Institute of Chemical Biology - National Hellenic Research Foundation

About Team Collaborations Funding Publications

The research interests of the Laboratory of Biomedical Applications Unit cover the field of the molecular biology of cancer, including skin, prostate and head and neck cancers. This is mainly achieved through the full elucidation of the role of crucial molecules in the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and the subsequent development of corresponding targeting strategies. More specifically, our research interests include the identification of reliable biomarkers with prognostic and predictive significance for patients with prostate cancer and patients with head and neck cancer; the ultimate aim is to significantly contribute towards a more accurate diagnosis, better risk stratification and the identification of patient personalized response to treatments. Dr Vasilis Zoumpourlis’ group has recently extended its activities towards the intriguing research of stem cells and their applications in cancer therapeutics. The current challenge of the group is to develop new generation translational products for cytotherapy-based cancer management and screening of drugs. To this end, the group recently transferred its long-term experience and know-how in molecular biology of cancer in the emerging field of stem-cell biology, in order (a) to design stem cell-based vehicles for effective and specific tumor targeting and (b) to develop improved in vitro preclinical assays for quick and reliable assessing of toxicology and safety profiles of drugs.

Major outcomes and achievements (2018-2022)

Identification of new predictive biomarkers for prostate cancer

We aimed to identify and investigate prostate cancer (PCa) biomarkers which could provide a basis for the emergence of an immune signature with strong prognostic and predictive value. Our targets were to analyze IFNγ/TGFβ and TCRVβ gene expression by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Major outcomes include

IL-8 was found to be significantly upregulated in patients with metastatic and advanced PCa, whereas TGFβ was upregulated in patients with indolent or slow progressing disease. Therefore, IL-8 and TGFβ could be used as biomarkers of disease progression and for the appropriate stratification of patients to risk groups.
Investigation of radiotherapy-induced changes in TCRVβ repertoire: the number of new TCR clones seemed to increase in the peripheral blood of PCa patients following radiation therapy, suggesting an increase in the number of released antigens (neo-antigens) into the circulation form radiation-destroyed cancer cells; these could potentially serve as tools to elicit specific immune responses and for the development of precision-orientated therapeutic approaches.

Immunotherapeutic strategies for prostate cancer fall into three main categories: (1) antibodies, (2) vaccines, and (3) adoptive cell transfer; these can be subdivided into smaller categories depending on the mode of action. Immunotherapeutic modalities in orange boxes represent strategies that have been shown to confer a survival advantage to prostate cancer (PCa) patients, whereas immunotherapies in blue boxes are either in pre-clinical/early clinical development or they have so far failed to demonstrate a survival benefit in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS).

Similarly, orange arrows represent an immune response, whereas dotted blue arrows represent a possible but not yet confirmed immune response. Ad5: adenovirus type 5; AdV-tk: adenoviral vector containing a herpes virus-derived thymidine-kinase; CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen; DC: dendritic cell; GM-CSF: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; HLA: human leukocyte antigen; Lm: listeria monocytogenes; LLO: listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-listeriolysin O; LNCaP: lymph node-derived human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line; MUC-1: mucin-1; PAP: prostatic acid phosphatase; PC-3: prostate cancer cell line derived from bone metastasis; PD-1: programmed death receptor-1; PD-L1: programmed death-ligand 1; PSCA: prostate stem cell antigen; PSMA: prostate-specific membrane antigen; scFv: single chain variable fragment; STEAP: six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate; TRICOM: TRIad of Co-stimulatory Molecules (Pharmacol Ther. 2021)

Related publications

Adamaki M, Zoumpourlis V. Cancers (Basel). 2021 Jan 6;13(2):173
Adamaki M, Zoumpourlis V. Pharmacol Ther. 2021 Jun 23;107932

Supporting Grant: NEOVIOPRO: EPAnEK 2014-2020 Operational Programme “RESEARCH CREATE-INNOVATE” (Duration: 31/7/2018-30/1/2022).

The role of taurine derivatives in inflammation and carcinogenesis

Our studies demonstrated that BAT is an emerging anti-proliferative agent with favorable efficacy, thus denoting a functional significance in cancer therapeutics.

In vivo antitumor action of BAT and Tau in a xenograft model. (A) Schematic experimental design. A total of 1 × 106 RKO cells were subcutaneously injected into the right/left flank of severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice (day −12). When the tumors became palpable, reaching the appropriate volume of 30–40 mm³ (day 1), the tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups (6 mice/group). The first group was used as a negative control (NC) group, injected with phosphate buffer solution (PBS), and the other groups received an injection (3 mg/mouse, total 5 doses) of either agent directly into the tumor on specific days according to the timeline. Mice were sacrificed 28 days after the first day of tumor appearance (day 1). (B) Graph representation of the mean tumor volume in an approximately 28-day period. (Cancers (Basel). 13(2):182.2021)

Related Publications

Baliou S et al, Cancers (Basel). 13(2):182.2021
Baliou S et al, Int J Mol Med. 47(4):37
Baliou S, et al Mol Med Rep. 22(3):2163-2173, 2020; 30
Baliou S et al Mol Med Rep 24(2):605, 2021
Baliou S, et al MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 1: 3, 2021

Supporting grant: IKY Fellowships for PhD student S Balliou (21/4/2018-21/4/2021).

