Research Groups

Molecular Hematology

Monterotondo Outstation

International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Molecular Hematology Laboratory
Monterotondo Outstation
CNR Campus "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso"
Via E. Ramarini 32
00016 Monterotondo Scalo
Rome, ITALY
Tel: +39-06-90091300, Fax: +39-06-90091260
E-mail: efremov@icgeb.org

Research Interests and Description
Group Members
Group Leader

The Site

The ICGEB Molecular Haematology Group, headed by Dr. Dimitar Efremov, is based at the ICGEB Monterotondo Outstation, within the international scientific campus "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso" in Monterotondo Scalo, Rome. The Campus area comprises approximately 158,000 square meters and hosts the EMMA animal facility, the Programme on Mouse Biology of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and the CNR Institute of Cell Biology. Situated in the modern science park of the town of Monterotondo, the outstation is located in the Lazio region at about 30 km north of Rome city centre and 65 km north east of the Fiumicino Airport.

The ICGEB Monterotondo Outstation was created in 2003, thanks to a contribution from the Italian Government, with the aim to widen qualified training in a highly competitive research facility and environment. The outstation focuses its attention on the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies, with primary interest in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B-cell lymphomas. The main goal is to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to disease development and progression, focusing particularly on the role of B-cell receptor and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. A variety of cellular and molecular approaches are used to address these questions in clinical specimen, cell culture systems and transgenic animal models.

The Facility

The Campus laboratories, cell culture units, animal facilities and other infrastructures are built and equipped according to state-of-the-art standards. Major pieces of equipment include automated DNA analyzers, electron-microscopy units, confocal and in-vivo fluorescence digital microscopes, FACS units, transgenic core facilities, histology and pathology units, cryo-preservation facilities, etc. The Campus has a library, a cafeteria and sporting grounds.

Collaboration

Close collaboration has been established with the Department of Hematology at the Catholic University Hospital in Rome on studies related to novel biological prognostic factors in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The structure of the Monterotondo campus also allows plenty of interaction with Research Groups at the IBC and EMBL.