DEP
ABOUT US
MAJOR RESEARCH INTERESTS of the DEPARTMENT
•Lipid metabolism in atherogenesis, diabetes and obesity (dyslipidemia markers): cellular and molecular biology of lipoproteins (Lp), dysfunctional HDL, dysregulation of entero-hepatic lipid metabolism (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – NAFLD), Lp transport across the vascular endothelium (transcytosis process), cellular cholesterol efflux.
• Cellular and biochemical alterations in atherogenesis, diabetes and obesity: heart and cardiac valves, oxidized lipids, pro- and anti-oxidant enzymes in lipid metabolism, inflammatory mediators in lipid metabolism, experimental animal models and cardiovascular disease patients (CVD).
• Novel biomarkers CVD and NAFLD: oxidized lipids, anti-oxidant enzymes, inflammatory mediators, epigenetic markers [circulating and tissue-specific non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs)].
• Genetic and epigenetic factors of atherosclerosis and diabetes: epigenetic factors (functional analysis of miRNAs, identification and validation of specific miRNAs target genes), gene polymorphisms.
• Pharmacological approaches to treat atherosclerosis and diabetes: caffeic acid, probiotics, bioactive compounds from ginger rhizomes and rosehips formulated in phytosomes, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated activation of endogenous genes to stimulate antioxidant enzymes and cholesterol efflux
:
https://eertis.eu/erlb-2200-000e-0709
CURRENT and PAST COLLABORATIONS
Main International Collaborations
2023-present Enhancing the endogenous anti-oxidant and cholesterol removal potential by gene editing in fatty liver disease; pre-clinical studies, Prof. Shlomo Sasson, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
2017-present Bioinformatic analysis of miRNAs distribution in hyperlipidemic animals - Dr. Yvan Devaux, Luxembourg Institute of Health and COST Action CA17129 2018-2022 “Catalysing transcriptomics research in cardiovascular disease” (CardioRNA), resulting 2 published articles (Barbalata et. al., Sci. Rep. 2020: Barbalata et al., Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020);
2012 - 2015 Molecular interactions of oxidized lipoproteins with vascular endothelial cells - Prof. Shlomo Sasson, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, resulting 1 published article (Stancu CS, et al., Molec Nutr Fodd Res, 2015).
2008 - 2011 HDL associated enzymes in cardiovascular disease - Dr. Marius R. Robciuc, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finlanda, resulting 1 published article (Niculescu LS, et al., A.V. Sima, Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2011).
2003 - 2007 APOA5 mechanisms in triglyceride metabolism - Prof. Jean-Charles Fruchart and Dr. Jamila Fruchart-Najib, Institute Pasteur din Lille and University Lille 2, Lille, France, resulting 2 published articles (Fruchart-Najib et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2004; Niculescu et al., A.V. Sima, Clin Chem Lab Med, 2007).
Main National Collaborations
2019-2022 Cardiology Clinic of Emergency Clinic Hospital Bucharest (Partnership PED grant EPITERAMI, Prof. dr. Maria Dorobanțu), resulting 8 published articles;
2019-2022 Hofigal SA (Partnership PED grant NANOGINROSA, Ing. chim. Georgeta Alexandru), resulting 1 patent and 1 published article;
2012-2016 University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Carol Davila” and Cardiology Clinic of University Emergency Hospital Elias (Partnerships grant BIOMARCAD, Prof. dr. Doina R. Dimulescu), resulting 3 published articles.
2007-2010 University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Carol Davila” (Prof. dr. Denisa Margină) and National Institute for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases „N. Paulescu” (Dr. Maria Vlădică) (Partnerships grant LIPIDERI), resulting 2 published articles;
2006-2008 University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Carol Davila” and Cardiology Clinic of University Emergency Hospital Floreasca (CEEX OBEDIAGEN grant, Prof. dr. Maria Dorobanţu);
2006-2008 National Endocrinology Institute „C.I. Parhon” (CEEX GENAGE grant, Dr. Olga Ianăş), resulting 2 published articles and a book.