Mesenchymal stem cells as tools for cancer cytotherapy

Regarding WJ-MSC- based cancer cytotherapy, first we performed a small-scale meta-analysis and a detailed review of the available bibliography. Based on the obtained results and observations, we evaluated the effects of naïve and genetically modified Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSC) on the proliferation and survival of selected cancer cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo. WJ-MSC were found to possess strong tumor suppressive properties, both in vitro and in vivo. mRNA profile analysis revealed a significant target dependence of the anti-tumorigenic effects displayed by WJ-MSC.

Mechanisms of MSC homing to tumor sites. Binding of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1 or CCL2), secreted by breast cancer cells or of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) secreted by breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells, on their receptors expressed on MSC surface can modulate the tropism of MSC to tumor sites. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), localized in the extracellular matrix (ECM), stimulates MSC homing through cleavage and subsequent activation of the G-protein protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1. In correspondence with the homing process of MSC to sites of injury, the interaction between integrin α4/β1 on MSC and its binding site on fibronectin of the ECM plays a major role in the transmigration of MSC into the extracellular matrix. Finally, MSC recruitment can also be achieved through interaction of VEGF, secreted by cancer cells, with its receptor on MSC. After incorporating in tumor site, MSC in turn secrete various pro-angiogenic factors, such as VEGF, fibroblast-derived growth factor, PDGF, and SDF-1 that facilitate angiogenesis. (Stem Cell Res Ther. 9: 336, 2018)

Related Publications

Christodoulou I. et al Stem Cell Res Ther. 9: 336, 2018
Devetzi M et al. Int J Mol Med. ;41(3):1177-1186, 2018

Supporting Grant: HFRI/GSRT Fellowships for PhD student M Goulielmaki, Grant No. 2400 (1/11/2017- 30/11/2019).

Mesenchymal stem cells as tools for toxicity screening

We demonstrated that the WJ-MSC-based toxicity model (WJSC-A-Tox) responds accurately to basic cytotoxicity induced by various chemicals and is also able to predict acute oral toxicity in vivo. This cellular model was, in turn, used for the study of basic cytotoxicity and for the prediction of acute oral toxicity of newly synthesized chemicals and nanoparticles for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications.

Ex vivo cytotoxicity screening of 7 selected chemicals on 3D scaffolds by means of the WJSC-MTS assay: (a) Growth and morphology of WJSCs in the 3D microenvironment of the inert polystyrene (PS) scaffold. Panels show representative composite confocal micrographs of WJSCs growing on the periphery of the microtubules comprising the scaffold meshwork (i) in the presence of growth medium (GM) only (control), or (ii) in GM containing a concentration of NaF close to its IC50. Each composite image was derived by merging 10 confocal micrographs taken across the tube diameter at 1.5 um steps (z-series). Mag = 40×, Mag bar = 25 uM; blue = DAPI nuclear staining; green = phalloidin staining of the actin cytoskeleton. (b, c) Comparison of linear regressions of human fetal WJSCs cultured on conventional tissue-culture-treated plastic (polystyrene (PS)) surface (2D culture), and in three-dimensional inert scaffolds with a rectangular mesh structure (PS inserts). (Cells 11: 2022)

Images obtained from confocal fluorescence microscope of the four graphene-hybrid materials and the respective dyes in Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSC) after incubation for 4 h, excited by 361 nm (Hoechst staining) and 581 nm irradiation. Cell nuclei were stained with Hoechst 33342. Magnification x40. (Dyes and Pigments 175: 2020)

Related publications

Prousis KC et al, Dyes and Pigments 75:108047, 2020
Goulielmaki M et al, Translational Oncology;12(7):932-950, 2019
Christodoulou et al, Cells 11(7):1102, 2022

Supporting Grant: HFRI/GSRT Fellowships for PhD student M Goulielmaki, Grant No. 2400 (1/11/2017- 30/11/2019); Krypis B 2017-2021.

Collaborative projects

Our research group has participated in collaborative projects for A) the elucidation of the role of appealing putative targets, such as: KLK6, KLK5 (Carcinogenesis 2018, Mol Oncol 2019; Pathol Res Pract 2020; Prof G Sotiropoulou), ZEB1/miR-200c/AGR2 genes (Cancer 2020; Prof Histka), and B) in studies related to the use of nanotechnology and natural products in cancer therapy (Nanomedicine, 2018 Prof K Avgoustakis); (Mol Pharm 2019, Prof D Fatouros); (Pharmacol Ther. 2018; Antioxidants 2019; Eur J Nutr 2020Α; Eur J Nutr 2020Β; Eur J Nutr 2021; Prof M Panagiotidis), (Redox Biol.2018, Prof I Trougakos).

Functional ablation of Klk6 restricts tumor growth. wt, Klk6+/− and Klk6−/− mice were challenged subcutaneously with PDVC57 SCCs. (a) PDVC57 cells display 2-fold increased Klk6 messenger RNA expression levels relative to the immortalized mouse C5N keratinocytes. Results are shown as median ± SEM for three measurements. (b) Representative photographs of mice bearing tumors are shown. (c) The graph depicts the growth of tumor volumes in all genotypes. (d) Representative photographs of tumor excised from all genotypes. (e) The expression of Klk6 messenger RNA in PDVC57 xenografts isolated from Klk6−/− mice was repressed relative to xenografts grown in wt mice. Results are shown as median ± SEM for three measurements (Carcinogenesis 2018)

In vivo antitumor efficacy of DOX + CUR-loaded peptide hydrogel (1 μM CUR + 0.164 μM DOX) in HSC-3 cell-xenografted SCID mice after intratumoral administration. (A) Tumor volume (mm3 ) (arrows indicate intratumoral administration of each treatment, *P < 0.05 vs DOX + CUR solution, and **P < 0.01 vs control and blank treatment groups, as revealed by Tukey’s post hoc test). (B) Body weight (g) changes were recorded every 3 days following treatment with saline, the peptide hydrogel, DOX + CUR solution (1 μM CUR + 0.164 μM DOX), and DOX + CUR peptide hydrogel (1 μM CUR + 0.164 μM DOX). (C) Tumor weight (*P < 0.05 vs control and blank treatment groups). (D) Representative images of tumors excised at the end point of the study on day 15. Data are presented as mean values ± S.D. (n = 4). (Mol Pharm 2019)

Targets and Strategic plan for the upcoming

Identification of new prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer

In the context of the NEOVIOPRO project, in collaboration with Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center at St. Savas Cancer Hospital, we aim to investigate possible alterations in immune-related gene expression levels in prostate cancer (PCa) patients before and after radiotherapy, which may be used for the prediction of the radiotherapy-induced therapeutic effect.To this end, we plan to use the Oncomine TM Immune Response Assay allows for the simultaneous evaluation of 398 genes related to immune system activation. Immune-related genes with a possible role in disease progression could be useful as biomarkers of response to the particular radiotherapeutic regime and as a targeted therapeutic strategy for PCa patients.

Supporting Grant: NEOVIOPRO: EPAnEK 2014-2020 Operational Programme “RESEARCH CREATE-INNOVATE” (Duration: 31/7/2018-30/1/2022).

Identification of genomic and transcriptomic prognostic bio-signatures in head and neck cancer

We aim to identify reliable biomarkers with prognostic and predictive value through the study of genes in patients with head and neck cancer (H&N) which: (a) are responsible for the production of proteins that are associated with the pathogenesis of H&N, (b) regulate the immunological response against cancer cells and c) enhance the suppressive mechanisms employed by cancer cells to develop resistance to anti-cancer therapies. The identification and analysis of TCRVβ clones will next be performed with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) with the use of Oncomine TM TCR Beta-SR Assay.

Supporting Grant: BIOKARETRA. EPAnEK 2014-2020 Operational Programme “RESEARCH CREATE-INNOVATE” 2ND CYCLE (Duration 28/7/2020-27/7/2023)

Preclinical in vivo evaluation of BAT efficacy and safety, pharmacokinetics and the underlying mechanism of action, remain to be addressed

Our in vitro findings have raised the next reasonable challenge, whether primary macrophages derived from in vivo experiments on LPS‑inflammation can get activated and comply with the dynamics of NF‑κB signaling observed in LPS‑exposed J774.A1 Mφs. The protective effect of BAT against LPS‑induced inflammation in vivo should be investigated in the future on other animal models of acute and chronic inflammation. In cancer, RNA-sequencing experiments are required for identifying potential transcriptional targets in cancer cells, following treatment with BAT or Tau. Furthermore, our future aim is to examine if BAT can overcome the resistance of colon cancer cells to BRAF inhibitor.

Supporting grant: (EATRIS-GR, 2018-2022).

The use of the new established WJSC-A-Tox model for the selection of novel nanoparticles, anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds of low toxicity

Our WJ-MSC-based toxicity model (WJSC-A-Tox) is a valuable tool for the reliable, fast and money-saving in vitro toxicity screening of compounds of different nature, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, nanoparticles, etc. Synthesis of such compounds and nanoparticles is the main object of many research groups inside ICB, NHRF. Consequently, our model is already being used for toxicity screening of most of these newly synthesized compounds. In this aspect, there are ongoing projects for the assessment of potential toxicity of a number of compounds and conjugated polymer nanoparticles for therapeutic targeting and/or diagnostic applications against cancer. These compounds and nanoparticles have proven efficient against specific cancer cell lines in vitro. Therefore, lack of toxicity against our in vitro model of normal stem cells would strengthen their anti-cancer activity. Finally, we will design in vivo experiments for the assessment of the antitumorigenic efficacy of these and future compounds against tumor xenografts in mice. What is more, one of our main future goals is to exploit the unique homing ability of WJ-MSC against tumors, in order to use these cells either as vehicles or as genetically modified carriers for therapeutic targeting of tumors in vivo.

Supporting grants: KRYPIS, 2017-2022, and support of other groups of our Institute; The research work of Dr. M. Goulielmaki is financially supported by Pfizer Hellas S. A. through the Pfizer fellowship for PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers.

