BrainMap

Mrs. Mihaela Economescu (Chivu)

principal investigator (senior scientist I)

Senior scientist I - INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU"

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: B-4323-2011

Curriculum Vitae (20/07/2023)

Expertise & keywords

Mechanisms and biomarkers of response and resistance to current targeted therapies in gastric cancer Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0158 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE CRAIOVA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: https://cemt.ro/proiect/therres/

Abstract:

Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease with almost one million new cases occurring annually worldwide. Recent developments provide the unprecedented opportunity to make substantial progress in GC therapy. Targeted therapies have revolutionized the therapy of GC, but the benefits remain limited to a few months of increased survival.

The challenge is now how to best stratify patients for therapy, and to identify ‘druggable’ primary and acquired resistance.

Limited studies have been performed to evaluate biomarkers for predicting response to anti-HER2, anti-MET, anti-VEGFR2 therapy in GC, and immune checkpoints that contribute to tumor resistance. Moreover, combining targeted strategy with immune checkpoint inhibition – the most exciting and active area of research currently because of durable responses seen in melanoma and lung cancer – are among the new frontiers of research in the cancer treatment and could represent a quantum leap in the therapy of GC.

The project specific objectives are:

Objective 1: To explore potential biomarkers and targets for therapy in GC subtypes defined based on contemporary disease classifications

Objective 2: To examine biomarkers of response and resistance to standard anti-HER2, anti-MET, and anti-VEGF therapy in GC

Objective 3: Characterization of the particular features of GC vascular stroma, including the study of the potential role of immune checkpoints in GC subtypes

As a key output, the project will generate decision making tools for treatment and management of GC patients in a personalized approach. The results of the present project will help improve the performance, quality and international visibility of Romanian scientific results in oncological field.

Evaluation of COL10A1 as potential therapeutic target and early diagnosis biomarker in gastric cancer Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1864 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.virology.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte/proiect-pn-iii-p1-1-1-te-2019-1864-col-dia-ther

Abstract:

The project “Evaluation of COL10A1 as potential therapeutic target and early diagnosis biomarker in gastric cancer” aims to analyze the involvement of COL10A1 in gastric carcinogenesis in order to evaluate his potential as biomarker for gastric cancer diagnosis and, also, to assess him as molecular target for development of new cancer therapeutic strategies. Recent studies, including a project conducted by our group suggested that modification of COL10A1 gene expression is associated with neoplastic transformation of gastric tissue and also with tumor progression. The project objectives include the validation of COL10A1 as possible therapeutic target by analysis of his oncogenic effects through loss- and gain-of-function experiments in tumoral and normal gastric human cells, and evaluation of circulating COL10A1 in plasma of the patients with gastric cancer in order to identify his potential as diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer. The results of the project are assumed to have a significant social impact by reducing individual suffering and social costs due to chronic patients care, and these might also be applicable to the early diagnosis of the disease. The project results could also offer the basis for identifying new molecular targets and developing solid therapeutic approaches for gastric cancer that will be highly interesting for pharmaceutical companies.

Composite hydrogels based on inorganic nanoparticles and collagen with prolonged antimicrobial activity for the prevention of wound infections Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0177 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L.

Project partners: SANIMED INTERNATIONAL IMPEX S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://nanocolagel.sanimed.ro/

Abstract:

Chronic wounds represent a good niche for biofilm development because the impaired immune response promotes infection susceptibility whilst necrotic tissue and debris favor bacterial attachment. Collagen hydrogels represent one of the most efficient treatments in case of both chronic and acute wounds due to their ability to maintain optimal humidity and aeration parameters. Currently, at a national level there is no production of collagen hydrogels aimed for the treatment of chronic wounds, hence these types of products are being imported. In this context, the present project proposal aims to design and obtain new types of multifunctional collagen hydrogels harboring antimicrobial properties in order to favor the healing process of chronic wounds. As a novelty element in comparison to products currently available on the international market, we will design and produce collagen hydrogels containing nanoparticles. Thus, Sanimed International Impex S.R.L will develop a simple and rapid technology to obtain hydrogels functionalized with metalic and oxidic nanoparticles (collagen hydrogels with Ag nanoparticles, collagen hydrogels with ZnO hydrogels and collagen hydrogels with SiO2@ZnO nanoparticles). The novel hydrogels will be tested for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties using in vitro and in vivo methods and also for the host response after hydrogel treatment on wounded cells and in vivo lesion murine models, for achieving market preparation.

