Molecular and functional characterization of extracellular vesicles in animals.
This project aims to gain a deeper knowledge of extracellular vesicles’ molecular characteristics and function in big and small animals.
The project is divided into two parts:
The first part addresses how climate change, specifically heat stress (HS), impacts dairy cattle health and performance by focusing on two key breeds: Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss.
The aim is to profile the molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles in thermal comfort conditions and hyperthermia using advanced OMIC technologies like metabolomics and transcriptomics.
The project will analyze samples from field trials, characterizing extracellular vesicles isolated from blood and milk to elucidate their role in modifying cell functions during HS, ultimately enhancing dairy cattle welfare and productivity.
The second part of the project explores if tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be used as targeted drug delivery systems for treating canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA).
These vesicles, naturally involved in cell communication, will be loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin and tested for their ability to specifically target tumor cells without harming healthy cells.
The goal is to develop a pre-clinical protocol for this innovative cancer therapy, potentially paving the way for future targeted treatments.
Both aspects of this research emphasize the use of cutting-edge biotechnology to address pressing issues in animal health and disease treatment, with a focus on sustainability, precision, and improved welfare.
2024 PhD student in veterinary medicine (UNIMI).
2022-2023 Master’s degree in veterinary biotechnologies (UNIMI).
2015-2020 Doctor in veterinary medicine graduated in Algeria (University Blida-1).
Experience:
July 2024-September 2024 Giovanni Promettenti scholarship “Project: Identification of molecular biomarkers for assessing bovine welfare during heat stress: validation on bulk milk” (UNIMI).
June 2023- May 2024 Giovani Promettenti Scholarship “Project: Categorization of the risk of antimicrobial and anthelmintic consumption in the breeding of Italian Mediterranean buffalo” (UNIMI).
October2022-February2023 Student Intern in the laboratory of molecular biology (UNIMI).
July 2019-August 2019 Veterinary assistant in the National Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture Research and Development (Tipaza, Algeria).
Publications: Orcid
Supervisor Prof. Cristina Lecchi
Co-supervisor Prof. Fabrizio Ceciliani
