Title: Smart injectable Hydrogels carrying multi-functional nano-systEms to tackle chRonic wound biOfilm through an antibiotic-free approach (HERO)
Chronic ulcers are one of the most common dermatological conditions worldwide. Prolonged inflammation, mainly due to the persistence of pathogenic microorganisms, leads to chronic wounds as the physiological healing process is inhibited. The gold standard treatment for chronic ulcers involves the eradication of bacterial biofilm through surgical debridement and the administration of antibiotics: however, the abuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics over time has led to the selection of resistant bacteria and, consequently, to treatment failure. For this reason, this study aims to develop an antibiotic-free therapy that is effective in treating this disease.
Project funded by: MUR, PRIN2022
Principal Investigator: Prof. Gianluca Ciardelli (Politecnico di Torino)
Associated Investigators: Dr. Natascia Meninni (University of Florence) and Prof. Cristina Magnoni (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)
Title: Study of molecular alterations involved in the development and progression of squamous cell carcinoma in epidermolysis bullosa (PR-FESR 2021–2027: HG7 3.0)
The project aims to advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of epidermolysis bullosa (EB)–associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which represents the leading cause of mortality in EB patients and often necessitates highly invasive surgical interventions. By investigating the molecular alterations involved in tumor initiation and progression, the study seeks to identify early biomarkers with diagnostic relevance and to uncover potential therapeutic targets. In particular, the project focuses on the identification of SCC-specific molecular changes in EB patients, as well as early alterations that may serve as indicators of EB-related cSCC and inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Project funded by: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Emilia-Romagna Regional Programme PR-FESR 2021–2027.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Cristina Magnoni (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)
Sponsor/Associated Investigators: Prof. Laura De Rosa, CISTDEM (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)