Experimental oncology
Malignant B cells Biology and 3D modelling
The aim of Scielzo's research projects is to study the interactions occurring between leukemic cells and their microenvironment by focusing on their mechanical properties. Though the precise mechanisms are currently unknown, it is likely that the interactions between leukemic cells and the microenvironment are extremely dynamic and depend on the continuous recirculation and homing into the lymphoid tissues where leukemic cells origin, grow, and acquire resistance to therapies. In particular, cell movement, attachment and interactive structure formations involve complex molecular mechanisms and mechanical forces brought about by cytoskeletal reorganization into specialized microenvironments.
Research activity
The group recently demonstrated that Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells mechanical properties are linked to their actin cytoskeleton organization and might be involved in novel mechanisms of drug resistance. This result prompted the group to focus their research activity on understanding these mechanisms and identifying the responsible genes that account for the molecular and cellular interactions occurring among leukemic cells and the microenvironment in the presence of mechanical forces. To achieve their goals, they are taking advantage of multidisciplinary collaborations, and they are developing new 3D co-culture models by prototyping bench-top 3D bio-printers and dynamic growth in bioreactors combined with real-time imaging strategies. The result of their research is expected to lead to new therapeutic strategies or to overcome resistance to current therapies, first in CLL and later in other cancers.
