BrainMap

Oana Gavriliuc

- UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Immunologist working on next-generation cancer immunotherapies. Assistant Professor of Immunology at the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara and Senior Researcher at the OncoGen Center for Gene and Cellular Therapies in Cancer ("Pius Brinzeu" Clinical Emergency County Hospital Timisoara). My research covers CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, engineered red blood cell platforms for immune cell activation, and personalized cancer vaccines, supported by advanced flow cytometry and Bayesian biostatistics (MSc in Statistics). I have worked in national and EU-funded projects since 2006, as project director and key expert, co-authored around 50 scientific articles and am co-inventor on Romanian patents and European patent applications. I serve as an Expert Evaluator for the European Commission (Horizon Europe) and support biotech innovation as a Biocatalyst at incubation.Bio and Regional Ambassador for Global Biotech Revolution.

Expertise & keywords

Cross-border cooperation to foster the resilience of clinical management in cancer patients by establishing best practices in personalized molecular-based diagnostics, treatment, and long-term care Call name:
RORS00040 (Interreg VI-A IPA Romania-Serbia) 2024 - 2026

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (); General Hospital "Djordje Joanovic" Zrenjanin (Opsta bolnica "Dorde Joanovic" Zrenjanin) ()

Affiliation: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

CROSSCARE is a Romania-Serbia cross-border project (Interreg VI-A IPA Romania-Serbia) that develops shared best practices in personalized, molecular-based cancer diagnostics, treatment and long-term care. The project characterizes the immune status of oncology patients, with a focus on T and NK cells with anti-tumor activity, and analyzes patient-derived immune and tumor microenvironment cells to better understand their interactions and identify stromal therapeutic targets. Tumor mutations identified in enrolled patients will inform the development of a personalized cancer vaccine prototype.

RBC-engager for NK and T cell activation in cancer immunotherapy Call name:
PNRR/2022/C9/MCID/I8, CF 227/29.11.2022, contract no. 760103/23. 2023 - 2026

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

REAKT develops red blood cell-based engagers (RBC-engagers) for cancer immunotherapy: erythrocytes surface-modified to carry immune modulators that activate NK and T cell anti-tumor responses. The project covers the design and functionalization of the engineered RBCs and the in vitro characterization of NK and T cell activation and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Its results have been protected through two European patent applications.

Cell-penetrating peptides-containing systems as a potential platform for the use in breast and prostate cancer treatment Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0639 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA AUREL VLAICU ARAD

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA AUREL VLAICU ARAD (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://cpps-cancer.uav.ro/

Abstract:

Cancer became a major concern with human morbidity and mortality worldwide, therefore many strategies have been applied to combat the propagation of cancer cells and their elevated growth such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Cell-penetrating peptides, CPPs, are useful vectors for the delivery of therapeutic agents such as drugs, siRNA, splice-correcting oligonucleotides, proteins, and plasmids. This project will focus on the design and synthesis of new cell-penetrating peptides obtained by performing chemical modifications of well known antimicrobial peptides. The CPPs will be non-covalently conjugated with different established drugs to obtain stable complexes to study the cellular uptake and pharmacological effects in relevant biological systems. The project aims to develop suitable methods for cell delivery of drugs with high specificity for cell/tissue cancer phenotypes. This project has a strong multidisciplinary character which falls into a special important area of science since it brings together a wide area of expertise including peptide/organic chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology.

Development of new technologies, drugs and vaccines for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Soluţii - 2020 - 1
PN-III-P2-2.1-SOL-2020-0073 2020 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://oncogen.ro/ro/decode-project/

Abstract:

In the present context of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and increased number of cases of COVID-19 which is continuously increasing in Romania, the proposed approach is addressing prevention of disease by identification of a peptide-based vaccine, which can induce specific immune response with protective role. The vaccine is based on immunophenotypic characteristics (HLA) of Romanian population, offering protection for > 80 % of population. The vaccinal component will be represented by a combination of peptides, specifically recognized by the 2 components of the adaptive immune system: T lymphocytes (T helper lymphocytes – secrete immune mediators and mediate activation of other immune cells – and cytotoxic T lymphocytes – responsible of direct destruction of viral infected cells) and B lymphocytes (production of specific antibodies - indirect). This vaccinal approach was published in a medical journal with high impact for biomedical research (Bojin, F.; Gavriliuc, O.; Margineanu, M.; Paunescu, V. Design of an Epitope-Based Synthetic Long Peptide Vaccine to Counteract the Novel China Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Preprints 2020, 2020020102). The project proposes a strategy for producing of these peptides, followed by in vitro and in vivo validation and generation a preventive vaccine for phase I clinical trials. Immunization of the population will decrease the number of persons suffering of COVID-19, thus reducing the burden on the health system induced by this highly contagious infectious disease.