Knowledge Transfer on investigation of the anti-infective and antitumoral activity of novel cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations based on natural extracts Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Transfer de cunoaștere la agentul economic „Bridge Grant”
PN-III-P2-2.1-BG-2016-0369 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: https://icubresearch.wordpress.com/2018/10/19/bg-369/

Abstract:

The present project proposal aims the development of an innovative methodology for testing the antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity, and to elucidate the mechanisms of action at the cellular and molecular level of natural bee and plant extracts with the purpose of introducing them în new cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, for expanding the marketed products range of the economic agent participating în the project - Hofigal S.A.

The addressed strategy is based on abundant scientific literature and original experimental results of all involved partners regarding the characterization and marketing of natural products / compounds with therapeutic or prophylactic value.

The proposed project falls into a major research direction aimed at the discovery of complementary therapeutic solutions based on natural compounds, for the treatment of different pathologies (i.e., infectious diseases and cancer), which are currently found în the top of causes of global morbidity and mortality.

The therapeutic alternatives that will be investigated în this project are based on natural compounds of vegetal and bee origin, with high therapeutic and preventive potential, due to the following properties: complex composition that allows simultaneous action on multiple biological targets; decreased risk for selecting resistance, both în case of infectious agents, such as viral, bacterial and fungal, and în the case of tumor cells; immunomodulatory effect; high biocompatibility; minimal or no side effects.

Implementation of a complex genome profiling diagnostic algorithm for patients with congenital and developmental abnormalities Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2240 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL PENTRU SANATATEA MAMEI SI COPILULUI "ALESSANDRESCU-RUSESCU" BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GR. TH. POPA" (RO); PERSONAL GENETICS S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.virology.ro/ro/congen-proiect

Abstract:

The proposed project will set up a consortium in genomics, aiming at the implementation of new investigation methods in clinical practice that could contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of congenital and developmental abnormalities with a final practical goal in prophylaxis and better clinical management of patients. The project corresponds to the direction 4 - HEALTH and its objectives refer to the national implementation of new prevention and intervention methods in accordance with European standards (4.1.6). The major objectives of the project are:

1) Investigation of genetic abnormalities in Romanian patients with congenital/developmental disorders aiming to identify possible new genomic variants;

2) Integration in the international endeavor of identifying and confirming new genomic variants for these rare disorders through active participation and inclusion of the Romanian data in the multi-center international consortia.

3) Implementation of a complex genome profiling diagnostic algorithm for patients with congenital and developmental abnormalities and use the integrated results for improving diagnostic yield, genetic counseling and clinical management.

The partnership consists of Stefan S. Nicolau IVN Bucharest, that will set-up the cells/DNA/RNA sample bank and perform PCR, MS-MLPA, sequencing analysis; Alfred Rusescu IOMC Bucharest and Grigore T. Popa UMF Iaşi that will recruit the patients, perform the phenotype/formal-genetic analysis and clinical management of the patients, and Personal Genetics Ltd. which will perform aCGH and next generation sequencing, will integrate the results of the analysis and will apply the resulting algorithm, firstly in their practice, and next will disseminate it to a clearly defined target market. The consortium represents a specialized and complementary team, capable to advancing the knowledge on clinical management, prevention, and eventually, therapy of congenital and developmental abnormalities, and to join international research effort in this direction.

GENOMEWIDE STUDY OF BIPOLAR I DISORDER AND GUIDE FOR ASSESSING THE GENETIC RISK FOR BIPOLAR I DISORDER IN THE ROMANIAN POPULATION Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1628 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC DE PSIHIATRIE PROF.DR.ALEXANDRU OBREGIA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC DE PSIHIATRIE PROF.DR.ALEXANDRU OBREGIA (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); PERSONAL GENETICS S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.bio.unibuc.ro/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=212%3

Abstract:

Medicine develops into three directions: prevention, prediction and personalization. Bipolar I disorder (BPI) is a chronic major psychiatric disease with a polygenic basis not yet elucidated. The objectives of the project are: 1) fine mapping of two haplotypes in NCAN and MAD1L1 genes found associated with BPI in a previous genomewide association study (GWAS) (Cichon et al, Am J Hum Genet, 2011) in which the project coordinator was involved; 2) a GWAS of the response to lithium therapy aiming at detecting the genotypes linked to positive response; 3) estimating morbid risks (MR) for relatives of BPI patients valid for the Romanian population; 4) determining the structure of Mad1 and Mad2 molecules and their neurobiological consequences with potential impact on drug development; 5) development of a guide for genetic counseling containing genotypes associated with BPI in the Romanian population, MR for relatives of patients, phenotypic variables that increase MR and genotypes predicting the positive response to lithium. The study will be conducted in an international consortium including Romanian partners. A Romanian sample of about 550-570 patients and 550-570 controls will be integrated in an international sample of several thousands of patients and controls that will be genotyped with high-throughput methods (Illumina, Sequenom) by Romanian researchers at the German partner and with next generation sequencing technology atone of the Romanian partners. Probands and their available first degree relatives will be investigated with DIGS and FIGS interviews and will provide psychiatric family history necessary for estimating MR. The response to lithium therapy in patients treated at least one year will be rated with the Alda scale. Our sample of lithium-patients will be integrated in the international lithium sample for genotyping. The biometric and molecular results of the study will be implemented in personalized medicine by a private health care company and disseminated among specialists.

Role of S100A4 and MAP4K4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1490 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI (RO); RNTECH S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.ALEXANDRU TRESTIOREANU BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.icfundeni.ro/S100MAP/

Abstract:

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death both in man and women. Annually, its incidence closely matches its mortality, highlighting the limited efficacy of existing treatment options. Most pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and the 5-year survival rate for patients with localized disease after surgical resection is 20% and for those with metastatic disease, the survival rate is a dismal 2%. In the last years, investigators of the pathogenesis of this disease have turned their attention to the tumor microenvironment as a critical determinant of pancreatic tumor progression and clinical outcome. To address the question of the involvement of stromal cells in the pancreatic cancer progression, this project will have a specific interest on the interplay between stellate and pancreatic cancer cells analyzing the putative tumor markers in both cellular components.

Given the expertise of the consortium and the resources of the coordinating institute – consisting of a rich tumor biobank, an established Center for Cellular Therapies and a genomic platform – the present project will pursue two of the signaling pathways of the pancreatic cancer with the long-term goal to develop new remedies for this highly lethal disease. We will examine the role of the S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S1004) and the mitogen-activated protein 4 kinase 4 (MAP4K4) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression. In doing so, we will consolidate the expertise and maintain the critical mass of scientists in areas of excellence and recruit strong external collaborators with significant expertise in these pathways and translational cancer research. Thus, the project is to set up a partnership in a priority research field – cancer genomics – to identify new molecular mechanisms involved in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression, which may result in rapid design and implementation of new therapeutic approaches targeting these pathways.

FINDING AND VALIDATING MOLECULAR TARGETS IN GASTRIC TUMOR STEM CELLS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL ANTI-CANCER THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES. Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0062 2010 - 2013

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE STEFAN S NICOLAU DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE STEFAN S NICOLAU DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE STEFAN S NICOLAU DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.virology.ro/ro/cercetare/proiecte/tinte-moleculare

Abstract:

Cellular heterogeneity, present in most solid tumors, represents an enormous challenge for cancer eradication. Present strategies for inducing cell death usually target only the most rapidly proliferating cells within a tumor, and are unable to destroy tumor stem cells that are more resistant to standard chemotherapeutic agents and have the ability to regenerate the tumor. It became increasingly obvious that it is necessary to develop strategies targeted to the mechanisms of survival and regeneration characteristics of tumor stem cells.

A recent study published in 2009, which identify gastric tumor stem cells (GTSC) based on surface antigen CD44, opens new directions for the management of gastric carcinoma, disease that is the second cause of death worldwide (700,000 deaths/year worldwide ; 17/6.6 m / f deaths/100000 people/year in Romania).

Given the opportunity to identify and isolate gtsc, and our laboratory experience in the field of stem cells and anti-tumor therapy, we intend to use small interferece rna technology to specifically inhibit certain genes overexpresed in gastric cancer which can be promoters of processes such as: cell proliferation, interaction with the matrix, motility, metastasis, angiogenesis.

The objectives are:

1. Identification, isolation and characterization GTSC. Testing their tumoral capacity on immunodeficient animal models

2. Identification of molecular targets by testing gene expression in the gtsc, and selection of genes significantly modified

3. Specific inhibition of selected gene expression using siRNA methodology

4. Analysis of molecular target therapy-induced effects on GTSC functionality.

The project will lead to consolidation of a young specialists team in a leading field of the research: anti-tumor therapy, based on modern biotechnological methods of gene therapy.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader	Download (91.53 kb) 30/03/2019
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects