PhotoDyn - Unraveling the role of cell-cell communication in the photodynamic therapy of cancer (DSB.AD008.578)

Thematic area

Biomedical sciences

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare (IBBC)

Project manager

FABIO MAMMANO
Phone number: 0690091
Email: fabio.mammano@cnr.it

Abstract

Cell-cell communication can either promote or prevent cell death by apoptosis. Such effects may be due to the gap junction-mediated intercellular passage of survival or death signals such as Ca2+, IP3 and cAMP. Moreover, paracrine signaling mediated by connexin hemichannels may exchange proapoptotic and survival factors between extracellular and intracellular environments. In this project, we will investigate the role played by cell-cell communication in the spreading of apoptotic signals triggered by photodynamic therapy of cancer using a combination of in vitro and in vivo biophysical methods. Specifically, we will use a panel of fluorescent biosensors in combination with multiphoton microscopy to unravel the mechanisms that promote tumor cell death following activation of photosensitizer molecules.

Start date of activity

01/01/2020

Keywords

tumor, cell death, photosensitizer molecules

Last update: 23/05/2025