Research Areas:
Our research focuses on two main directions: the use of NK cell–derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic approach for leukemia, and the identification of early biomarkers for the development of CLL.
Therapeutic Potential of NK-EVs
Our previous studies demonstrated that NK cells secrete EVs with potent cytotoxic activity against malignant blood cells from various diseases, including CML, AML, and CLL, both in vitro and in vivo. These EVs are nanosized membrane vesicles carrying proteins, lipids, and RNA with intrinsic cytotoxic properties, capable of inducing apoptosis in tumor or infected cells, thereby providing a strong basis for novel therapeutic strategies. Currently, we are working to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the NK-EVs mediated killing and to improve both their production yield and cytotoxic efficacy, while exploring different NK sources against leukemia cells as well as solid tumors.
Functional circRNAs in Leukemia
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules with a covalently closed loop structure, involved in the regulation of gene expression through miRNA sponging and protein interactions. In leukemias, specific circRNAs have been identified as pathogenic drivers or as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, representing potential therapeutic targets. Our studies have demonstrated the presence of unique circRNAs in CLL cells, and we are currently investigating their role in cell proliferation, both as translatable RNAs and as transcriptional repressors.