PERSPECTIVES
The understanding of the molecular mechanisms revealed by our projects will help decipher the complexity of gene regulation and signaling mechanisms modulated by atherogenic lipids, highlight new biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases and identify new therapeutic molecules to improve the life of people affected by atherosclerosis, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity.
MEMBERS
Anca V. SIMA, Head of department (email me:anca.sima@icbp.ro) Link CV
Major positions and appointments
- Member of the Romanian Academy
- Ph.D. Advisor in Biology
- Scientific Secretary of the Scientific Council of ICBP “Nicolae Simionescu” (2016-2020)
- President of the Commission for Biology-Biochemistry of the National Council for the Certification of University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates (CNADTCU), Ministry of Education (2016-2020)
- Expert evaluator of the European Research Commission, national and international grants
- Peer reviewer at national and international journals
| Camelia Sorina STANCU, Ph.D. | Link CV |
| Loredan Ştefan NICULESCU, Ph.D. | Link CV |
| Laura TOMA, Ph.D. | Link CV |
| Gabriela Maria SANDA, Ph.D. | Link CV |
| Teodora BARBĂLATĂ, Ph.D. | Link CV |
| Jessica CIOBANU, Ph.D. student | Link CV |
| Daniela ROGOZ, technical assistant | |
| Cristina DOBRE, technical assistant |
PUBLICATIONS
- “Victor Babes” Award of the Romanian Academy, 1990 (Anca V. Sima)
- “Constantin Velican” Award of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 1994 (Anca V. Sima, Anca Dobrian, Daniela Tîrziu, Camelia S. Stancu, Loredan S. Niculescu)
- “Sanofi” Thrombosis Award - for Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis Research, 1998 (Anca V. Sima, Camelia S. Stancu)
- “Maya and Nicolae Simionescu” Award of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 1999 (Anca V. Sima)
- “Images in Cellular and Molecular Medicine” Award of the Foundation of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 2003 (Anca Sima).
- „Herbert Berler” Award for Excellence in Research, 2012 (Loredan S. Niculescu, Gabriela M. Sanda, Anca V. Sima)
- Romanian Cardiology Society Award for Excellence in Research, 2016 (Lipidomics team)
- “Nicolae Simionescu” Award of the Romanian Academy, 2017 (Camelia S. Stancu, Loredan S. Niculescu)
2024
Toma L., Deleanu M., Sanda G.M., Barbălată T., Niculescu L.S., Sima A.V., Stancu C.S. Bioactive Compounds Formulated in Phytosomes Administered as Complementary Therapy for Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 25(8):4162, 2024. doi: 10.3390/ijms25084162 (IF 4.9, Q1).
Karagianni K., Bibi A., Madé A., Acharya S., Parkkonen M., Barbălată T., Srivastava P. K., de Gonzalo-Calvo D., Emanueli C., Martelli F., Devaux Y., Dafou D., Nossent A. Y., and on behalf of EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129. Recommendations for detection, validation, and evaluation of RNA editing events in cardiovascular and neurological/ neurodegenerative diseases. Molecular Therapy: Nucleic Acids, vol. 35, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102085 (IF 8.8, Q1).
2023
Sopić M., Karaduzovic-Hadziabdic K., Kardassis D., Maegdefessel L., Martelli F., Meerson A., Munjas J., Niculescu L.S., Stoll M., Magni P., Devaux Y., CardioRNA COST Action CA17129 and AtheroNET COST Action CA21153. Transcriptomic research in atherosclerosis: Unravelling plaque phenotype and overcoming methodological challenges. J. Molec. Cell.Cardiol. Plus. 6: 100048, 2023; doi: 10.1016/j.jmccpl.2023.100048.
