Gemelli SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY PARK (GSTeP)

The research core facility “Animal Models” provides services and advice on animals which have infections, which are immunosuppressed, or which suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. The aim is to develop animal models of human diseases, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetics and drug safety tests, in vivo imaging and transgenic research models. Multidisciplinary teams are available to provide assistance in the planning of preclinical biomedical studies to maximize the possibilities of clinical translation.

The research core facility “Basic Lab” offers cell culture services, live cell studies and cell metabolism studies, targeted genetic analysis and microparticle analysis. The aim is to offer a shared platform of basic research services to all the researchers.

The research core facility “Big Data Analysis” provides collection and analysis services of a large number of data (big data) to extract hidden information that can allow the development of predictive models and decision support systems. The extraction of these data starts from a shared terminology system, which is analyzed using advanced solutions of Artificial Intelligence.

The “Biobank (XBIOGem)” facility is an associated company that offers certified storage services (ISO 9001) of biological specimens (fresh tissue, paraffin tissue, blood, fluids, cell cultures) in liquid nitrogen, nitrogen vapors, mechanical freezers and remote controlled storage. The aim is to allow an optimal management of the stored biological material, this means that the facility deals with identification, registration, storage, monitoring and control of each stored unit.

The research core facility “Biostatistics” provides a wide range of services in statistical design, digital collection and analysis of research data. The support of statistical, methodological, analytical collection and management of the research data provided complies with the current Good Clinical Practice (GCP), with the current legislation on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and with the international guidelines for drafting of studies and protocols suggested by the EQUATOR network.

The research core facility “Bioinformatics” provides processing services of computational and bioinformatic models for the study of biological systems at the cellular and molecular level. Its aim is to develop and to apply updated bioinformatics procedures for the analysis and the interpretation of biological data.

The research core facility “Electrophysiology” provides analysis services of electrical signals generated by neuronal, skeletal and muscle-cardiac cells from patients and / or animal models. The aim is to identify and to give a first characterisation to pathologies affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as to test the effects of new drugs designed for neurological and cardiovascular diseases on animals by an analysis of their electrophysiological responses.

The research core facility “Flow cytometry” provides services of detection, counting, characterization and separation of cells suspension. The aim is to identify the peculiar physical characteristics of some cells compared to others as well as the presence or the absence of antigens on the surface or inside the cells themselves.

The research core facility “Genomics” provides services aimed at analyzing expressions and functions of genes, using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. Nucleic acid extraction can occur from blood, sputum and tissue samples in order to identify molecular targets that characterize specific human pathologies.

The research core facility “Immuno monitoring” provides services of characterization of cellular phenotypes, analysis of lymphocyte subtypes of T cells, rapid analysis of HLA haplotypes and customized production of monoclonal antibodies. The aim is to characterize autoimmune diseases, allergies, neoplasms.

The research core facility “Immunohistochemistry” provides immunohistochemical tests on fixed and paraffin-embedded samples. The aim is to identify specific molecules or structures of the intra and extra cellular compartment being based on the principle of antigen-antibody conjugation associated with detection systems. Upon request, the laboratory can develop and validate new antibodies in addition to the over 200 primaries already in everyday use.

The research core facility “Liquid Biopsy” provides services about DNA isolation, analysis, neoplastic circulating tumor cells (CTC) and / or other rare molecular species (such as exosomes and microvesicles) contained in human biological fluids. The aim is to provide diagnostic and prognostic information deriving from molecular analyzes carried out on these molecules.

The research core facility “Microbiota Analysis and Microbial WGS” provides analysis services to identify and to quantify the bacterial population in human samples. The aim is to study the impact of microorganism populations on human health. It is also possible to sequence the complete genome of bacteria, fungi and viruses using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology.

The research core facility “Microscopy” supplies a wide range of microscopes, spectroscopy tools and high-resolution image analysis resources. The aim is to provide information about the location of specific biomolecules as well as the functional and morphological performance of cells and tissues.

The research core facility “Organoids” provides services to develop 3D models of human tumors directly from the patient’s surgical specimen. The aim is to create experimental models that maintain not only the physiology of organs and tumors but above all the cellular characteristics of the patient, configuring themselves as a substitute for the in vivo studies based on animal models. Through these models it is possible to characterize the heterogeneity of the patient, to test in vitro pharmacological treatments and to produce physiological responses in 3D of the patients’ cells.

The research core facility “Proteomics and Metabolomics” provides services of identification and characterization of proteins and metabolites from biological organisms. The aim is to provide a snapshot image of the analyzed cell physiology showing proteins and metabolites that are present inside it.

The research core facility “Regenerative Medicine & Cell Therapy” provides cell cultures (primary cell lines, stem cells etc.) for in vivo and in vitro research applications and for medical studies (not for clinical use). The aim is to study possible strategies to increase tissue regeneration. It is possible to order cryopreserved cells available in the facility’s repository or to request the customized isolation of a cell type.

The research core facility “Single Cell” provides genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis services performed at the single cell level. The aim is to acquire increasingly representative information  of the complex biological processes that regulate intercellular relationships and relationships within the microenvironment.

The research core facility “Radiomics” provides advanced tools for radiomic analysis of bioimaging supplying bioimaging’s quantitative analysis. The first aim of this innovative research approach is the creation of predictive and support models for clinical decision-making in neoplastic or benign pathologies.