Bioeconomic approach to antimicrobial agents - use and resistance Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0361 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA A BANATULUI "REGELE MIHAI I AL ROMANIEI" DIN TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA A BANATULUI "REGELE MIHAI I AL ROMANIEI" DIN TIMISOARA (RO); SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE VEST TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU PAJISTI (I.C.D.P.) (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA A BANATULUI "REGELE MIHAI I AL ROMANIEI" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://clchc.usab-tm.ro/bioamr/proiect.html , https://clchc.usab-tm.ro/bioamr/proiect_en.html

Abstract:

Present project advances a bio-economic approach, that is inter-institutional (implying one coordinator plus five partners) and systemic, of AMR (antimicrobial resistance) in terms of i) economic efficiency ii) sustainability in the environment, and iii) societal acceptance of the structured grid covering man – domestic/ wild animals and pets – food/fodder – environment (water/soil).

Project scope covers a bio-economic survey of consumption/usage of antimicrobial products (i.e. longitudinal inquiry regarding consumption/usage of antimicrobial products), as well as resistance of microorganisms (such as coli and Staphylococcus aureus) to antimicrobial products (by inquiries/studies and cross-sector approaches of the four trophic subsystems (water/soil – food/fodder – animals (wild/farm and pets) – man. Integrated survey of the polyvalent systems grid will be analyzed by an informatics-statistics-mathematics approach, so that the red HUB’s (critical subgrids/nodes) can be identified. Actually, each subsystem strives full-might to be economically efficient (healthy crops, fast cheap diagnosis methods for real-time intervention, and such like) and resilient (resilience to infections of animals and of man, but also multiplication and AMR developed by the microbs).

It is our hypothesis that mapping out and societal acceptance of accurate intervention points (each subsystem’s studies cutoffs) geared in the HUB’s grid, will allow for management and efficient survey of consumption/ AMR. Beyond the inter-institutional co-operation, licenses, studies, reports and data bases supplied to society, multidisciplinary study of AMR will permit signalling out the red HUB’s to be used for societal welfare, such HUB’s now supporting a complex system as fighting resistance to antimicrobial products

Development of BIOnanotechnologies based on extracellular VEsicles for early diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of Atherosclerotic disease Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0527 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU''

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE BIOLOGIE SI PATOLOGIE CELULARA ,,NICOLAE SIMIONESCU'' (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA" (RO); SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbp.ro/static/en/en-networking_grants-grants-national_grants/biovea.html

Abstract:

Various biomarkers have been proposed for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome, however not for stable coronary disease. Identification of biomarkers that augment established clinical indicators, may allow earlier diagnosis of coronary disease, as well as improved recognition of the risk of complications and cardiovascular death. Additionally, this would pave the way for biomarkers, such as extracellular vesicles, to be employed as precise therapeutic agents in these diseases.

This project aims to develop and implement new technologies to identify extracellular vesicles that can be used for early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of stable coronary disease. Such promising approaches are in their infancy in many areas of clinical medicine, therefore key contributions to existing knowledge are of strategic priority in medicine.

The specific aims are: (1) identification and analysis of circulating extracellular vesicles, as potential biomarkers in experimentally induced atherosclerotic coronary disease; (2) validation of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of stable coronary disease in human patients; (3) in vitro establishment of a cell-line that can efficiently generate vesicles to be used as therapeutic agents in atherosclerotic coronary disease; (4) investigation of therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles in experimental models for cardiac hypertrophy and coronary atherosclerosis.

The expected outcome of the project is the creation of a competitive, multidisciplinary consortium focusing on the application of leading edge technologies in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It is expected that the study will deliver extracellular vesicle-based nanotechnologies to be employed in a clinical setting.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor Targeted Oncoimmunotherapy with Natural Killer cells Call name:
P_37_786, SMIS code 103662 2016 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: https://carnk.oncogen.ro/

Abstract:

3D bioprinting techniques for building tissue constructs that mimic the tumor microenvironment Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1422 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.3dbioprinting-oncogen.com

Abstract:

This project aims to to build three-dimensional (3D) tissue constructs that mimic the tumor microenvironment. They will include a multicellular system whose structure resembles the tumor, and a layer of cells and extracellular matrix, which represents the tumor's vicinity.

To build such tissue constructs, we plan to rely on three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, a domain of bottom-up tissue engineering. We will develop models of 3D tumors in their environment, and validate them by morphological, phenotypic, genotypic and functional characterization. The project proposes to use two cell sources for microtissue printing: a standard cell culture line, and primary tumor cells. While the first option is more reproducible, the second might lead to a more realistic model of a tumor. For each cell type, we plan to test two methods of additive manufacturing: cell-laden hydrogel bioprinting and cell aggregate bioprinting. The first method offers higher resolution, while the second assures higher cell density.