Acharya S., Preda M.B., Papatheodorou I., Palioura D., Giardoglou P., Tsata V., Erceg S., Barbălată T., Ben-Aicha S., Martino F., Nicastro L., Lazou A., Beis D., Martelli F., Sopic M., Emanueli C., Kardassis D., Devaux Y., EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129. The science behind soft skills: Do’s and Don’ts for early career researchers and beyond. A review paper from the EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129. Open Res Europe 3: 55, 2023; doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.15746.2.
Barbălată T., Niculescu L.S., Stancu C.S., Pinet F., Sima A.V. Elevated Levels of Circulating lncRNAs LIPCAR and MALAT1 Predict an Unfavorable Outcome in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients. Special Issue: The Role of Non-coding RNAs Involved in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cellular Communication. Int J Mol Sci. 24(15): 12076, 2023; doi: 10.3390/ijms241512076 (IF 5.6, Q1).
Toma L., Sanda G.M., Stancu C.S., Niculescu L.S., Raileanu M., Sima A.V. Oscillating Glucose Induces the Increase in Inflammatory Stress through Ninjurin-1 Up-Regulation and Stimulation of Transport Proteins in Human Endothelial Cells. Special Issue: Recent Advances in Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Biomolecules 13(4): 626, 2023; doi: 10.3390/biom13040626 (IF 6.064, Q2).
Deleanu M., Toma L., Sanda G.M., Barbălată T., Niculescu L.S., Sima A.V., Deleanu C., Săcărescu L., Suciu A., Alexandru G., Crişan I., Popescu M., Stancu C.S. Formulation of Phytosomes with Extracts of Ginger Rhizomes and Rosehips with Improved Bioavailability, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Vivo. Special Issue: The Study of Plant Compounds in Antioxidant Activity and Anticancer Activity. Pharmaceutics. 15(4): 1066, 2023; doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041066 (IF 6.525, Q1).
2022
Barbălată T., Scărlătescu A.I., Sanda G.M., Toma L., Stancu C.S., Dorobanțu M., Micheu M.M., Sima A.V., Niculescu L.S. Mitochondrial DNA Together with miR-142-3p in Plasma Can Predict Unfavorable Outcomes in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction. Special Issue: Molecular Research in Cardiovascular Disease 2.0. Int J Mol Sci. 23(17): 9947, 2022; doi: 10.3390/ijms23179947 (IF 6.208, Q1).
Scărlătescu A.I., Barbălată T., Sima A.V., Stancu C., Niculescu L.S., Micheu M.M. miR-146a-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-142-3p as Potential Predictors of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Young Patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction-Added Value over Left Ventricular Myocardial Work Indices. Special Issue: Diagnostic Advances in Cardiovascular Prevention. Diagnostics (Basel). 12(8): 1946, 2022; doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12081946 (IF 3.992, Q2).
Sanda G.M., Toma L., Barbălată T., Moraru O.E., Niculescu L.S., Sima A.V., Stancu C.S. Clusterin, paraoxonase 1 and myeloperoxidase alterations induce HDL dysfunction and contribute to peripheral artery disease; aggravation by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biofactors 48(2):454-468, 2022; doi: 10.1002/biof.1800 (IF 6.113, Q1)
Barbălată T., Moraru O.E., Stancu C.S., Sima A.V., Niculescu L.S. MiR-223-3p levels in the plasma and atherosclerotic plaques are increased in aged patients with carotid artery stenosis; association with HDL-related proteins. Special Issue: Regulatory non-coding RNAs in health and disease. Molec. Biol. Rep. 49(7):6779-6788, 2022; doi: 10.1007/s11033-021-06636-y (IF 2.316)
2021
Toma L., Barbălată T., Sanda G.M., Niculescu L.S., Sima A.V., Stancu C.S. CRISPR/dCas9 Transcriptional Activation of Endogenous Apolipoprotein AI and Paraoxonase 1 in Enterocytes Alleviates Endothelial Cell Dysfunction. Special Issue: Lipoproteins: From the Vital Role in Lipid Metabolism to Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis and Future Challenging Therapies, Biomolecules 11(12): 1769, 2021; doi: 10.3390/biom11121769 (IF 4.879, Q2)
Sanda G.M., Stancu C.S., Deleanu M., Toma L., Niculescu L.S., Sima A.V. Aggregated LDL turn human macrophages into foam cells and induce mitochondrial dysfunction without triggering oxidative or endoplasmic reticulum stress. PLoS One 16(1): e0245797, 2021; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245797 (IF 2.74, Q2)
Toma L., Stancu C.S., Sima A.V. Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes Is Aggravated by Glycated Lipoproteins; Novel Molecular Therapies. Special Issue: Endothelial Dysfunction: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines 9, 18, 2021; doi: 10.3390/biomedicines9010018 (IF 4.717, Q1)
2020
Barbalata T., Moraru O.E., Stancu C.S., Devaux Y., Simionescu M., Sima A.V., Niculescu L.S. Increased miR-142 Levels in Plasma and Atherosclerotic Plaques from Peripheral Artery Disease Patients with Post-Surgery Cardiovascular Events. Special Issue: RNAs in Brain and Heart Diseases - EU-CardioRNA COST Action. Int J Mol Sci. 21(24): 9600, 2020; doi:10.3390/ijms21249600 (IF 4.556, Q1)
Barbalata T., Zhang L., Dulceanu M.D., Stancu C.S., Devaux Y., Sima A.V., Niculescu L.S. and EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129. Regulation of microRNAs in high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemic hamsters. Scientific Reports 10, 20549, 2020; doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-77539-4 (IF 3.998, Q1)
Toma L., Sanda G.M., Niculescu L.S., Deleanu M., Sima A.V., Stancu C.S. Phenolic Compounds Exerting Lipid-Regulatory, Anti-Inflammatory and Epigenetic Effects as Complementary Treatments in Cardiovascular Diseases. Special Issue: Phytochemical Omics in Medicinal Plants. Biomolecules. 10(4): E641, 2020; doi.org/10.3390/biom10040641 (IF 4.694, Q1) - selected as Editor's Choice Article - Video Abstract available mdpi.com/2218-273X/10/4/641
Toma L., Sanda G.M., Raileanu M., Stancu C.S., Niculescu L.S., Sima A.V. Ninjurin-1 upregulated by TNFα receptor 1 stimulates monocyte adhesion to human TNFα-activated endothelial cells; benefic effects of amlodipine. Life Sci. 249: 117518, 2020; doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117518 (IF 3.448, Q2)
2019
Barbalata T., Deleanu M., Carnuta M.G., Niculescu L.S., Raileanu M., Sima A.V., Stancu C.S. Hyperlipidemia Determines Dysfunctional HDL Production and Impedes Cholesterol Efflux in the Small Intestine: Alleviation by Ginger Extract. Mol Nutr Food Res. 63(19):e1900029, 2019. (IF 4.653, Q1)
2018
Carnuta M.G., Deleanu M., Barbalata T., Toma L., Raileanu M., Sima A.V., Stancu C.S. Zingiber officinale extract administration diminishes steroyl-CoA desaturase gene expression and activity in hyperlipidemic hamster liver by reducing the oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Phytomedicine 48: 62-69, 2018 (IF 3.61, Q1)
Toma L., Raileanu M., Deleanu M., Stancu C.S., Sima A.V. Novel molecular mechanisms by which ginger extract reduces the inflammatory stress in TNFα – activated human endothelial cells; decrease of Ninjurin-1, TNFR1 and NADPH oxidase subunits expression. J. Funct. Foods 48: 654–664, 2018 (IF 3.47, Q1).
