The Unit's team

Researchers

Objectives
The Biomedical Applications Unit was established in 1996 with the scope of broadening the biomedical applications activity of IBRB by transforming research results produced by the Research Programmes of IBRB and by the Unit itself into products and services for the Greek biomedical community. Research in the Unit aims at discovering new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for endocrine-related cancers.

Services provided
The Unit is currently providing the following services on a routine basis:

Assessment of steroid receptor levels in endocrine-related neoplasias
Screening of natural and commodity chemicals for hormonal activity

In addition, two new services were launched recently with the scope of assisting clinicians in refining breast and prostate cancer prognosis.

The dissemination of information on the services provided by the Unit to the health specialist is promoted by publications of relevant articles in Greek medical journals, participation in meetings and round table discussions, issuing of scientific abstracts and direct contacts with clinicians. A pamphlet describing in detail the services provided by the Unit is presently updated and will be made available to the Greek biomedical community asap.

Research grants related to the R&D activities of the Unit (2000-):

1. 02PRAKSE98 (2003-05; GSRT): ''Immunodiagnostics for breast cancer prognosis''. Coordinator: Dr M.N. Alexis. Budget: 20 K€.
2. PAVET2000-00BE199 (2001-04; GSRT): ''Immunochemical tools for breast cancer prognosis''. Coordinator: N. Rassias, RAFARM S.A. Subcontractors: IBRB (Molecular Endocrinology Programme), School of Pharmacy-Univ. of Patras. MEP budget: 51.4 K€.
3. Ε!3060-SERMS (2004-06; EUREKA): ''Novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Synthesis and evaluation of biological activities.'' Coordinator: Dr D. Roukounas, ELPEN S.A. Subcontractors: IBRB (Molecular Endocrinology Programme), Dept of Chemistry-Agricultural Univ. of Athens, School of Pharmacy-Univ. of Athens. Participant: Molecular Paracitology Division - Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf. MEP budget: 36 K€.
4. Czech-Greek bilateral cooperation (2003-05; GSRT): ''Role of the p53 oncosuppressor gene in androgen-independent prostate cancer.'' Coordinator: Dr. V. Zoumpourlis. Unit budget: 23.5 K€.
5. French-Greek bilateral cooperation (2004-06; GSRT): ''Molecular mechanism for Androgen Receptor interaction with AP-1 in Prostate cancer.'' Coordinator: Dr. V. Zoumpourlis. Unit budget: 23.3 K€.
6. ENTER 01EP94 (2003-05; GSRT) ''Role of MEF2 transcription factor in heart hypertrophy and cancer development''. Coordinator: Dr. V. Zoumpourlis. Unit budget: 73.3 K€. Participant: Antisel SA.
7. Income from minor contract work: 8.7 K€.
8. Income from retail services: 15.9 K€.

Referred publications within the scope of the Unit (2002 - ):

1. Gritzapis AD, Baxevanis CN, Missitzis I, Katsanou ES, Alexis MN, Yotis J, Papamichail M. Quantitative fluorescence cytometric measurement of estrogen and progesterone receptors: correlation with the hormone binding assay. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2003; 80:1-13.
   
2. Zoumpourlis V, Solakidi S., Papathoma A., and Papaevangeliou D. Genetic alterations in signal transduction pathways implicated in tumour progression during multistage mouse skin carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis 2003; 24:1159-65
   
3. Fokialakis N, Lambrinidis G, Mitsiou DJ, Aligiannis N, Mitakou S, Skaltsounis AL, Pratsinis H, Mikros E, Alexis MN. A new class of phytoestrogens; evaluation of the estrogenic activity of deoxybenzoins. Chem Biol. 2004; 11:397-406.
   
4. Papoutsi Z, Kassi E, Papaevangeliou D, Pratsinis H, Zoumpourlis V, Halabalaki M, Mitakou S, Kalofoutis A and P Moutsatsou. Plant 2-Arylobenzofurans demonstrate a selective estrogen receptor modulator profile. Steroids 2004; 69:727-734.
   
5. Vlahopoulos S, Zimmer WE, Jenster G, Belaguli NS, Balk SP, Brinkmann AO, Lanz RB, Zoumpourlis VC, Schwartz RJ. Recruitment of the androgen receptor via serum response factor facilitates expression of a myogenic gene. J Biol Chem. 2005; 280:7786-92.
   

Patents and patent applications within the scope of the Unit (2002-):

1. Patent No 2000301000531/19-12-2003: 'Οnobrychis and Genista products for the prevention and treatment of hormone-dependent disorders'- Fokialakis N, Aligiannis N, Mitakou S, Skaltsounis AL, Pratsinis H, Alexis MN. - O.B.I 1004825. INT.CL: Α61Κ 35/78, Α23L 1/30.

2. Patent application No 20050100282/08-06-2005: 'Tissue specific antiestrogens selective for estrogen receptor alpha' - Alexis MN, Papahatjis D, Assimomitis N, Siriani D, Sekeris CE.

3. Patent application No 20050100284/08-06-2005: 'New substituted stilbenoid derivatives with meuroprotective activity' - Micha-Screttas M, Steele BR, Villalonga-Barber C, Alexis MN.

4. Patent application No 20050100424/11-08-2005/O.B.I.: 'Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to glucococorticoid and estrogen receptors as immunodiagnostics for cancer prognosis' - Alexis MN, Dimolea E, Florentin I, Pechtelidou A and Sekeris CE.