Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Hematopoietic Cell&Gene Therapy Area

Target Discovery and Biology of Neuroblastoma

Dr. Sanja Aveic

Principal Investigator

Research Activity

Research in Aveic’s laboratory focuses on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with phenotypic plasticity of drug-resistant neuroblastoma cells. By combining bioengineering and biomedicine the group is exploring novel targeted approaches against aggressive (metastatic) neuroblastoma phenotypes, and, in collaboration with clinicians, testing the feasibility of translating the results into medical applications. The group is currently pursuing projects in three key areas.

Target discovery

By linking neuroblastoma transcriptomics and epigenomics, the group aims to understand how the tumor develops and comprehend its heterogeneity in order to impede drug resistance, and the occurrence of metastases.

Oncopharmacology

Applying chemistry, 2D and 3D cell cultures, and animal models of neuroblastoma, ongoing research is focused on testing new targeted strategies against pro-metastatic molecular and epigenetic events while seeking their optimal combinations with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Bioengineering

Using engineered synthetic or natural biomaterials that interact with the cells, the group simulates 3D tumor models of neuroblastoma and uses them to test the efficacy of proposed therapeutic advances.

Team Members

Dr. Sanja Aveic – Principal Investigator
Dr. Diana Corallo – Post Doc
Dr. Marcella Pantile – Senior Technologist/Research Associates
Dr. Sara Menegazzo – PhD Student

Selected Publications

• Corallo D, Pastorino F, Pantile M, Mariotto E, Caicci F, Viola G, Ponzoni M, Tonini GP, Aveic S. Autophagic flux inhibition enhances cytotoxicity of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor ponatinib.
J Exp Clin Cancer Res (IF: 7.04; Q1). 2020 Sep 22;39(1):195. doi: 10.1186/s13046-020-01692-x.
• Corallo D, Donadon M, Pantile M, Sidarovich V, Cocchi S, Ori M, De Sarlo M, Candiani S, Frasson C, Distel M, Quattrone A, Zanon C, Basso G, Tonini GP, Aveic S. LIN28B increases neural crest cell migration and leads to transformation of trunk sympathoadrenal precursors. Cell Death Differ (IF: 15.83; Q1). 2020 Apr;27(4):1225-1242. doi: 10.1038/s41418-019-0425-3.
• Aveic S, Janßen S, Nasehi R, Seidelmann M, Vogt M, Pantile M, Rütten S, Fischer H. A 3D printed in vitro bone model for the assessment of molecular and cellular cues in metastatic neuroblastoma. Biomater Sci (IF: 6.84; Q1). 2021 Mar 10;9(5):1716-1727. doi: 10.1039/d0bm00921k.
• Nasehi R, Abdallah AT, Pantile M, Zanon C, Vogt M, Rütten S, Fischer H, Aveic S. 3D geometry orchestrates the transcriptional landscape of metastatic neuroblastoma cells in a multicellular in vitro bone model.
Mater Today Bio (IF: 7.35; Q1). 2023 Feb 28;19:100596. doi: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100596
• Capasso M, Brignole C, Lasorsa VA, Bensa V, Cantalupo S, Sebastiani E, Quattrone A, Ciampi E, Avitabile M, Sementa AR, Mazzocco K, Cafferata B, Gaggero G, Vellone VG, Cilli M, Calarco E, Giusto E, Perri P, Aveic S, Fruci D, Tondo A, Luksch R, Mura R, Rabusin M, De Leonardis F, Cellini M, Coccia P, Iolascon A, Corrias MV, Conte M, Garaventa A, Amoroso L, Ponzoni M, Pastorino F. From the identification of actionable molecular targets to the generation of faithful neuroblastoma patient-derived preclinical models. J Transl Med (IF: 4.12; Q1). 2024 Feb 13;22(1):151. doi: 10.1186/s12967-024-04954-w.