Niculescu L.S., Simionescu N., Fuior E.V., Stancu C.S., Carnuta M.G., Dulceanu M.D., Raileanu M., Dragan E., Sima A.V. Inhibition of miR-486 and miR-92a decreases liver and plasma cholesterol levels by modulating lipid-related genes in hyperlipidemic hamsters. Mol. Biol. Rep. 45(4): 497-509, 2018 (IF 1.889, Q3)
Deleanu M., Popa E.E., Popa M.E. Chemical composition and active properties evaluation of wild oregano (Origanum Vulgare) and ginger (Zingiber Officinale-Roscoe) essential oils. Revista de Chimie (Bucharest) 69(8): 1927-1933, 2018 (IF 1.412, Q4)
2017
Toma L., G.M. Sanda, L. Niculescu, M Deleanu., C. Stancu, A.V. Sima. Caffeic acid attenuates the inflammatory stress induced by glycated LDL in human endothelial cells by mechanisms involving inhibition of AGE-receptor, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress”, Biofactors, 2017 (IF 3.23, Q1).
Cărnuță M.G., C..S Stancu, L. Toma, G.M. Sanda, L.S. Niculescu, M. Deleanu, A.C. Popescu, M.R Popescu., A. Vlad, D.R. Dimulescu, M. Simionescu, A.V. Sima. Dysfunctional high-density lipoproteins have distinct composition, diminished anti-inflammatory potential and discriminate acute coronary syndrome from stable coronary artery disease patients, Scientific Rep. 7(1): 7295, 2017 (IF 4.26, Q1).
Sanda G.M., M. Deleanu, L. Toma, C.S. Stancu, M Simionescu., A.V. Sima. Oxidized LDL-exposed human macrophages display increased MMP-9 expression and secretion mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress. J Cell Biochem. 118(4): 661-669, 2017 (IF 3.08, Q2).
2016
Simionescu N., L. S. Niculescu, G.M. Sanda, M.G. Cărnuţă, C.S. Stancu, A.C. Popescu, M.R. Popescu, A. Vlad, D.R. Dimulescu, M. Simionescu, A.V. Sima. Hyperglycemia determines increased specific microRNAs levels in sera and HDL of acute coronary syndrome patients and stimulates microRNAs production in human macrophages. PLoS One 11(8): e0161201, 2016 (IF 3.54, Q1).
2015
Niculescu L.S., N. Simionescu, G.M. Sanda, M.G. Cărnuţă, C.S. Stancu, A.C. Popescu, M.R. Popescu, A. Vlad, D.R. Dimulescu, M. Simionescu, A.V. Sima.MiR-486 and miR-92a identified in circulating HDL discriminate between stable and vulnerable coronary artery disease patients. PLoS One 10(10): e0140958, 2015 (IF 3.057, Q1).
Stancu CS, Carnuta MG, Sanda GM, Toma L, Deleanu M, Niculescu LS, Sasson S, Simionescu M, Sima A.V. Hyperlipidemia-induced hepatic and small intestine ER stress and decreased paraoxonase 1 expression and activity is associated with HDL dysfunction in Syrian hamsters. Mol Nutr Food Res. 59(11): 2293-302, 2015 (IF 4.259, Q1).
2014
Stancu C.S., Sanda G.M., Deleanu M., Sima A.V. Probiotics determine hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in hyperlipidemic hamsters, Mol. Nutr. Food Res., 58(3): 559-568, 2014 (IF 4.259, Q1).
Simionescu, N., Niculescu, L.S., Sanda, G.M., Margină, D., Sima, A.V., Analysis of circulating microRNAs that are specifically increased in hyperlipidemic and/or hyperglycemic sera, Molecular Biology Reports, 41(9): 5765-5773, 2014.
GRANTS
International Grants
• 2023-2026 EU COST Action CA21153, “Network for implementing multiomics approaches in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention and research” (AtheroNet), chair Paolo Magni
• 2021-2024 EEA-RONO-2018 Grant, code: EEA-RO-NO-2018-0421, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, “Holistic cloud-based clinicAl decision support system for improving THE of coROnary atheroSClerotic Lesions after acute coROnary SYndromS” (ATHEROSCLEROSYS, 1,164,000 EUR)
• 2018-2022 EU COST Action CA17129, “Catalysing transcriptomics research in cardiovascular disease” (CardioRNA), chair Dr. Yvan Devaux
• 2014-2015 POS-CCE ID-1877/SMIS-CSNR 49154, “Structuration of a new compartment for cellular sorting and tissue cryo-preservation for research and therapeutic purposes” (SORTIS, 1.8 mln Euro)
• 2008-2012 POS-CCE 143/SMIS CSNR 2667, “Extension and modernization of the research infrastructure in order to increase competitiveness in the field of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity” (CARDIPPRO, 12 mln EUR)
• 2008-2011 EU COST Action BM0602, “Adipose Tissue: A Key Target for Prevention of the Metabolic Syndrome”
• 2005-2007 EU FP6 Grant SSA-EC 16873, “Strengthening the European Research Area by Reinforcement of Romanian Research Competency in Genomics and Proteomics of Major Global Risk Diseases: Atherosclerosis, Diabetes and its Complications” (950,000 EUR)
• 2002- 2004 NATO SCIENCE PROGRAMME, “Role of ApoE in Cholesterol and Triglycerides Homeostasis” (3,000 EUR)
• 2001-2004 FP5 Grant ICA1-CT-2000-70020, Centre of Excellence of the European Community, “Function and dysfunction of blood vessels: transcytosis in normal/ pathological states, alterations in atherosclerosis and diabetes; their therapeutic control” (100,000 EUR)
National Grants
Biochemical, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases
• 2020-2022 Experimental-Demonstrative Projects Grant, code PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1897, partner: Emergency Clinic Hospital Bucharest, „Validation of an assay protocol to measure panel of epigenetic markers in plasma to predict the disease evolution and to personalize the therapy of STEMI patients” (EPITERAMI, 125.000 EUR)
• 2012-2016 PARTNERSHIP PNCDI-2 Grant, code PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0184, partner: Cardiology Clinic of University Emergency Hospital Elias, “New predictive biomarkers for the evolution of the stable and unstable coronary artery disease identified by lipidomic, proteomic and molecular biology technologies” (BIOMARCAD,450,000 Euro)
• 2008-2011 IDEI PNCDI-2 Grant, “Molecular strategies for the reversal of atherosclerotic process by the modulation of secretion and cellular signalling pathways and intracellular assembly of anti-atherogenic lipoproteins” (120,000 Euro)
• 2004-2006 BIOTECH PNCDI Grant, “The employment of APOA5 and APOE gene polymorphisms as molecular markers in the study of evaluation of genetic risk factors of subjects with obesity and its associated disorders (diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis)” (APOGEN, 30,000 Euro)
• 2003-2005 VIASAN PNCDI Grant, partners: National Institute for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases „N. Paulescu” and Anthropology Institute „Fr. Rainer”, “The impact of obesity in generating diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in urban communities from Romania - a populational, physio-pathologic and genetic study” (OBEDIAGEN, 60,000 Euro)
Experimental models of dyslipidemia - preclinical studies
• 2023-2026 PNRR Program Grant, code PNRR-III-C9-2022-I8-CF197, “Enhancing the endogenous anti-oxidant and cholesterol removal potential by gene editing in fatty liver disease; pre-clinical studies” (THERAGENLIV, 1.4 mln EUR)
• 2022-2024 Exploratory Research Projects Grant, code PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0831, “Boosting endogenous anti-oxidant enzymes by CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, an innovative approach for complementary therapy in metabolic disorders” (OXIGENEDIT, 240.000 EUR)
• 2020-2024 Experimental-Demonstrative Projects Grant, code PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1929, “Experimental demonstration of an innovative biotechnology using CRISPR/dCas9 transcriptional activation to improve HDL function as therapy for cardiovascular diseases” (CARDIOCRISPR, 120,000 EUR)
• 2020-2022 Experimental-Demonstrative Projects Grant, code PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3552, “Development of innovative nanophytosomes designed for non-invasive delivery and improved bioavailability of biologically active compounds with antioxidant and immunostimulatory properties” (NANOGINROSA, 160.000 EUR)
• 2015-2017 Young Teams Research Grant, code PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0506, “Molecular mechanisms of hyperlipidemia-induced insulin resistance; metabolic connections between the intestine, liver steatosis and atherosclerosis” (MECLIPINSMETAB, 125.000 EUR)
• 2015-2017 Young Teams Research Grant, code PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0290, “Assessment of molecular strategies to improve atherogenic dyslipidemia by modulating the microRNAs expression” (THERAMIR, 125.000 EUR)
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of dyslipidemia
• 2007-2010 PARTNERSHIP PNCDI-2 Grant, partners: University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Carol Davila” and National Institute for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases „N. Paulescu”, “The study of the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms by which dyslipidemia induces insulin resistance; identification of probiotic active compounds and treatment methods” (LIPIDERI, 300,000 Euro)
• 2005-2007 IDEI PNCDI Grant, “The role of transcription factors PPARa and PPARg in the regulation of genes for atherogenic lipoprotein receptors on endothelial and smooth muscle cells” (55,000 Euro)
• 2004-2006 CERES PNCDI Grant, “Mechanism of endothelial dysfunction induced by atherogenic lipoproteins: study of gene expression of scavenger receptors for modified lipoproteins and of vascular relaxing factor (nitric oxide)” (LIPOGEN, 30,000 Euro)
• 2001-2003 VIASAN PNCDI Grant, “The role of endothelium in atheroma formation: the comparative study on protective effect of various statins on cells from atherosclerotic plaque” (40,000 Euro)
TRAINING AND FORMATION
Training stages and courses
• Teodora Barbălată and Jessica Ciobanu - Federation for Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) 10th International Course “Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: mice, rats and zebrafish” (ID 051/15), University of Crete - Department of Biology and Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 17 April - 7 June 2024
• Teodora Barbălată - Training School on Bioinformatics, EU COST Action CA17129 CardioRNA, Nicosia, Cyprus, 20-22 February 2023
• Teodora Barbălată - Training School on Soft skills development, EU COST Action CA17129 CardioRNA, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 26-28 April 2022
• Teodora Barbălată - Visiting scientist, INSERM U1167, Institute Pasteur, Lille, France (Dr. Florence Pinet), STSM of EU COST Action CA17129 CardioRNA, 5-25 September 2021
• Teodora Barbălată - European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) International Atherosclerosis Research School (iARS), Prague, Czech Republic, 17-23 August 2019
• Loredan S. Niculescu - Visiting Scientist in Cardiovascular Research Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg (Prof. Yvan Devaux), STSM of EU COST Action CA17129 CardioRNA, 4-15 March 2019
• Camelia S. Stancu - European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Advanced Course on Clinical Excellence in Lipidology, Bucharest, Romania, 21-23 November 2018
• Camelia S. Stancu - Federation for Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Course “Train-the-Trainer workshop on severity classification”, Munich, Germany, 12 September 2018
• Camelia S. Stancu - Federation for Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Course “Care and use of laboratory animals” (ID 051/15_12_2017), University of Crete, Department of Biology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 29 May - 9 June 2017
• Loredan S. Niculescu - Visiting Scientist in Cardiovascular Research Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg (Prof. Yvan Devaux), 26 June- 7 July 2017
• Loredan S. Niculescu - Visiting Scientist in Center for Molecular Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Prof. Leon de Windt), 1-30 September 2014
• Camelia S. Stancu, Loredan S. Niculescu and Gabriela M. Sanda - Second Training School of EU COST Action BM0904 (HDLnet), Bucharest, 26-30 August 2013
Doctoral studies / Ph.D. program
• 2023-present Jessica Ciobanu, Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Anca V. Sima
• 2018-2024 Teodora Barbălată, Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Maya Simionescu
• 2016-2023 Oriana Moraru, Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Anca V. Sima
• 2013-2018 Mihaela Cărnuță (Turtoi), Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Anca V. Sima
• 2011-2017 Natalia Simionescu, Ph.D. supervisor Acad. Anca V. Sima