Research  »  DEPARTMENTS
GENE REGULATION AND MOLECULAR THERAPIES

Gene Regulation and Molecular Therapies Department

About us

Gene Regulation and Molecular Therapies Department

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.

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, lipoprotein fraction analysis (FPLC and Lipoprint).

Research infrastructure and services: https://eertis.eu/erlb-2300-000h-0702

 

Our group was deeply involved in collaborative research.

Currently, we are implementing the project "Comprehensive and personalized assessment of acute coronary syndrome by multiomic approach and artificial intelligence strategy" under the HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01-01 CARDIOSCOPE Grant Agreement nº 101086397 (2023–2026), led by Dr. Paolo Magni (University of Milan). This project is an impressive opening between academic and private companies, and an excellent opportunity for collaborative research.

The project STROMA (PNRR contract 258/2023), led by Dr. Kyriakos Kypreos, is a fruitful collaboration between our team and Dr. Kypreos’ team: Strengthening Romanian competence in metabolic syndrome research by exploring the role of apolipoprotein A2 in dyslipidemia, obesity, and type II diabetes mellitus.

We were part of the international project Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance – ERA-NET PerMed (2019–2022), with Anca Gafencu as the Coordinator for the Romanian team.

We have had a fruitful collaboration with Prof. Dimitris Kardassis (University of Crete, Greece), which began in 2002, 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".

We were part of previous COST actions (HDLNet -BM0904), and we are actively participating in current COST actions: AtheroNet (CA 21153), CardioPharmaGENET (CA24165).

Scientific meetings and training courses

  • 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 and Sinaia, Aug 26–30; COST ACTION BM0904)
  • 2021 – Encapsulation of cells and drugs: materials, processes, and applications (project INTERA1)
  • 2023 – “The first COST Action CA 21153 AtheroNet MC and WG Meeting” (Bucharest, Mar 21–24; COST ACTION CA21153)

Team members

Head of the department

Dr. Anca Violeta Gafencu
anca.gafencu@icbp.ro

Author ID: 6506192688

ORCID: 0000-0002-1290-1346

Habilitation in Biology (2021)

Other positions

  • Member of the Scientific Council of ICBP (since 2014)
  • President of the Commission 19 (Biology) of CNATDCU (2020–2024)
  • Member of the Management Committee of COST Action AtheroNet CA 21153 (2023–2026)
  • Member of the Management Committee of COST Action CardioPharmaGenet (2025–2028)
  • Member of the National Scientific Research Council (CNCS)
  • Member of the Management Committee of COST Action HDLNet BM 0904 (2010–2014)
  • Executive Manager of FP5 “Centre of Excellence” (2000–2004) and FP6 SERA (2004–2007) coordinated by Acad. Maya Simionescu

Metrics & service

  • H-index: 16 (Scopus), 19 (Google Scholar)
  • Citations: 1574 (Scopus), 2212 (Google Scholar)
  • Reviewer for journals (Atherosclerosis, Cell and Tissue Research, Gene, Jove, Molecules, MDPI journals, Nutrition and Metabolism, Pharmaceuticals, BBA, etc.)
  • Reviewer for project applications (UEFISCDI, Research Foundation Flanders-FWO)

Awards

  • 2007: CNCSIS Prize (grant “Regulation of Apolipoprotein Gene Clusters...”)
  • 2007: Prize of Excellency – National Foundation for Science and Art
  • 2025: Nicolae Simionescu Prize of the Romanian Academy

Experienced researchers

Dr. Madalina Dumitrescu
madalina.dumitrescu@icbp.ro

Dr. Madalina Fenyo
madalina.fenyo@icbp.ro

Dr. Elena Fuior
elena.fuior@icbp.ro

Dr. Radu Ionita
radu.ionita@icbp.ro

Author ID: 57192676499 ORCID: 0000-0001-6944-7255 Citations: 304 (Scopus), 440 (Google Scholar)

Expertise: DNA/RNA isolation, gene expression (PCR/qPCR), ELISA/Western blot, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, animal experimentation and behavioral assessment in experimental conditions.

Dr. Irina Tudorache
irina.tudorache@icbp.ro
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5692-1560

Expertise: arterial disease research; molecular cloning, transfection, PCR, Western blot; development/optimization of lentiviral production and transduction for in vivo and in vitro studies.

Dr. Violeta Bivol (Trusca), Scientific researcher III
violeta.bivol@icbp.ro
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2980-3811

  • 2012: Special prize of the Jury – L’Oréal “Women in Science”
  • 2009: Best Poster Prize: “The interaction between the promoter and distal regulatory elements modulates the apoE expression in macrophages.”

PhD students

During my PhD, I am focusing on the impact of different apolipoproteins, such as ApoAI, ApoAII, and ApoE, on energy metabolism. I use both in vitro and in vivo models, overexpressing apolipoproteins through adenoviral-mediated gene transfer. I have experience in cell culture; producing and purifying lentiviruses for in vitro/in vivo applications; DNA/RNA isolation; molecular cloning; PCR; Western blot; transfection; viral transduction; maintaining breeding lines; performing intraperitoneal injections; isolating organs and tissues; Lipoprint subfraction tests; and high-resolution respirometry (O2k Oroboros).

Technical Staff

Ms. Mihaela Bratu – Mihaela.bratu@icbp.ro

Research

The work of the Gene Regulation and Molecular Therapies Department is interdisciplinary and employs state-of-the-art techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, and viral transduction in experiments on cell cultures and animal models.

The results are relevant to cell biology (transcytosis, cellular receptors), gene expression, the regulation of proteins involved in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Our main findings focused on endothelial cell biology, placental transport, and receptor-mediated processes are related to:

  • Transcytosis of macromolecules and caveolae composition
  • IgG receptors in placental endothelium
  • Transferrin receptors and transcytosis

Gene regulation findings

Findings in gene regulation map a coherent regulatory network in which inflammatory signaling and metabolic cues shape apolipoprotein gene expression (especially ApoE and ApoC-II) in macrophages and CVD-related cells, with direct implications for atherogenesis, HDL biology, and oxidative stress. The results define transcriptional control points (STAT1, NF-κB, AP-1, KLF4, CREB, RXRα) and modulatory inputs (glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, homocysteine, endotoxin, metformin):

  • Inflammatory signaling integrates at the ApoE promoter
  • STAT1 as a macrophage-selective activator via chromatin looping
  • KLF4 and CREB act synergistically to enhance ApoE
  • Homocysteine suppresses ApoE via NF-κB
  • Glucocorticoids act on ApoE expression differentially by cell type
  • Endotoxin downregulates ApoE, and metformin mitigates the effect
  • Thyroid hormones upregulate ApoE in astrocytes
  • STAT1–RXRα cooperativity elevates ApoC-II in macrophages
  • Bisphenol A and ApoA-I downregulation via NF-κB

Translational research

Translational research focused on engineering mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to overexpress Fas ligand to enhance their immunosuppressive and cytotoxic capacities. We established a method for adenoviral production and optimized transduction of murine MSCs, making the approach practical and reproducible. Main discoveries include:

  • Production of an adenovirus-delivered FasL minigene
  • MSC transduction
  • FasL overexpression in MSCs augments suppression and killing of activated immune cells
  • MSC-FasL exhibits enhanced suppression of T cells and other immune effectors

Current lipoprotein work

We analyze the functions of apolipoproteins in lipid metabolism and their interactions with glucose and energy metabolism, using classical techniques (ultracentrifugation, Western blot, Real-Time PCR) and modern tools including high-resolution mitochondrial respirometry (Oroboros). We determine lipoprotein subfractions using the Lipoprotein Subfractions Testing System (Quantimetrix), with gels analyzed using Lipoware software for cholesterol levels across fractions and LDL subfractions.

Ongoing projects

  • 2023–2026 STROMA – Strengthening Romanian competence in metabolic syndrome research by exploring the role of apolipoprotein A2 in dyslipidemia, obesity, and type II diabetes mellitus (PNRR contract 258/2023), led by Kyriakos Kypreos.
  • 2023–2026 CardioScope – Comprehensive and personalized assessment of acute coronary syndrome by multiomic approach and artificial intelligence strategy (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01-01 CARDIOSCOPE Grant Agreement nº 101086397). Project director: Dr. Paolo Magni (University of Milan). Coordinator of the Romanian team: Anca Gafencu.

Completed projects

  • 2022-2024: “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.

  • 2020-2022: Demonstration of the enhanced anti-atherosclerotic potential of apolipoprotein E targeted to the activated endothelium, by fusion with VCAM-1 binding peptide -project PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019- 4574 Project Director A. Gafencu
  • 2019-2022: Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance – ERA-NET PerMed – A. Gafencu - Coordinator for Romanian team 
  • 2016-2020 Improve institutional competitiveness in the field of type 1 diabetes by developing an innovative concept of immunotherapy based on mesenchymal stromal cells ACRONYM: DIABETER Project Director Nadir Askenasy.
  • 2015-2017: Genetically engineered apolipoproteins immobilized on nanoparticles: a Molecular Trojan horse targeting atherosclerotic plaque (Acronym:  APGEN) PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2143, Projects for Young Research Teams, supported by CNCSIS Romania (2015-2017), Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 2011-2016: Apolipoprotein E-based novel anti-atherosclerosis cell-therapy approaches, Exploratory research projects, project PN-II ID_PCE-2011-3-0591, supported by CNCSIS Romania (2011-2016), Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 2009-2011: Novel strategies employing genetic engineering to increase plasma HDL- the protective lipoproteins in atherosclerosis, Exploratory research projects:1307 supported by CNCSIS Romania, Project Director A. Gafencu. 
  • 2005-2007: Regulation of apolipoprotein gene clusters- an innovative therapeutic approach of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases- Grant awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Research: “Excellence Research Program: Projects for Young Researchers.” Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 2005-2007: 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- Grant awarded by the Greek and Romanian Ministries of Research- to Prof Dimitris Kardassis and Dr. Anca Gafencu
  • 2003-2005: ApoE gene regulation - therapeutic target in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases -Grant awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Research- National Research Program for Biotechnology "BIOTECH" Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 2001-2003: Characterization of albumin and IgG receptors, expressed by the endothelial cells in normal and pathologic states Grant awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Research- National Research Program "CERES" Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 2000: Functional analysis of the IgG receptors in endothelial cells - Grant awarded by the Romanian Research Ministry Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 1999: Identification of FcR in human placental endothelial cells-Grant awarded by the Romanian Academy Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 1998: Immortalization of endothelial cells -Grant awarded by the Romanian Academy Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 1997-1998: Lipid composition of the microdomains of the endothelial cell membrane-Grant awarded by the Romanian Academy Project Director A. Gafencu.
  • 1996-1999: Biochemical and functional characterization of the endothelial plasmalemma Grant awarded by the Romanian Research Ministry Project Director A. Gafencu.

Publications

PubMed-indexed papers (selected)

  1. Hypertriglyceridemia impairs HDL functionality, promotes macrophage metabolic activation and exacerbates antigen-induced rheumatoid arthritis in mice which can be reversed by fenofibrate treatment.  Axiotis I, Kakale A, Lazaridou D, Dedemadi AG, Chroni A, Multescu M, Gafencu AV, Tzardi M, Kardassis D. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2025 Sep 8;1870(8):159686
  2. Unravelling molecular mechanisms in atherosclerosis using cellular models and omics technologies. Kardassis D, Vindis C, Stancu CS, Toma L, Gafencu AV, Georgescu A, Alexandru-Moise N, Molica F, Kwak BR, Burlacu A, Hall IF, Butoi E, Magni P, Wu J, Novella S, Gamon LF, Davies MJ, Caporali A, de la Cuesta F, Mitić T. Vascul Pharmacol. 2025 Mar;158:107452. doi: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107452. Epub 2024 Dec 10. PMID: 39667548
  3. Proteometabolomics of initial and recurrent glioblastoma highlights an increased immune cell signature with altered lipid metabolism. Cosenza-Contreras M, Schäfer A, Sing J, Cook L, Stillger MN, Chen CY, Hidalgo JV, Pinter N, Meyer L, Werner T, Bug D, Haberl Z, Kübeck O, Zhao K, Stei S, Gafencu AV, Ionita R, Brehar FM, Ferrer-Lozano J, Ribas G, Cerdá-Alberich L, Martí-Bonmatí L, Nimsky C, Van Straaten A, Biniossek ML, Föll M, Cabezas-Wallscheid N, Büscher J, Röst H, Arnoux A, Bartsch JW, Schilling O. Neuro Oncol. 2023 Oct 26:noad208. doi: 10.1093/neuonc/noad208.  PMID: 37882631
  4. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α in Lipoprotein Metabolism and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Fuior EV, Zvintzou E, Filippatos T, Giannatou K, Mparnia V, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV., Kypreos KE, Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102696 - 03 Oct 2023
  5. Synthetic lipoproteins based on apolipoprotein E coupled to fullerenol have anti-atherosclerotic properties. Tudorache IF, Bivol VG, Dumitrescu M, Fenyo IM, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. Pharmacol Rep. 2022 Aug;74(4):684-695. doi: 10.1007/s43440-022-00379-8. Epub 2022 Jul 5. PMID: 35790693
  6. Apolipoprotein A-II, a Player in Multiple Processes and Diseases. Florea G, Tudorache IF, Fuior EV, Ionita R, Dumitrescu M, Fenyo IM, Bivol VG, Gafencu AV. Biomedicines. 2022 Jul 2;10(7):1578. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10071578. PMID: 35884883
  7. Treatment with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Overexpressing Fas-Ligand Ameliorates Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in Mice. Vacaru AM, Mazilu AM, Dumitrescu M, Fenyo IM, Gafencu AV, Vacaru AM. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 4;23(1):534. doi: 10.3390/ijms23010534. PMID: 35008964 
  8. An Efficient Method for Adenovirus Production. Dumitrescu M, Trusca VG, Fenyo IM, Gafencu AV. J Vis Exp. 2021 Jun 10;(172). doi: 10.3791/61691. PMID: 34180881 
  9. K2 Transfection System Boosts the Adenoviral Transduction of Murine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Dumitrescu M, Vacaru AM, Trusca VG, Fenyo IM, Ionita R, Gafencu AV. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 9;22(2):598. doi: 10.3390/ijms22020598. PMID: 33435318 
  10. Enhanced Suppression of Immune Cells In Vitro by MSC Overexpressing FasL. Vacaru AM, Dumitrescu M, Vacaru AM, Fenyo IM, Ionita R, Gafencu AV, Simionescu M. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 31;22(1):348. doi: 10.3390/ijms22010348. PMID: 33396269
  11. Adenovirus-Mediated FasL Minigene Transfer Endows Transduced Cells with Killer Potential. Dumitrescu M, Trusca VG, Savu L, Stancu IG, Ratiu AC, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Aug 20;21(17):6011. doi: 10.3390/ijms21176011. PMID: 32825521
  12. Simple and dual cross-linked chitosan millicapsules as a particulate support for cell culture. Fundueanu G, Constantin M, Bucatariu S, Nicolescu A, Ascenzi P, Moise LG, Tudor L, Trusca VG, Gafencu AV, Ficai D, Ficai A, Andronescu E. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020 Jan 15;143:200-212. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.045. Epub 2019 Dec 6. PMID: 31816371
  13. The Mechanism of Bisphenol A Atherogenicity Involves Apolipoprotein A-I Downregulation through NF-κB Activation. Trusca VG, Dumitrescu M, Fenyo IM, Tudorache IF, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 12;20(24):6281. doi: 10.3390/ijms20246281. PMID: 31842455 Free PMC article.
  14. Apolipoprotein C1: Its Pleiotropic Effects in Lipid Metabolism and Beyond. Fuior EV, Gafencu AV. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Nov 26;20(23):5939. doi: 10.3390/ijms20235939. PMID: 31779116 Free PMC article. Review.
  15. The Opposite Effect of c-Jun Transcription Factor on Apolipoprotein E Gene Regulation in Hepatocytes and Macrophages. Trusca VG, Fuior EV, Kardassis D, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar 23;20(6):1471. doi: 10.3390/ijms20061471. PMID: 30909560
  16. Apolipoprotein E - A Multifunctional Protein with Implications in Various Pathologies as a Result of Its Structural Features. Tudorache IF, Trusca VG, Gafencu AV. Comput Struct Biotechnol J. 2017 Jun 6;15:359-365. doi: 10.1016/j.csbj.2017.05.003. eCollection 2017. PMID: 28660014
  17. Preferential Association of Lissencephaly-1 Gene Expression with CD133+ Glioblastoma Cells. Brehar FM, Gafencu AV, Trusca VG, Fuior EV, Arsene D, Amaireh M, Giovani A, Gorgan MR. J Cancer. 2017 May 11;8(7):1284-1291. doi: 10.7150/jca.17635. eCollection 2017. PMID: 28607604
  18. Differential action of glucocorticoids on apolipoprotein E gene expression in macrophages and hepatocytes. Trusca VG, Fuior EV, Fenyo IM, Kardassis D, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. PLoS One. 2017 Mar 29;12(3):e0174078. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174078. eCollection 2017. PMID: 28355284
  19. High levels of homocysteine downregulate apolipoprotein E expression via nuclear factor kappa B. Trusca VG, Mihai AD, Fuior EV, Fenyo IM, Gafencu AV. World J Biol Chem. 2016 Feb 26;7(1):178-87. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v7.i1.178. PMID: 26981206
  20. Krüppel-like factor 4 synergizes with CREB to increase the activity of apolipoprotein E gene promoter in macrophages. Stavri S, Simionescu M, Kardassis D, Gafencu AV. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 Dec 4-11;468(1-2):66-72. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.163. Epub 2015 Nov 4. PMID: 26546821
  21. Thyroid hormones upregulate apolipoprotein E gene expression in astrocytes. Roman C, Fuior EV, Trusca VG, Kardassis D, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 Dec 4-11;468(1-2):190-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.132. Epub 2015 Oct 29. PMID: 26519880
  22. Metformin reduces the endotoxin-induced down-regulation of apolipoprotein E gene expression in macrophages. Stavri S, Trusca VG, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 May 29;461(2):435-40. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.04.057. Epub 2015 Apr 18. PMID: 25899745
  23. Beyond Lipoprotein Receptors: Learning from Receptor Knockouts Mouse Models about New Targets for Reduction of the Atherosclerotic Plaque. Trusca VG, Fuior EV, Gafencu AV. Curr Mol Med. 2015;15(10):905-31. doi: 10.2174/1566524016666151123110310. PMID: 26592248
  24. Regulation of HDL genes: transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational. Kardassis D, Gafencu A, Zannis VI, Davalos A. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;224:113-79. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-09665-0_3. PMID: 25522987
  25. The involvement of the monocytes/macrophages in chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. Fenyo IM, Gafencu AV. Immunobiology. 2013 Nov;218(11):1376-84. doi: 10.1016/j.imbio.2013.06.005. Epub 2013 Jun 19. PMID: 23886694
  26. STAT1 interacts with RXRα to upregulate ApoCII gene expression in macrophages. Trusca VG, Florea IC, Kardassis D, Gafencu AV. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e40463. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040463. Epub 2012 Jul 12. PMID: 22808166
  27. Macrophage-specific up-regulation of apolipoprotein E gene expression by STAT1 is achieved via long range genomic interactions. Trusca VG, Fuior EV, Florea IC, Kardassis D, Simionescu M, Gafencu AV. J Biol Chem. 2011 Apr 22;286(16):13891-904. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.179572. Epub 2011 Mar 3. PMID: 21372127
  28. AP-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of NADPH oxidase in human aortic smooth muscle cells: role of p22phox subunit. Manea A, Manea SA, Gafencu AV, Raicu M, Simionescu M. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008 May;28(5):878-85. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.108.163592. Epub 2008 Feb 28. PMID: 18309110
  29. Regulation of NADPH oxidase subunit p22(phox) by NF-kB in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Manea A, Manea SA, Gafencu AV, Raicu M. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2007 Oct-Dec;113(4-5):163-72. doi: 10.1080/13813450701531235. PMID: 18158642
  30. Inflammatory signaling pathways regulating ApoE gene expression in macrophages. Gafencu AV, Robciuc MR, Fuior E, Zannis VI, Kardassis D, Simionescu M. J Biol Chem. 2007 Jul 27;282(30):21776-85. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M611422200. Epub 2007 Jun 6. PMID: 17553793
  31. Proliferation, differentiation and characterization of osteoblasts from human BM mesenchymal cells. Titorencu I, Jinga V, Constantinescu E, Gafencu A, Ciohodaru C, Manolescu I, Zaharia C, Simionescu M. Cytotherapy. 2007;9(7):682-96. doi: 10.1080/14653240701561329. PMID: 17917883
  32. Relationship of eNOS gene variants to diseases that have in common an endothelial cell dysfunction. Heltianu C, Costache G, Gafencu A, Diaconu M, Bodeanu M, Cristea C, Azibi K, Poenaru L, Simionescu M. J Cell Mol Med. 2005 Jan-Mar;9(1):135-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2005.tb00343.x. PMID: 15784171
  33. Investigation of IgG receptors expressed on the surface of human placental endothelial cells. Gafencu A, Heltianu C, Burlacu A, Hunziker W, Simionescu M. Placenta. 2003 Jul;24(6):664-76. doi: 10.1016/s0143-4004(03)00041-9. PMID: 12828925
  34. Transcytosis of plasma macromolecules in endothelial cells: a cell biological survey. Simionescu M, Gafencu A, Antohe F. Microsc Res Tech. 2002 Jun 1;57(5):269-88. doi: 10.1002/jemt.10086. PMID: 12112439
  35. Severity of oxidative stress generates different mechanisms of endothelial cell death. Burlacu A, Jinga V, Gafencu AV, Simionescu M. Cell Tissue Res. 2001 Dec;306(3):409-16. doi: 10.1007/s004410100424. Epub 2001 Oct 23. PMID: 11735041
  36. Expression of functionally active FcRn and the differentiated bidirectional transport of IgG in human placental endothelial cells. Antohe F, Rădulescu L, Gafencu A, Gheţie V, Simionescu M. Hum Immunol. 2001 Feb;62(2):93-105. doi: 10.1016/s0198-8859(00)00244-5. PMID: 11182218
  37. Establishment of a pure vascular endothelial cell line from human placenta. Jinga VV, Gafencu A, Antohe F, Constantinescu E, Heltianu C, Raicu M, Manolescu I, Hunziker W, Simionescu M. Placenta. 2000 May;21(4):325-36. doi: 10.1053/plac.1999.0492. PMID: 10833367
  38. Protein and fatty acid composition of caveolae from apical plasmalemma of aortic endothelial cells. Gafencu A, Stanescu M, Toderici AM, Heltianu C, Simionescu M. Cell Tissue Res. 1998 Jul;293(1):101-10. doi: 10.1007/s004410051102. PMID: 9634602
  39. Expression of transferrin receptors in endothelial cells transfected by electroporation. Heltianu C, Serban G, Alexandru V, Gafencu A, Simionescu N, Simionescu M. Eur J Cell Biol. 1997 Jan;72(1):79-89. PMID: 9013729

Other indexed publications (list)

1. Transfection of type I receptor for immunoglobulin G in bovine aortic endothelial cells C. Neagoe, A. Gafencu, C. Heltianu, Current Protocols in Cell Biology, 1998, 3: 378-383

2. Immortalization of endothelial cells A Gafencu, C. Heltianu, A. Burlacu, W. Hunziker, M. Simionescu, Proceedings of the Romanian Academy Series B, 2, p.117-121, 2001.

3. Hyperlipemic serum stimulates the binding and the endocytosis of IgG by the endothelial aortic cells A. Gafencu, O. Postea, C. Heltianu, M. Simionescu, Current Problems and Techniques in Cellular and Molecular Biology 2001 p79-83.

4. Albumin binding sites in human placental endothelial cells A. Gafencu, M Dutca, C. Heltianu, Analele SNBC p. 64-68, 2003.

5. Expression of apoE3-HRP chimeric molecule in HEK293 cells I.C. Florea, V. G. Trusca, I.M. Fenyo, A.V. Gafencu, vol. XIV nr. 2/2009, p21-27 Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology.

6. The expression of translin is regulated by inflammatory stimuli in monocytes and macrophages E.V. Fuior, V.G. I.M. Fenyo, A.V Gafencu Annals of R.S.C.B., Vol. XIX, Issue 2, 2015, pp. 33 - 40

7. Enzymatic targets in atherosclerosis   E.V. Fuior, V.G. Trusca, C.Roman, A.V Gafencu - J Mol Genet Med 9:176.

8. High levels of homocysteine downregulate apolipoprotein E expression via NF-kB V.G. Trusca, A. D. Mihai, E.V. Fuior, M.I. Fenyo, A.V. Gafencu  World Journal of Biological Chemistry 2016;7(1):178-87. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v7.i1.178.

Book chapters

1. Molecular targets for atherosclerosis treatment I.M. Fenyo and A.V. Gafencu. From Vascular Cell Biology to Cardiovascular Medicine, 2011: ISBN: 978-81-7895-503-2

2. Organotypic brain slice model in glioblastoma research F.M Brehar, A. Gafencu, MR Gorgan  Book Chapter in Experimental Models in Glioblastoma Research January 01, 2015, Pages 73-83  ISBN: 978-163482535-1;978-163321924-3, Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

3. Signaling Pathways Regulating Gene Expression in Atherosclerosis Anca Violeta Gafencu, Ioana Madalina Fenyo, Elena Valeria Fuior, Madalina Dumitrescu, Oana Mirancea, Marius Multescu, Irina Florina Tudorache, José Basílio, Johannes A. Schmid and Dimitris Kardassis – in press 2025

Patent applications

1. Adenovirus containing murine FasL mini-gene for induction of the functional FasL expression in transduced cells – M.Dumitrescu, V.G.Truscă, A. Burlacu,  M.Simionescu, N. Askenasy, A.V. Gafencu – OSIM A/00512/26.08.2019

 

2. The technologic process of polymeric vesicles and tubes formation, D.Ficai, A.Iliev, A.Ficai, V.G.Trusca, A. V.Gafencu, S-M.Bucatariu, C.G. Fundueanu, M. Simionescu, E. Andronescu  – A 01054/5.12.2018
3. Intelligent nanoparticle systems for cell internalization- C. Movileanu, D. Ficai, A.Ficai, M.Calin, M.F. Anghelache, A.V.Gafencu, C.G. Fundueanu, M. Pinteala, M. Simionescu, E.Andronescu  A00339/15.06.2021
4. An efficient method for purification of lentiviruses used as delivery vectors for genes or other nucleic acid fragments A.V. Gafencu M. Dumitrescu,I Tudorache A A00688/27.10.2022.
5.    A chimeric protein targeted at activated cells for cholesterol binding and transport  - A.V. Gafencu, Fuior  Elena Valeria, Ghinea Madalin, Croitoru Ovidiu Valeriu - patent application A/00017 dated 17/02/2025

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