The study of the activation mechanism of the p53 tumor suppressor

Mutations preventing p53 activation will be identified by genomic analyses and will be characterized by molecular and biochemical assays and microscopy. For these projects, the lab has pursued funding opportunities (ERC STG, #SEP-210733792 and ELIDEK, #07356), in collaboration with partners (Dr. B Vojtesek (Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, CZ), Dr. Robin Fahraeus (INSERM, Paris, FR) and Prof. Fritz Vollrath (University of Oxford, Oxford, UK). Similar grants will be pursued next.

Group Structure and Personnel

Members of the team from 2018 to present

Dr. Vassilis Zoumpourlis, Research Director, Group Leader
Dr. Manthos Papadopoulos, Research Emeritus

Post-docs

Maria Adamaki (1/11/2018-): Cancer Biomarkers
Ioannis Christodoulou (2012-): Stem cell Biology

PhDs

Nikos Houri (2016-2020): kallikrein 6 (KLK-6) in inflammation and cancer of skin.
Maria Goulielmaki (2018-2021): Toxicity, stem cell-based cancer cytotherapy, nanomedicine.
Stella Baliou (2018-2021): Taurin derivatives and anticancer therapy.

Collaborative PhDs

Hellen Zingou. (2016-2019), PhD Thesis: «Generation and characterization of novel mouse models to validate the role of KLK5 protease in inflammation for pharmacological applications» University of Patras, Department of Pharmacy, Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF
Christina Karavassili. (2017-2020), PhD Thesis. «Development of innovative peptide vectors with self-assembly properties for local administrations». Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics (MBG) of Democritus University of Thrace, Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF
Pelagia Chodrou. (2017-2021). PhD Thesis. «The mechanisms of effects of probiotic organisms in vitro and in vivo systems.». Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics (MBG) of Democritus University of Thrace, Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF

Masters

Eirini Moisidou. Master Thesis. The inducible immunopluripotent stem cells: Cytotherapy in regenerative medicine and in human disease design. Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and Medical School of Athens, Department of Physiology (2017-2018)
George Drillis. Master Thesis. LnRNAS: Regulation, function and cancer. Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and Medical school of Crete (2019-2020)
Aria Simatou. Master Thesis. Historical retrospective of the SRC oncogene and new perspectives. Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and Medical school of Crete (2019-2020)
Kaliopi Iordanidou. Master Thesis. Historical retrospective analysis of the p53 gene. Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and Medical school of Crete (2020-2021)
Alexadros Karagianakos. Master Thesis. "Targeting oncogenic pathways in the era of Personalized Oncology: A systemic analysis reveals highly mutated signalling pathways on cancer patients and puts therapeutic targets on display. Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and Medical school of Crete (2021-2022)
Maria Francesca. Master Thesis. “The evolution of the p53 molecules and the p53-MDM2 interaction”. Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and Medical school of Crete (2021-2022)
Katerina Vourlia. Master Thesis. “STUDY OF THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REPRESSOR ERF IN PROSTATE CANCER”. Medical school of Crete Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF. (2021-2022)

Undergraduate Students, Internships

Maria Margariti. Diploma. The Wharthon jelly stem cells as a tool for cancer cytotherapy. University of Ioannina, Department of of Biological Applications and Technology and Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF 2017-2018
Hellen Zervopoulou. Diploma: «In vitro and in vivo studies of the anticancer properties of natural products in cancer cell models». Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF and University of Athens, Department of Biology 2018 -2019

Practical exercise of undergraduate students

Kefalas F. "In vitro study of cytotoxicity of selected nanoparticles in standard cell systems." 2021, 2-month internship. University of Athens Department of Biology
Theodoropoulou M. "In vitro study of cytotoxicity of newly synthesized chemicals and putative drugs in standard cell systems." 2021, 2-month internship. University of Ioannina, Department of of Biological Applications
Kokkinogenis L. " In vitro study of cytotoxicity of selected nanoparticles in standard cell systems." 2020, 2-month internship. University of Ioannina, Department of of Biological Applications
Papakostopoulou S. "In vitro study of cytotoxicity of newly synthesized chemicals and putative drugs in standard cell systems." 2020, 2-month internship. University of Thessali, Department of Biotechnology
Kotsari M. " In vitro study of cytotoxicity of chemicals in cancerous and non-malignant cells." 2020, 2-month internship
Dalli E. " In vitro study of cytotoxicity of nanomaterials and drugs in standard cell systems. " 2019, 2-month internship
Zoumpourlis P. " In vitro study of cytotoxicity of nanomaterials and drugs in standard cell systems. " 2020, 2-month internship. University of Ioannina, Department of of Biological Applications and Technology
Georgia Τaktikou (1/7/2018-30/8/2018)- University of Athens Department of Biology.
Despina Voulgari (1/7/2022-30/8/2022.) - University of Ioannina, Department of of Biological Applications
Zoumpourlis P. (1/7/2022-30/8/2022.). University of Ioannina, Department of of Biological Applications and Technology

Collaborations

Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation

Dr Maria Zervou
Dr Ioannis Kostas
Dr Dimitris Papahatjis
Dr Vasilis Souliotis
Dr Olga Papadodima
Dr Theodora Calogeropoulou
Dr Christos Chochos

Institute of Theoretical and Physical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation

Dr Nikos Tagmatarchis

National

Prof. G Sotiropoulou: Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras
Assoc Prof G Pampalakis: Department of Pharmacy, University of Thesaloniki
Dr Kostas Baxevanis: Cancer Immunology & Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, Athens, Greece
Prof Ioannis Trougakos: Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784, Athens, Greece
Prof. Manolis Rizos: Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
Prof Dimitrios Spandidos: Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
Prof Dimitrios Fatouros: Department of Pharmacy, University of Thesaloniki
Prof Kostas Avgoustakis: Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras
Prof Michalis Panagiotidis: Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK. m.panagiotidis@northumbria.ac.uk

International

Dr Agelliki Malliri, Cancer Research UK Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, UK
Prof Allan Balmain, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, USA
Dr Borek Vojtesek: Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, Brno, 65653, Czech Republic
Dr Tanya Kadiyska: Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University, 1413 Sofia, Bulgaria
Dr Robin Fahraeus: Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, INSERM Unité 940, Université Paris VII, Hôpital St Louis, Paris, France
Prof. M Hirstka: Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, Brno, 65653, Czech Republic

Funding

PENED (1999-2002) (National Hellenic Research Foundation). Research program on “Mechanism of interaction of selective steroid receptor modulators with ΑΡ-1”, a competitive GSRT research network. Coordinator : V. Zoumpourlis (Budget 142 K€)
ENTER-01EP94: (2003-2007) : ( National Hellenic Research Foundation , Participant: Antisel SA). “Role of MEF2 transcription factor in heart hypertrophy and cancer development”. Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis. (Budget 73.3 K€.)
Czech-Greek bilateral cooperation (2003-2005): (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Brno Chech, Participant: Antisel SA). “Role of the p53 oncosuppressor gene in androgen-independent prostate cancer”. Contributor: Prof B Vojtesek, Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (Budget 24 K€)
French-Greek bilateral cooperation (2004–2006): (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute Pasteur, Paris France, Participant: Antisel SA). “Molecular mechanism for Androgen Receptor interaction with AP-1 in Prostate cancer”. Contributor: Prof M Yaniv, Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (Budget 24 K€.)
USA - Greek bilateral cooperation (2005- 2008): (National Hellenic Research Foundation). «Molecular dissection of the mechanism of Rho kinase in susceptibility to cancer progression and metastasis». Contributor: Prof A Balmain, Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (Budget 60 K€.)
EU project: ΤΟΚ (2007- ): (National Hellenic Research Foundation). «Supramolecular chemistry and gene therapeutic potential of amine-amine-substituted cyclodextrin end- functionalized triazine dendrimers based on melamine” Contributor: V. Zoumpourlis, Coordinator: I Kostas (total Budget 332 K€)
Czech-Greek bilateral cooperation (2012-2014): (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Brno Chech). “The regulation of p73 gene and the role of TAp73β isoform in lung cancer ”. Contributor: Prof B Vojtesek , Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (Budget 15 K€)
ESPA (2012-2014) Action: Support for New Business, Research & Technological Development (Bioellenica Biotechnology Company S.A, Thessaloniki, GR, National Hellenic Research Foundation). “The use of genetically modified adipose-derived MSC in cancer cytotherapy. Coordinator: Prof. G Koliakos, Contributor: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 200 K€; for National Hellenic Research Foundation 50 K€).This is a translational research program using the genetic modification of mesenhymal stem cells for cancer cytotherapy, through a robust collaboration with NHRF’s spin-off Stem Cell Bank TAK- EIE, as well as with Biohellenika Biotechnology Company S.A.
Research in stem cells (2008-) (National Hellenic Research Foundation, TAK EIE). “Research of stem cells and their applications in cancer therapeutics”. Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 200 K€).
KRYPIS (2013-2015). Targeted therapeutic approaches against degenerative diseases with emphasis on cancer and aging. (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Ιnstitute of Biology, Medical Chemistry and Biotechnology) Contributor: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 1500 K€ for Biomedical Application Unit budget 50 K€).
Greek – Turkey bilateral cooperation (2013-2015): (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Bilkent University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics). “ Role of p73 and its miRNA targets in chemosensitivity of liver cancer ”. Contributor: Prof Mehmet Öztürk, Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 130 K€ for Biomedical Application Unit Budget 30 K€).
Czech-Greek cooperation (2014-2016): (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Brno Chech). “Comparative studies of wtp53 versus mutant p53 in scid mice. ”. Contributor: Prof B Vojtesek , Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (Budget 12 K€)
IKY Fellowships of Excellence for Postgraduate Studies in Greece- Siemens Program. 2014-2016. Coordinator: Dr. V Zoumpourlis. Post-graduate research fellow: Dr. Stella Logotheti. Total budget: 40 K€. Lab budget: 40 K€.
KRYPIS B (2017-2020). Targeted therapeutic approaches against degenerative diseases with emphasis on cancer and aging. (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Ιnstitute of Biology, Medical Chemistry and Biotechnology) Contributor: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 800 K€ for Biomedical Application Unit budget 22 K€).
IKY Fellowships of Excellence for Postgraduate Studies in Greece- Siemens Program. 2016-2017. Coordinator: Dr. V Zoumpourlis. Post-graduate research fellow: Dr. Marina Devetzi. Total budget: 30 K€. Lab budget: 30 K€.
ELIDEK Phd fellowship. 2017-2019. Coordinator: Dr. V Zoumpourlis. Phd fellow: Mrs Maria Goulielmaki. Total budget: 18 K€.
IKY Fellowships of Excellence for PhD Studies in Greece- Siemens Program. 2018-2021. Coordinator: Dr. V Zoumpourlis. PhD research fellow: Stella Baliou. Total budget: 30 K€. Lab budget: 30 K€.
(EATRIS-GR) (2018-2021) Infrastructure for preclinical and early-phase clinical development of drugs, therapeutics and biomedical devices. Contributor: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 500 K€ for Biomedical Application Unit budget 30 K€).
EPAnEK (2018-2021) IDENTIFICATION OF NEW PROGNOSTICS BIOMARKERS FOR PROSTATE CANCER. (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Ιnstitute Chemical Biology) Contributor: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 624 K€ for Biomedical Application Unit budget 214 K€).
EPAnEK (2020-2023) Determination of genomic and transcriptomic prognostic bio-signatures in head and neck cancer. (National Hellenic Research Foundation, Ιnstitute of Chemical Biology) Coordinator: V. Zoumpourlis (total budget 824 K€ for Biomedical Application Unit budget 248 K€).

