BioPharma Encapsulated - Unveiling Spoke 2

Led by La Sapienza University of Rome, Spoke 2 includes the Italian National Research Council (CNR), 15 public universities, and 2 private companies.

Spoke 2 research focuses on cancer.

Characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells, cancer cells infiltrate and alter the function of healthy tissues and organs. Scientists have long sought to uncover the underlying factors that cause cancer. First proving that cancer may develop due to exposure to external physical, chemical, or biological factors. Research thus included internal factors such as genetic predisposition and epigenetic mechanisms, which regulate gene activity without changing its DNA sequence. All factors may lead to disruptions in tumor suppressor genes whose function is to slow down cell division or tell cells to die at the right time, or proto-oncogenes whose function is to regulate cell growth and differentiation of normal cells.

Capable of promoting and inhibiting gene expression, the human body holds a dynamic balance to ensure that cells maintain their normal identity, thus preventing them from becoming cancerous cells. Generally, an accumulation of multiple genetic mutations can lead cells to become cancerous. Although inherited mutations can increase the risk of cancer, it is important to emphasize genetics are just one component. Researchers must also consider environmental and metabolic factors as well.

The mission of Spoke 2 is to translate patient screening into personalized treatment for different types of cancer. Through 32 distinct research projects, Spoke 2 explores three promising therapeutic approaches:

RNA-based vaccines: this approach aims to activate the immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells
Non-coding RNA therapy (ncRNA): this approach aims to control gene expression and inhibit its translation using a cluster of RNAs that do not encode proteins. ncRNAs, such as small non-coding RNAs (microRNA aka miRNAs) can act as tumor suppressors while small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) offer a pathway to silence gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level
Gene therapy medicinal products (GTMPs): this approach genetically modifies biological material, such as stem cells and tissue, and uses them as medicines that target tumor cells

Spoke 2 affiliates include University of Milan, National Research Council of Italy, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, University of Bari Aldo Moro, University of Bologna, University of Brescia, University of Catania, University of Florence, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Naples Federico II, University of Padua, University of Pisa, University of Siena, University of Turin, University of Trieste, University of Campania, and Intesa San Paolo.

Foundation staff writer Ellen Corcoran