The obtained tumor models will be validated in immunosuppressed nude mice. Prior to bioprinting, malignant cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts will be stably transfected with GFP, so that the tumors can be monitored by in vivo fluorescent microscopy. Moreover, the bioprinted tissue constructs will be ranked according to their ability to mimic the secretory behavior of in vivo tumors.

Upon validation, the project's results will be applicable in the area of cancer therapy: the 3D tumor models will be used for personalized drug-design studies, in studies of tumor development, and in translational research that seeks to transfer in vitro results to in vivo clinical applications in a broad area of cancer therapy.

TRANSLATING STEM CELL TECHNOLOGIES TO THE CONSERVATION OF HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1336 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU CRESTEREA BOVINELOR (RO); STATIUNEA DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU CRESTEREA BOVINELOR ARAD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); SEMTEST-BVN S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABEŞ " TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.consens-cercetare.ro

Abstract:

The last local cattle breed in Romania, the Grey Steppe (Sura de Stepa) breed is included by FAO in the endangered-maintained category. To avoid further loss of this important genetic material, we should engage in an effective management of farm animal genetic resources and include it among our conservation priorities. So far, storage of semen, embryos, ovaries, oocytes, and somatic cells have been considered for the conservation of genetic diversity. Uniquely, the cluster we proposed joins together a research team with considerable experience in human stem cell research to a network of bovine research stations, veterinary medicine academic department and commercial company specialized in cryopreservation and cattle reproductive techniques, to achieve the translation of stem cell technologies to the cryoconservation and preservation of genetic diversity of a valuable indigenous endangered species, followed by implementing, monitoring and administrating a gene bank for the ex situ conservation of the Grey Steppe cattle breed of the Moldavian variety.

Tumor-associated fibroblasts as novel therapeutic target in anti-tumor therapy – identification of origin, role and characteristic molecular markers Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0455 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara

Project partners: Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.taf-research.ro

Abstract:

Microenvironment has a key role in tumor development, so that identification of stromal targets for cancer therapeutics is of great interest and could provide strategies that will complement therapies directed against cancer cells. The failure of immune surveillance to prevent tumor development and the observation that effective therapies can become ineffective over time suggest that mechanisms exist, whereby tumors can escape the immune system. Tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs), potentially originating from recruitment of resident tissue stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or epithelial to mesenchymal transition within tumors, are important for tumor progression, providing both functional and structural supportive environment. The true origin, role, and biological characteristics of TAFs are not fully understood yet.

The main objective of our project is to fully characterize TAFs obtained from solid tumors (breast cancer), to establish their origin and role within the tumor stroma. MSCs will be used as normal/precursor cells to which the TAFs will be compared in order to identify specific marker, which would be used as target in prospective anti-tumor therapy designs. Cellular therapies in vitro prototype proposed by this project involves enhancement of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) functionally active against TAF-derived specific antigen.

Induction of mesenchymal stem cells into insulin secreting cells as diabetes therapy Call name: Postdoctoral Research Projects - PD-2012 call
PN-II-RU-PD-2012-3-0384 2013 - 2015

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.sinp.ro

Abstract:

The goal of this project proposal is to address both the cause and the consequences of T1D in a combined therapy pairing β-cell replacement by genetic engineering of insulin secreting cells with protection of the newly transplanted β-cells surrogates from the recurrence of islet-specific autoimmune attack. We hypothesized that this could be accomplished by using the immunosuppressive mesenchymal stem cells as β-cell substitutes in which to reconstruct the insulin secretory machinery by means of genetic transfer vectors carrying proinsulin constructs.

Our main objective will be to assess the capacity of the newly engineered MSCs to direct the synthesis and processing of proinsulin to mature, biologically-active insulin, in vitro - in cell cultures and in vivo - in diabetic animal models. The specific scientific and technological objectives of this project reflect three distinct, yet interconnected stages in the genetic engineering of insulin-secreting cells: 1. Development of expression plasmids carrying wild-type and mutant human proinsulin constructs. 2. Transfection of MSCs with the insulin expression vectors and assessment of in vitro insulin transcription and translation.3. Evaluation of the efficacy of genetically-modified insulin to control glycemia in diabetic animal models.

The success of our project will provide a therapeutic tool relevant not only to the treatment of diabetes, but also of other gene-deficiency related diseases.

The molecular mechanisms of thymus involution in diabetes Call name:
42098/2008 2008 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA

Project partners: SPITALUL CLINIC JUDETEAN DE URGENTATIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABES " TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA A BANATULUI "REGELE MIHAI I AL ROMANIEI" DIN TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABES " TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website: http://www.hosptm.ro/proiectul-420982008/

Abstract:

GENETIC ENGINEERING OF CANCER STEM CELLS FOR IMMUNE RESPONSE MODULATION IN CANCERS OF NON-VIRAL ORIGIN Call name:
PN II / Nr. 41-019/2007 2007 - 2009

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABES " TIMISOARA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABES " TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE " VICTOR BABES " TIMISOARA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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