October 4, 2024 Originally published on: La Voce Di Newyork DNA Test: Credit – Ansa Approved in Europe, the CRISPR/Cas 9 technology has revolutionized the world of genetic engineering. However, a study recently published by Nature has reported the “Bridge Editing” system, which allows changes to the genome better than the CRISPR can do. Dr. Patrick Hsu of the Arc Institute in California, who has discovered this technology has expressed great enthusiasm for the result that could bring phenomenal changes in DNA editing, although he has stated that it is not yet clear how this system will work human cells as in fact this observation has been limited to bacterial cells or test tubes.Unlike Crisp, which cuts DNA, Bridge Editing physically connects two DNA sequences like a “bridge,” allowing DNA of any length to be inserted and edited.Even New Scientist , through the words of Stephen Tang of Columbia University, expressed “great anticipation” in studying to what extent and under which conditions the Bridge Editing system will work in complex cells like humans.The CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system, using the Cas 9 protein, which is just one of many CRISPR systems, was first presented by Nobel Prize winners Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna who demonstrated a way to delete, modify or insert any gene sequence, through proteins capable of exchanging pieces of DNA in a process of genetic recombination. Bridge editing, on the other hand, offers a level of control that could be used in human cells to “intervene” on “defective” sequences that cause hereditary, rare or orphan diseases, with many advantages as in fact it can be possibly used for the modification of entire chromosomes, limitation of unwanted side effects, and versatile use in the modification of plant and animal genomes. It is clear that this is a system still in the development phase and the risk of “unwanted mutations” is high. This type of intervention requires caution and years of study for safety and ethics of the procedure. However, this process could represent the future of genetic engineering, but we have to take into account its normative and ethical issues.During the International Summit on Human Gene Editing, the main focus was on examining its implications in health, ethical and economic fields.Intervening in a precise way on DNA can mean “a solution and a hope” for those who suffer from neurological, infectious and genetic diseases such as muscular dystrophy and beta thalassemia, or cystic fibrosis, or can provide a cure for osteogenesis imperfecta, associated with fragile bones, which tend to break like crystals, due to a genetic malformation. This technology might represent a chance for many patients affected by rare and orphan diseases, which are neglected for economic reasons.Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

From Bench to Bedside on Ovarian Cancer Post & News admin May 25, 2024 Newswise — May 22nd marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts to combat ovarian cancer as the “International Dialogue on Ovarian Cancer, from Bench to Bedside” congress was held, bridging the gap between primary research and clinical practice. This groundbreaking event took place both virtually and in-person, uniting experts from the University of Temple (including the College of Science and Technology and the Sbarro Health Research Organization) and the University of Messina in Italy.The congress was meticulously structured to foster a new dialogue between researchers and clinicians. The first part of the event was dedicated to molecular research, where leading scientists (A. Morrione, L.Alfano, C.Martinelli, M.Cuomo, SR. Burk, M. D’Angelo) presented the latest advancements and technical challenges in the primary research domain. This session set the stage for understanding the foundational science driving innovations in ovarian cancer treatment.In the second part, the focus shifted to clinical applications (A.Ercoli, N.Silvestris, A.Blandino, S.Pergolizzi). Clinicians shared insights on current treatment protocols and the pressing issues faced in clinical practice. This segment underscored the importance of translational research and highlighted the bidirectional flow of information, where clinical feedback is crucial for identifying new research targets. Finally, Professor V. Carnevale (Temple University) discussed the application of artificial intelligence showing how it can revolutionize cancer research and treatment.This event was made possible through the efforts of Professor Antonio Giordano, President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, and Professor Alfredo Ercoli, full professor of gynecology and obstetrics from the University of Messina. Their leadership and vision were instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of participants, fostering a collaborative environment dedicated to improving outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.Professor Antonio Giordano emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach, stating, “The dialogue between the two worlds is the key factor for the present and the future of cancer organization.” His words underscored the necessity of integrating molecular research with clinical insights to enhance cancer treatment strategies. Echoing this sentiment, Professor Alfredo Ercoli added, “Clinical practice provides invaluable feedback that directs primary research towards more effective and targeted solutions.” His statement highlighted the essential role of clinical experiences in shaping future research directions.The congress concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen the dialogue between primary research and clinical practice.Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

