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Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology

IRCCS National Cancer Institute Regina Elena

Dr. Giulia Piaggio is a senior researcher at Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena (IFO, Rome), specializing in molecular and translational cancer biology. Her work focuses on the regulation of gene expression during cell proliferation, the role of mutant p53 and NF-Y in chromatin dynamics, and mechanisms underlying tumor progression.

She has developed innovative in vivo imaging models in mice and zebrafish to study cancer growth and response to therapy, and collaborates on clinical projects identifying prognostic biomarkers in endometrial cancer. Dr. Piaggio leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to bridging molecular research with clinical applications in oncology.

Main Areas of Interest

1.Precision Diagnostics and Early Detection in Pancreatic Cancer
Our group is engaged in the development of innovative diagnostic approaches for pancreatic cancer. Within the European EIC Pathfinder project LASERBLOOD, we aim to create a non-invasive in vitro blood test based on the fluorescence lifetime fingerprint of nanoparticle coatings to detect cancer at all stages. We also focus on in vivo molecular and functional imaging of pancreatic tissues to identify early cancer vulnerabilities and to characterize the tumor-associated macro-environment before tumor onset, a novel strategy to discover early biomarkers and intercept critical tumor–immune interactions.

2. Decoding Tumor–Environment Interactions and Therapeutic Resistance
We investigate how the metabolic and immune macro-environment drives tumor evolution and therapeutic escape in pancreatic cancer. By studying cell metabolism and the dynamic crosstalk between cancer and its surrounding microenvironment, we aim to uncover the environmental drivers of adaptive evolution and chemotherapy resistance, opening new opportunities for early intervention and personalized therapy.

3. Shared Molecular and Immune Mechanisms Across Tumor Types and Reproductive Disorders
We investigate the immune adaptations occurring at the maternal–fetal interface to uncover shared mechanisms of immune tolerance and evasion that are also exploited by endometrial cancer. This comparative approach provides insights into how physiological and pathological immune regulation intersect.

Our research explores the parallels between immune regulation during pregnancy and within the endometrial cancer microenvironment. By studying these systems side by side, we aim to identify conserved pathways of immune modulation that contribute to tumor development and progression.

4. Regulation of Tumor Progression Through Alternative Splicing and NF-Y Signaling
We study the nuclear role of miR-200c in controlling NF-YA splicing as a novel mechanism sustaining tumor progression. In addition, we investigate NF-Y–dependent signaling pathways involved in the transition from primary colorectal tumors to liver metastases, with the goal of identifying new molecular targets for therapy.

Specialties

Cancer

Cell Biology

Molecular Biology

Techniques You Will Learn

Tumor monitoring, drug administration, ex vivo immune system activity of immunocompetent mouse models of pancreatic cancer.
Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, ChIP-qPCR, ELISA, Nanostring, RNA-seq/deconvolution.
2D and 3D cell culture using human and murine tumor cells.
Immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation
Gene silencing strategy via ASO, siRNA and CRISPR/Cas-9.
Gene overexpression via trasfections and infections.
Cell co-culture models: macrophages or peripheral blood mononuclear cells/tumor cells
Cell viability assays
Cell metabolism assays
Fluorescence and confocal microscope

Curriculum

Foundations & Core Concepts

Orientation and Background

Overview of pancreatic, colorectal, and endometrial cancer biology
Introduction to tumor microenvironment, immune regulation, and metabolic crosstalk
Principles of early detection, biomarker discovery, and molecular imaging

Precision Diagnostics & Early Detection

Non-Invasive Biomarker Development

Exposure to the LASERBLOOD project framework and fluorescence lifetime imaging concepts
Hands-on introduction to nanoparticle-based diagnostic assays
Analysis of blood-derived samples for early biomarker identification

Molecular and Functional Imaging

In vivo and ex vivo imaging of pancreatic tissues
Quantitative analysis of tumor-associated immune and metabolic changes before tumor onset
Data interpretation and validation of fluorescence-based detection models

Tumor–Environment Interactions & Therapeutic Resistance

Metabolic and Immune Crosstalk

2D and 3D co-culture systems: tumor cells with macrophages or PBMCs
Cell metabolism and viability assays to study adaptive resistance mechanisms
Application of molecular tools: immunoblotting, ELISA, and RNA-seq/deconvolution

Molecular Regulation & Comparative Immunology

Alternative Splicing and NF-Y Signaling

NF-YA splicing regulation by miR-200c: qPCR, ChIP-qPCR, and gene modulation (siRNA/CRISPR)
Pathway analysis in colorectal tumor progression and liver metastasis models

Immune Modulation Across Systems

Comparative study of immune tolerance mechanisms in pregnancy and cancer
Profiling cytokines and immune markers shared between maternal–fetal and tumor microenvironments
Integrative analysis linking immune adaptation to tumor progression

Integration & Presentation

Guided interpretation of results and bioinformatics insights
Translational perspectives: linking molecular mechanisms to clinical intervention strategies
Fellow presentations of research findings and proposed next-step experiments
Mentor-led reflection, feedback, and certificate of completion

Accommodation

Try airbnb.com

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
8 weeks	$2,250.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00

This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.

Who Can Apply

All are eligible.

Host Details

Host Name: Dr. Giulia Piaggio

Affiliation: IRCCS National Cancer Institute Regina Elena

Address: Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy

Website URL: https://trovamedico.ifo.it/listing/piaggio-giulia/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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