About Us
Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology
Gene Regulation and Molecular Therapies
We are currently working in the field of atherosclerosis, focusing on therapeutic strategies and the detailed study of lipid metabolism. We use molecular tools and in vitro and in vivo models to explore the roles of various apolipoproteins in modulating lipoprotein function, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic cross-talk, including their impact on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in energy production.
Through our research, we aim to connect fundamental discoveries with real-world therapeutic advances in cardiovascular medicine. By integrating molecular insights with translational strategies, we attempt to shape innovative approaches to combat vascular diseases.
Facilities
Research Infrastructure
The research infrastructure is updated and includes the equipment needed for molecular biology (cloning, PCR, Real Time PCR, ChIP, electroporation, transfections), biochemistry (western blot, ELISA, spectrophotometric and luminescent assays), cell culture, adeno- and lentiviral production, packaging and transduction, cell encapsulation, and lipoprotein fraction analysis (FPLC and Lipoprint).
View facility & services listing →Networks
Collaborative Research
Our group has been deeply involved in collaborative research, spanning academic and industry partners across Europe and the United States.
CARDIOSCOPE — HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01-01
Grant Agreement n° 101086397 · 2023–2026 · led by Dr. Paolo Magni, University of Milan
Comprehensive and personalized assessment of acute coronary syndrome by multiomic approach and artificial intelligence strategy. An impressive opening between academic and private companies, and an excellent opportunity for collaborative research.
STROMA — PNRR project (contract 258/2023)
Led by Dr. Kyriakos Kypreos
Strengthening Romanian competence in metabolic syndrome research by exploring the role of apolipoprotein A2 in dyslipidemia, obesity, and type II diabetes mellitus. A fruitful collaboration between our team and Dr. Kypreos’ team.
ERA-NET PerMed — 2019–2022
A. Gafencu, Coordinator for the Romanian team
Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance.
University of Crete — since 2002
Prof. Dimitris Kardassis
Ongoing collaboration begun when Anca Gafencu was a visiting fellow in Prof. Kardassis’ lab under a NATO Science grant — Collaborative linkage grant: “Role of ApoE in cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis”, awarded to Prof. Vassilis Zannis, Boston University School of Medicine, USA.
COST Actions
Previously part of HDLNet (BM0904). Actively participating in AtheroNet (CA21153) and CardioPharmaGENET (CA24165).
Events
Scientific Meetings Organized
| 2007 | Advances in Gene Regulation — contract 016873/2005, SERA |
| 2008 | From Gene Expression and Protein Activation to Human Diseases — contract 016873/2005, SERA |
| 2012 | Simionescu Advanced School of Cellular and Molecular Approaches for the Progress of the Biomedical Research — Nov 5–14, supported by UEFISCDI |
| 2013 | “HDL Physiology, Regulation and Therapeutic Potential” — Bucharest & Sinaia, Aug 26–30, COST Action BM0904 |
| 2021 | Encapsulation of Cells and Drugs: Materials, Processes, and Applications — project INTERA1 |
| 2023 | First COST Action CA21153 AtheroNet MC & WG Meeting — Bucharest, March 21–24 (Network for implementing multiomics approaches in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention and research) |
Funding History · 1996–2026
Research Grants & Projects
| 2022–24 |
“A novel anti-atherosclerotic chimeric protein that impedes the infiltration of the inflammatory cells in the vessel wall” PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1755 · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2020–22 |
Demonstration of the enhanced anti-atherosclerotic potential of apolipoprotein E targeted to the activated endothelium, by fusion with VCAM-1 binding peptide PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-4574 · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2019–22 |
Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance ERA-NET PerMed · A. Gafencu, Coordinator for the Romanian team |
| 2016–20 |
Improve institutional competitiveness in the field of type 1 diabetes by developing an innovative concept of immunotherapy based on mesenchymal stromal cells (DIABETER) Project Director Nadir Askenasy |
| 2015–17 |
Genetically engineered apolipoproteins immobilized on nanoparticles: a Molecular Trojan horse targeting atherosclerotic plaque (APGEN) PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2143, CNCSIS Romania · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2011–16 |
Apolipoprotein E-based novel anti-atherosclerosis cell-therapy approaches PN-II ID_PCE-2011-3-0591, CNCSIS Romania · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2009–11 |
Novel strategies employing genetic engineering to increase plasma HDL, the protective lipoproteins in atherosclerosis Exploratory research project 1307, CNCSIS Romania · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2005–07 |
Regulation of apolipoprotein gene clusters — an innovative therapeutic approach of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases Romanian Ministry of Research, Excellence Research Program: Projects for Young Researchers · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2005–07 |
Regulation of the expression of the human apolipoprotein E gene in macrophages and the brain: new approaches for the treatment of dyslipidemias and Alzheimer’s disease Greek & Romanian Ministries of Research · Prof. Dimitris Kardassis & Dr. Anca Gafencu |
| 2003–05 |
ApoE gene regulation — therapeutic target in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases National Research Program for Biotechnology “BIOTECH” · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2001–03 |
Characterization of albumin and IgG receptors, expressed by the endothelial cells in normal and pathologic states National Research Program “CERES” · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 2000 |
Functional analysis of the IgG receptors in endothelial cells Romanian Research Ministry · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 1999 |
Identification of FcR in human placental endothelial cells Romanian Academy · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 1998 |
Immortalization of endothelial cells Romanian Academy · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 1997–98 |
Lipid composition of the microdomains of the endothelial cell membrane Romanian Academy · Project Director A. Gafencu |
| 1996–99 |
Biochemical and functional characterization of the endothelial plasmalemma Romanian Research Ministry · Project Director A. Gafencu |
Gene regulation and molecular therapies