Pleural mesothelioma and asbestos: An interview with Professor Antonio Giordano Post & News admin October 4, 2024 We discussed what is pleural mesothelioma with Professor Antonio Giordano, the internationally renowned medical researcher and founder of the “Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine” at Temple University in Philadelphia. Sledet.com reached Professor Antonio Giordano who, despite his numerous professional commitments, found the time to talk about this tumor, which to date still affects too many people.What is pleural mesothelioma?Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor originating from cells of the mesothelium, the tissue that covers, like a thin film, most of internal organs and protects them by producing a particular lubricating liquid. The mesothelium has different names depending on the area it covers. It is called pleura in the thorax, peritoneum in the abdomen and pericardium in the space around the heart. The majority of currently detected mesothelioma cases, about 70-80%, are pleural mesothelioma.Does it occur more often in men or women?Pleural mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women, likely due to professional exposure to asbestos mineral fibers and risk increases with age. About two thirds of patients affected by this neoplasm are between 50 and 70 years old. You may want to mention that there are asbestos-unrelated MM cases in younger patients associated with mutations in tumor suppressors (BAP1)What is the main symptom?The main symptom is dyspnea due to pleural effusion and associated with chest pain. The development of this tumor is characterized by a long clinical latency as in fact 30 years can pass from exposure to asbestos fibers to development of the tumor.Could you explain the main risk factor ?Pleural mesothelioma is one of the few tumor forms for which there is substantial etiopathogenetic certainty, i.e. the cause of onset of this tumor is almost entirely attributable to exposure to asbestos fibres. Until about 30 years ago, this neoplasm was considered an exceptionally rare tumor. Unfortunately, its incidence has increased. Exposure to asbestos fibers in Italy is mostly due to work-related causes and showed high mortality rates in Liguria, Piedmont and Friuli Venezia Giulia, regions rich in shipyards and the asbestos cement industry.What is asbestos?The word asbestos and asbestos derive from Greek and mean ‘immaculate or incorruptible’ and ‘perpetual or inextinguishable’, names which contain the main characteristics of this mineral. Asbestos fibers are very dense and extremely thin. They are invisible to the human eye, so much so that a single asbestos fiber is thousand times smaller than a hair. Asbestos resists fire and heat, the action of chemical and biological agents, abrasion and thermal and mechanical wear. It is easily worked and can be woven. It also has sound-absorbing as well as heat-insulating properties. It bonds easily with building materials (lime, plaster, cement) and with some polymers (rubber, PVC). These minerals, due to their easy availability and low cost, have been used in a wide range of products and in various industrial activities.What do asbestos fibers cause?In regard to asbestos, the mechanisms by which this mineral causes the transformation of mesothelial cells are not fully understood. It is certainly known that asbestos fibers are insoluble and, when inhaled, create physical irritation responsible for scratches and scars which can then lead to development of fibrosis and plaques. How do we come into contact? Inhalation.How is it diagnosed?Pleural mesothelioma is an insidious neoplasm. Very often it is diagnosed when the disease is already in dvanced stage, both because the clinical symptoms are often underestimated or misunderstood, and because it is difficult to correlate them with exposure to a harmful substances, which could have occurred many years earlier. A chest x-ray alone or other radiological tests may not be sufficient, since different types of tumor may be present in the lungs and it could be not certain that that specific radiological image is a tumor. Therefore, histological investigations are generally necessary for the identification of this neoplasia.How widespread is pleural mesothelioma today?Until 1950, pleural mesothelioma was considered a very rare tumor. However, it is currently responsible for approximately 3,000 deaths per year in the United States and over 5,000 deaths in Western Europe.Has research made progress regarding its treatment?Yes, but mesothelioma is a difficult tumor even on a molecular level. Thus, further studies, prevention and environmental protection are needed.In your opinion, what is the most effective action to prevent it?Most deaths are linked to exposure to carcinogenic mineral fibres. For this reason, many deaths could be prevented. However, the risk of developing this neoplasm has become environmental rather than occupational!For what reason?In Western countries asbestos has been banned but it still remains a serious environmental problem, because it has been dispersed in the air for many decades, it has not been completely disposed of, and exists all over the world as natural deposits with which people inevitably comes into contact. Furthermore, to date, there is no test that alone or in combination with others can be used for prevention campaigns that can be applied at a population level.What should be done in high-risk areas?In areas at high risk of asbestos-related diseases, it is essential to intervene as quickly as possible. We cannot stall for economic reasons and condemn thousands of people to death.Sledet.com thanks Professor Antonio Giordano for the interview, and ad maiora!Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

Gene Expression and Bioinformatics Tools to Optimize Cancer Therapy Post & News admin October 4, 2024 Newswise — In the field of biomedical research and genomics, the advancement of bioinformatics technologies and tools is opening new frontiers in the understanding of diseases and their diagnosis and treatment. In particular, differential gene expression analysis (DGE) is emerging as a crucial technique to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases.The most significant results were collected and discussed in the review “Differential gene expression analysis pipelines and bioinformatic tools for the identification of specific biomarkers: A review” by Diletta Rosati, Maria Palmieri, Giulia Brunelli, Andrea Morrione, Francesco Iannelli, Elisa Frullanti and Antonio Giordano. This comprehensive review is the result of a joint effort between the teams of Prof. Antonio Giordano and Prof. Elisa Frullanti, within the Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena and the Sbarro Health Research Organization together with the Sbarro Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research at Temple University in Philadelphia. The review was published in March 2024 in the prestigious journal Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.The review explores the analysis of differential gene expression, focusing on the identification of specific biomarkers for advances in precision medicine. It aggregates and analyzes findings from relevant studies in the field, offering a holistic view of recent developments and their potential impact on disease treatment. The article discusses the challenges and opportunities in this field, emphasizing the importance of such methodologies for the future of biomedical research. With its comprehensive approach, it serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in advances in genetic analysis techniques and their practical application in healthcare. “Differential gene expression analysis pipelines and bioinformatic tools for the identification of specific biomarkers: A review” by Diletta Rosati, Maria Palmieri, Giulia Brunelli, Andrea Morrione, Francesco Iannelli, Elisa Frullanti and Antonio Giordano.Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 2024 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2024.02.018Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

Opioids, the emergency with 1 million deaths in the USA Post & News admin October 4, 2024 There is alarm in the United States over the abuse of legal drugs such as synthetic opioids, which cause death from overdose and are as addictive as harder drugs. This phenomenon now also scares Europe due to its vast scope: Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid with effects similar to morphine, is the most requested drug of the moment.It is a substance 50 times more powerful than heroin and is used in human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of pain. According to some estimates, between the end of the 1990s and 2023, opioid overdose deaths in the United States would be around one million.Since they are legal drugs, opioids ‘hide’ better than illegal substances and can take advantage of legal channels in the supply chain. However, they retain considerable drug-inducing power and pose a high risk of indiscriminate and fatal abuse. The effects are: relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation. It is a sought-after, low-cost drug with serious complications from abuse: pupillary constriction, respiratory failure, cyanosis and coma.In a Europol Dea report there is an interest in the “Fentanyl case”: the alarm derives from the fact that its mortality rate increased by 279%, going from 5.7 per 100,000 in 2016 up to 21.6 in 2021, quadrupling mortality rates. Ylva Johannenson, Commissioner for European Internal Affairs, announced that, in recent years, 400 laboratories where mainly methamphetamine and fentanyl were produced have been dismantled.The difference in diffusion between the United States and Italy-Europe is substantially partly determined by the approach to drugs in general such as analgesics or opioids in particular. In the United States, however, we are witnessing a real epidemic of abuse and overdose of these medicines, also prescribed for the control of cancer pain. The phenomenon is rapidly spreading to all age groups, while in Europe it remains a limited threat for now.The widespread availability and ease of procurement have coincided with abuse and dependence which in just a few years has made Fentanyl the most sought after and uncontrolled drug, the prescriptions of which are continually increasing. A recent TV series entitled Pankiller was dedicated to the opioid threat.The strategies to stem the phenomenon should operate synergistically and globally with information starting from schools and taking into account that the era of online purchasing has made the fight against drug abuse even more difficult. A global approach by governments is therefore necessary. This is one of the most important challenges of the near future, which is as scary as a nuclear war.Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University‘s College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram