Molecular Cell Biology

Molecular Cell Biology Department

Molecular Cell Biology

Protein homeostasis is fundamental for cell function and survival because proteins are critical facilitators of  all cellular processes. Our goal is to better understand the processes that maintain the fine balance between newly synthesized and old or misfolded proteins, preserving the protein homeostasis and preventing various diseases. Current projects in the laboratory are focused therefore on  processes regulating protein lifetime:  protein  folding and maturation, trafficking, subcellular localization and degradation. Our research explores new ways of investigating the quality control process occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum that facilitates protein secretion towards the Golgi apparatus whilst regulating degradation  of misfolded proteins by ERAD pathways.

Protein processing with focus on antigen processing and presentation is currently investigated and aims at determining the exact role of ERAD components  in the generation of tyrosinase-derived tumour antigens.  Understanding of basic  mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation to T cells will provide valuable clues to enhance the efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines.  Deciphering the pathways mediated by the  tyrosinase-related antigen, TRP-2 is another focus of our group aiming at uncovering the potential implications of this antigen in the prognostic and therapy of malignant melanoma.

We develop new tools to extend our knowledge on the role of ERAD in the endoplasmic reticulum of secretory cells. Proinsulin matures in the  endoplasmic reticulum of  pancreatic β−cells and depending on the ER folding capacity is either secreted or destroyed. Our  hypothesis is  that up-regulation of ERAD enhancers may alleviate the ER burden in pancreatic β−cells by recruiting misfolded proteins for degradation. To verify this hypothesis we use model β−cells, intact primary  islets and animal models with modified ERAD and test the insulin secretion upon glucose-stimulation.

In the next years our research will focus on the molecular mechanisms of the folding and intracellular transport of soluble and membrane bound glycoproteins. In particular, melanoma proteins will be investigated in terms of  maturation, degradation and antigen presentation.

Stefana-Maria Petrescu, Dr.
Stefana-Maria Petrescu, Dr.

Director of Institute, Head of Department

Dr. Petrescu graduated from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Bucharest and obtained a PhD in Biology from the Romanian Academy. She was a DAAD fellow and FEBS fellowship recipient at University of Wurzburg, Germany, during 1990. She followed postdoctoral studies in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, UK. She obtained three consecutive Wellcome Trust Grants in collaboration with the University of Oxford from 1995- 2004. She investigated the glycobiology of tyrosinase from melanoma cells contributing to the fundamental mechanisms of calnexin associated folding and quality control of glycoproteins. She proposed tyros More...

Adriana-Alina Rus, PhD student
Adriana-Alina Rus, PhD student

Adriana-Alina Rus is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Adriana-Alina is currently working in Molecular Cell Biology in the Molecular Cell Biology.

Carmen Alexandra Tanase, Dr.
Carmen Alexandra Tanase, Dr.

Researcher

Ph.D. University of Missouri-Kansas City, Dept. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 2001. Protein import into mitochondria Post-doc. Kansas University-Medical Center, Dept. Cell Biology and Anatomy, 2001-2004. Role of e More...

Cristina Stefana Orobeti, MSc
Cristina Stefana Orobeti, MSc

Research assistant

2012-2016: Bachelor degree on Applied Engineering Sciences, Biomaterials and Medical Devices Specialisation, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bucharest Romania. 2017-present: Master student at More...

Elena Ganea, Dr.
Elena Ganea, Dr.

Senior Researcher (CS I)

TBA More...

Florentina Pena, PhD
Florentina Pena, PhD

Researcher

PhD (2006), University of Bucharest postdoctoral studies (2006-2008) - Utrecht University, Ineke Braakman group, the Netherlands since 2009 researcher at the Institute of Biochemistry, Stefana's Petrescu laboratory Gr More...

Gabriela Chiritoiu, PhD
Gabriela Chiritoiu, PhD

Scientific Researcher III

Gabriela Chiritoiu graduated from Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest (2004-2008). She received her Ph.D. in Biology from the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy in 2016, under the supervision of dr More...

Gabriela Negroiu, Dr
Gabriela Negroiu, Dr

Senior Researcher degree I

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Dr. Gabriela Negroiu has graduated from University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Speciality Biochemistry. Her PhD training program focused on the pathological degradation of the cartilage ECM a More...

Ioana Militaru, PhD Student
Ioana Militaru, PhD Student

Ioana Militaru is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Ioana is currently working in Molecular Cell Biology in the Molecular Cell Biology.

Ioana Popa, PhD
Ioana Popa, PhD

CSIII

1998 BSc degree in Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology- University of Bucharest, 2000 MSc degree in Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology- University of Bucharest 2000-2001 Research assistant- Institute of Biochemistry Ph More...

Laura-Georgiana Manica, PhD Student
Laura-Georgiana Manica, PhD Student

PhD Student

2016 - present: Ph.D. Student at Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy; 2016 - 2019: Resident Pharmacist in Pharmaceutical Laboratory at Emercency University Hospital Bucharest; 2011 - 2016: M.Sc. and B.Sc. i More...

Livia Sima, Dr.
Livia Sima, Dr.

Research Scientist II

Livia Sima studied biochemistry at the University of Bucharest from where she obtained her bachelor degree in 2003. After graduation she started working at the Institute of Biochemistry where she was accepted to participat More...

Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru, PhD
Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru, PhD

Senior Reseacher III

Mari Chiritoiu graduated from Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest (2004-2008) and received her Ph.D. in Biology from the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy in 2014, under the supervision of dr. Ste More...

Monica Tudor, PhD Student
Monica Tudor, PhD Student

Research Assistant

Monica graduated from Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest in 2019, where she studied Biochemistry. In 2021 she graduated from Faculty of Biology where she studied a Master's degree of Biochemistry and Molecular Bio More...

Petruta Alexandru, Dr.
Petruta Alexandru, Dr.

Research Scientist

Petruta Alexandru is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Petruta is currently working in Molecular Cell Biology in the Molecular Cell Biology.

Simona Ghenea, Dr.
Simona Ghenea, Dr.

Researcher

Simona Ghenea is a researcher in the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy. Simona is currently working in Molecular Cell Biology in the Molecular Cell Biology.

Sorina-Andreea Anghel, PhD Student
Sorina-Andreea Anghel, PhD Student

Research assistant

2019 - present: PhD Student at Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy 2019 - present: Resident Pharmacist in Pharmaceutical Laboratory at Marie Curie Children's Clinical Hospital 2014 - 2019: MSc and BSc in Ph More...