Publications

Peer-reviewed publications (2018 -2022)

Efstathiou V, Stefanou MI, Demetriou M, Siafakas N, Makris M, Tsivgoulis G, Zoumpourlis V, Kympouropoulos SP, Tsoporis JN, Spandidos DA, Smyrnis N, Rizos E. Long COVID and neuropsychiatric manifestations (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2022 May;23(5):363. Epub 2022.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11290
Kadiyska T, Tourtourikov I, Dabchev K, Madzharova D, Tincheva S, Spandidos DA, Zoumpourlis V., Role of testis‑specific serine kinase 1B in undiagnosed male infertility.Mol Med Rep. 2022 Jun;25(6):204. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PMID: 35485285.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2022.12720
Goulielmaki M, Davanos N, Kogionou P, Batsaki P, Stokidis S, Adamaki M, Mosa E, Vasilakou E, Zambatis C, Gritzapis AD, Zoumpourlis V, Baxevanis CN, Fortis SP The impact of radiation therapy on the TCR Vβ chain repertoire in patients with prostate cancer. Int J Oncol. 2022 Jun;60(6):71. Epub 2022 Apr 21. PMID: 35445738 Free PMC article.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2022.5361
Karagiannakos A, Adamaki M, Tsintarakis A, Vojtesek B, Fåhraeus R, Zoumpourlis V, Karakostis K. Targeting Oncogenic Pathways in the Era of Personalized Oncology: A Systemic Analysis Reveals Highly Mutated Signaling Pathways in Cancer Patients and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Jan 28;14(3):664. PMID: 35158934 Free PMC article. Review.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14030664
Christodoulou I, Goulielmaki M, Kritikos A, Zoumpourlis P, Koliakos G, Zoumpourlis V. Suitability of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Fetal Umbilical Cord (Wharton's Jelly) as an Alternative In Vitro Model for Acute Drug Toxicity Screening. Cells. 2022 Mar 24;11(7):1102. PMID: 35406666 Free PMC article.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11071102
Efstathiou V, Stefanou MI, Siafakas N, Makris M, Tsivgoulis G, Zoumpourlis V, Spandidos DA, Smyrnis N, Rizos E. Suicidality and COVID-19: Suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviors and completed suicides amidst the COVID-19 pandemic (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2022 Jan;23(1):107. Epub 2021 Dec 2. PMID: 34976149 Free PMC article. Review.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.11030
Constantin N. Baxevanis 1, Angelos D. Gritzapis , Ioannis F. Voutsas , Panagiota Batsaki , Maria Goulielmaki , Maria Adamaki , Vassilios Zoumpourlis and Sotirios P. Fortis. T‐Cell Repertoire in Tumor Radiation: The Emerging Frontier as a Radiotherapy Biomarker. Cancers 2022, 14, 2674.
https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14112674
Baliou S, Goulielmaki M, Ioannou P, Cheimonidi C, Trougakos IP, Nagl M, Kyriakopoulos AM, Zoumpourlis V. (2021). Bromamine T (BAT) Exerts Stronger Anti-Cancer Properties than Taurine (Tau). Cancers (Basel). 13(2):182.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13020182
Giannopoulou I, Galinaki S, Kollintza E, Adamaki M, Kympouropoulos S, E, Tsamakis K, Tsangaris I, Spandidos DA, Siafakas N, Zoumpourlis V, Rizos E. (2021). COVID-19 and post-traumatic stress disorder: The perfect 'storm' for mental health (Review). Exp Ther Med. 22(4):1162.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10596
Pampalakis G, Zingkou E, Zoumpourlis V, Sotiropoulou G. (2021). Ectopic expression of KLK6 in MDA-MB-435 melanoma cells reduces tumorigenicity in vivo. Pathol Res Pract. 217:153276.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2020.153276
Mitsiogianni M, Trafalis DT, Franco R, Zoumpourlis V, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. (2021).
Sulforaphane and iberin are potent epigenetic modulators of histone acetylation and methylation in malignant melanoma. Eur J Nutr. 60(1):147-158.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-020-02227-y
Adamaki M, Zoumpourlis V. (2021) Immunotherapy as a Precision Medicine Tool for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 6;13(2):173.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13020173
Baliou S, Adamaki M, Ioannou P, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI, Spandidos DA, Christodoulou I, Kyriakopoulos AM, Zoumpourlis V. (2021). Protective role of taurine against oxidative stress (Review). Mol Med Rep. 24(2):605.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2021.12242
Adamaki M, Zoumpourlis V. (2021). Prostate Cancer Biomarkers: From diagnosis to prognosis and precision-guided therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther. 24;228:107932.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107932
Drillis G, Goulielmaki M, Spandidos DA, Aggelaki S, Zoumpourlis V. (2021). Non-coding RNAs (miRNAs and lncRNAs) and their roles in lymphogenesis in all types of lymphomas and lymphoid malignancies. Oncol Lett. 21(5):393.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2021.12654
Baliou S, Sofopoulos M, Goulielmaki M, Spandidos DA, Ioannou P, Kyriakopoulos AM, Zoumpourlis V. (2021). Bromamine T, a stable active bromine compound, prevents the LPS‑induced inflammatory response. Int J Mol Med. 47(4):37.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2021.4870
Kokkinelis E, Deli M, Papakostopoulou S, Kotsari M, Zoumpourlis P Goulielmaki M and V Zoumpourlis. (2021) Review of the applications of mouse models in cancer research ARCHIVES OF HELLENIC MEDICINE 38(2):166-176
Kotsari M Kokkinelis E, Deli M, Papakostopoulou S, Zoumpourlis P Goulielmaki M and V Zoumpourlis. (2021) Review of the applications of iPSCs and their role in cancer. ARCHIVES OF HELLENIC MEDICINE 38(4):459-470
Zoumpourlis V, Goulielmaki M, Rizos E, Baliou S, Spandidos DA. [Comment] The COVID‑19 pandemic as a scientific and social challenge in the 21st century. Mol Med Rep. 2020 Jul 30. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32945405
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2020.11393
Simatou A, Simatos G, Goulielmaki M, Spandidos DA, Baliou S, Zoumpourlis V. Historical retrospective of the SRC oncogene and new perspectives (Review). Mol Clin Oncol. 2020 Oct;13(4):21. Epub 2020 Jul 14. PMID: 32765869
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/mco.2020.2091
Baliou S, Kyriakopoulos AM, Spandidos DA, Zoumpourlis V. Role of taurine, its haloamines and its lncRNA TUG1 in both inflammation and cancer progression. On the road to therapeutics? (Review). Int J Oncol. 2020 Sep;57(3):631-664. Epub 2020 Jul 14. PMID: 32705269
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2020.5100
Baliou S, Kyriakopoulos AM, Goulielmaki M, Panayiotidis MI, Spandidos DA, Zoumpourlis V. Significance of taurine transporter (TauT) in homeostasis and its layers of regulation (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2020 Sep;22(3):2163-2173. Epub 2020 Jul 9. PMID: 32705197
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2020.11321
Sommerova L, Ondrouskova E, Martisova A, Zoumpourlis V, Galtsidis S, Hrstka R ZEB1/miR-200c/AGR2: A New Regulatory Loop Modulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Adenocarcinomas. Cancers (Basel). 2020 Jun 18;12(6):1614. PMID: 32570918
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12061614
Mitsiogianni M, Trafalis DT, Franco R, Zoumpourlis V, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Sulforaphane and iberin are potent epigenetic modulators of histone acetylation and methylation in malignant melanoma. Eur J Nutr. 2020 Mar 25. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32215717
doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-020-02227-y
Kyriakopoulos AM, Nagl M, Orth-Höller D, Marcinkiewicz J, Baliou S, Zoumbourlis V. Successful treatment of a unique chronic multi-bacterial scalp infection with N-chlorotaurine, N-bromotaurine and bromamine T. Access Microbiol. 2020 Apr 24;2(7):acmi000126. eCollection 2020. PMID: 32974590
doi: https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000126
Goulielmaki M, Assimomytis N, Rozanc J, Taki E, Christodoulou I, Alexopoulos LG, Zoumpourlis V, Pintzas A, Papahatjis D DPS-2: A Novel Dual MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT Pathway Inhibitor with Powerful Ex Vivo and In Vivo Anticancer Properties. Transl Oncol. 2019 Jul;12(7):932-950. Epub 2019 May 13, PMID: 31096110
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2019.04.005
Karavasili C, Andreadis DA, Katsamenis OL, Panteris E, Anastasiadou P, Kakazanis Z, Zoumpourlis V, Markopoulou CK, Koutsopoulos S, Vizirianakis IS, Fatouros DG Synergistic Antitumor Potency of a Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel for the Local Co-delivery of Doxorubicin and Curcumin in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer. Mol Pharm. 2019 Jun 3;16(6):2326-2341. Epub 2019 May 8. PMID: 31026168
doi: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b01221
Mitsiogianni M, Koutsidis G, Mavroudis N, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Franco R, Zoumpourlis V, Amery T, Galanis A, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. The Role of Isothiocyanates as Cancer Chemo-Preventive, Chemo-Therapeutic and Anti-Melanoma Agents. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Apr 18;8(4):106. PMID: 31003534
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8040106
Pampalakis G, Zingkou E, Sidiropoulos KG, Diamandis EP, Zoumpourlis V, Yousef GM, Sotiropoulou G. Biochemical pathways mediated by KLK6 protease in breast cancer. Mol Oncol. 2019 Nov;13(11):2329-2343. Epub 2019 Sep 30. PMID: 30980596
doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.12493
STELLA BALIOU, MARIA ADAMAKI, DEMETRIOS A. SPANDIDOS, ANTHONY M. KYRIAKOPOULOS, IOANNIS CHRISTODOULOU and VASSILIS ZOUMPOURLIS. The microbiome, its molecular mechanisms and its potential as atherapeutic strategy against colorectal carcinogenesis (Review). WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCES JOURNAL 1: 3-19, 2019.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2018.6
Mitsiogianni M, Mantso T, Trafalis DT, Vasantha Rupasinghe HP, Zoumpourlis V, Franco R, Botaitis S, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Allyl isothiocyanate regulates lysine acetylation and methylation marks in an experimental model of malignant melanoma. Eur J Nutr. 2020 Mar;59(2):557-569. Epub 2019 Feb 14. PMID: 30762097
doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-01925-6
Christodoulou I, Goulielmaki M, Devetzi M, Panagiotidis M, Koliakos G, Zoumpourlis V. Mesenchymal stem cells in preclinical cancer cytotherapy: a systematic review. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2018 Dec 7;9(1):336. PMID: 30526687
doi: 10.1186/s13287-018-1078-8
Angelopoulou A, Kolokithas-Ntoukas A, Papaioannou L, Kakazanis Z, Khoury N, Zoumpourlis V, Papatheodorou S, Kardamakis D, Bakandritsos A, Hatziantoniou S, Avgoustakis K.Canagliflozin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles as potential treatment of hypoxic tumors in combination with radiotherapy. Nanomedicine (Lond). 2018 Oct;13(19):2435-2454. Epub 2018 Oct 12. PMID: 30311542
doi: https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2018-0145
Vlahopoulos S, Adamaki M, Khoury N, Zoumpourlis V, Boldogh I. Roles of DNA repair enzyme OGG1 in innate immunity and its significance for lung cancer. Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Feb;194:59-72. Epub 2018 Sep 19. PMID: 30240635
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.09.004
Khoury N, Zingkou E, Pampalakis G, Sofopoulos M, Zoumpourlis V, Sotiropoulou G. KLK6 protease accelerates skin tumor formation and progression. Carcinogenesis. 2018 Dec 31;39(12):1529-1536. PMID: 30137206
doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgy110
Baliou S, Adamaki M, Kyriakopoulos AM, Spandidos DA, Panayiotidis M, Christodoulou I, Zoumpourlis V CRISPR therapeutic tools for complex genetic disorders and cancer (Review). Int J Oncol. 2018 Aug;53(2):443-468. Epub 2018 Jun 6. PMID: 29901119.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2018.4434
Mitsiogianni M, Amery T, Franco R, Zoumpourlis V, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. From chemo-prevention to epigenetic regulation: The role of isothiocyanates in skin cancer prevention. Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Oct;190:187-201. Epub 2018 Jun 8.PMID: 29890115
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.06.001
Cheimonidi C, Samara P, Polychronopoulos P, Tsakiri EN, Nikou T, Myrianthopoulos V, Sakellaropoulos T, Zoumpourlis V, Mikros E, Papassideri I, Argyropoulou A, Halabalaki M, Alexopoulos LG, Skaltsounis AL, Tsitsilonis OE, Aligiannis NN, Trougakos IPSelective cytotoxicity of the herbal substance acteoside against tumor cells and its mechanistic insights. Redox Biol. 2018 Jun;16:169-178.Epub 2018 Mar 1. PMID: 29505920
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2018.02.015
Devetzi M, Goulielmaki M, Khoury N, Spandidos DA, Sotiropoulou G, Christodoulou I, Zoumpourlis V. Genetically‑modified stem cells in treatment of human diseases: Tissue kallikrein (KLK1)‑based targeted therapy (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2018 Mar;41(3):1177-1186. Epub 2018 Jan 3. PMID: 29328364
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3361
Baliou S, Adamaki M, Kyriakopoulos AM, Spandidos DA, Panayiotidis M, Christodoulou I, Zoumpourlis V Role of the CRISPR system in controlling gene transcription and monitoring cell fate (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2018 Jan;17(1):1421-1427. Epub 2017 Nov 16. PMID: 29257248
doi: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8099