Year
  1. Trif C, Banica AM, Manolache A, Anghel SA, Huţanu DE, Stratulat T, Badea R, Oprita G, Selescu T, Petrescu SM, Sisignano M, Offermanns S, Babes A, Tunaru STrif C et al . "Inhibition of TRPM8 function by the prostacyclin receptor requires coupling to Gq/11 proteins", British journal of pharmacology, (2023)
    doi: 10.1111/bph.16295
    IF: 9.40AI: 1.49
  2. Balázs Váradi, Károly Brezovcsik, Zoltán Garda, Eniko Madarasi, Horea Szedlacsek, Rodica-Aura Badea, Andrei-Mihai Vasilescu, Adina-Gabriela Puiu, Aura Ionescu, Livia-Elena Sima, Cristian V.A. Munteanu, Simona Călăraș, Adrienn Vagner, Dezső Szikra, Ngô Minh Toàn, Tibor Nagy, Zoltán Szűcs, Stefan Eugen Szedlacsek, Gabor Nagy and Gyula Tircsó.Balázs Váradi et al . "Synthesis and characterization of a novel [52Mn]Mn-labelled affibody based radiotracer for HER2+ targeting", Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, (2023)
    doi: 10.1039/D3QI00356F
    IF: 7.78AI: 1.01
  3. Chiritoiu G., Munteanu CVA., Sulea TA., Spiridon L., Petrescu AJ., Jandus C., Romero P., Petrescu SM.Chiritoiu G. et al . "Methionine oxidation selectively enhances T cell reactivity against a melanoma antigen", iScience(107205), (2023)
    doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107205
    IF: 6.10AI: 1.63
  4. Flintoaca Alexandru PR, Chiritoiu GN, Lixandru D, Zurac S, Ionescu-Targoviste C, Petrescu SMFlintoaca Alexandru PR et al . "EDEM1 regulates the insulin mRNA level by inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced IRE1/JNK/c-Jun pathway", iScience 26(10): 107956, (2023)
    doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107956
    IF: 6.10AI: 1.63
  5. Militaru IV, Rus AA, Munteanu CVA, Manica G, Petrescu SMMilitaru IV et al . "New panel of biomarkers to discriminate between amelanotic and melanotic metastatic melanoma", Frontiers in oncology 12: 1061832, (2023)
    doi: doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1061832
    IF: 5.74AI: 1.15
  6. Toderascu LI, Sima LE, Orobeti S, Florian PE, Icriverzi M, Maraloiu V-A, Comanescu C, Iacob N, Kuncser V, Antohe I, Popescu-Pelin G, Stanciu G, Ionita P, Mihailescu CN, Socol GToderascu LI et al . "Synthesis and Anti-Melanoma Activity of L-Cysteine-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin", Nanomaterials 13(4): 621-642, (2023)
    IF: 5.72AI: 0.70
  7. Rus AA, Militaru IV, Popa I, Munteanu CVA, Sima LE, Platt N, Platt FM, Petrescu ȘMRus AA et al . "NPC1 plays a role in the trafficking of specific cargo to melanosomes", Journal of Biological Chemistry(Aug;299(8):105024), (2023)
    doi: doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105024
    IF: 5.50AI: 1.40
  8. Anghel SA, Badea RA, Chiritoiu G, Patriche DS, Alexandru PR, Pena FAnghel SA et al . "Novel luciferase-based GLP-1 reporter assay reveals naturally-occurring secretagogues", British journal of pharmacology, (2022)
    IF: 9.47AI: 1.62
  9. Sima LE, Matei D, Condello SSima LE et al . "The Outside-In Journey of Tissue Transglutaminase in Cancer", Cells 11(11), (2022)
    IF: 6.60
  10. Munteanu CVA, Chirițoiu GN, Petrescu AJ, Petrescu ȘMMunteanu CVA et al . "Defining the altered glycoproteomic space of the early secretory pathway by class I mannosidase pharmacological inhibition", Frontiers in molecular biosciences 9: 1064868, (2022)
    IF: 6.11AI: 1.33
  11. Chiritoiu-Butnaru M, Stewart ES, Zhang M, Malhotra V, Villeneuve JChiritoiu-Butnaru M et al . "Editorial: Unconventional protein secretion: From basic mechanisms to dysregulation in disease", Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, (2022)
    IF: 6.08AI: 1.28
  12. Anca Filimon, Iulia A. Preda, Adina F. Boloca, Gabriela NegroiuAnca Filimon et al . "Interleukin-8 in Melanoma Pathogenesis, Prognosis and Therapy—An Integrated View into Other Neoplasms and Chemokine Networks", Cells 120(11): 1-28, (2022)
    doi: 10.3390/cells11010120
    IF: 6.00
  13. Ghenea S, Chiritoiu M, Tacutu R, Miranda-Vizuete A, Petrescu SMGhenea S et al . "Targeting EDEM protects against ER stress and improves development and survival in C. elegans", PLoS genetics 18(2): e1010069, (2022)
    IF: 5.90AI: 2.47
  14. Iulia-Roxana Angelescu, Silvia-Simona Grosu-Tudor # 1, Lucia-Roxana Cojoc, Gabriel-Mihai Maria, Gabriela N Chirițoiu, Cristian V A Munteanu, Medana ZamfirIulia-Roxana Angelescu et al . "Isolation, characterization, and mode of action of a class III bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus helveticus 34.9", World J Microbiol Biotechnol .(38): 220, (2022)
    IF: 4.25AI: 0.64
  15. Chiritoiu-Butnaru M, Chiritoiu G, Ghenea S, Isvoranu GChiritoiu-Butnaru M et al . "Linie celulara reporter pentru testarea activitatii unor modulatori ai sintezei si secretiei proteinei IL-1B", OSIM, (2022)
  16. Sima LE, Chen S, Cardenas H, Zhao G, Wang Y, Ivan C, Huang H, Zhang B, Matei DSima LE et al . "Loss of host tissue transglutaminase boosts antitumor T cell immunity by altering STAT1/STAT3 phosphorylation in ovarian cancer", Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer(9): e002682, (2021)
    IF: 13.75
  17. Anghel SA, Ioniță-Mîndrican C-B, Luca I, Pop ALAnghel SA et al . "Promising Epigenetic Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review", Cancers 13(19): 4965, (2021)
    IF: 6.64
  18. Munteanu CVA, Chirițoiu GN, Chirițoiu M, Ghenea S, Petrescu AJ, Petrescu ȘMMunteanu CVA et al . "Affinity proteomics and deglycoproteomics uncover novel EDEM2 endogenous substrates and an integrative ERAD network", Molecular & cellular proteomics : MCP: 100125, (2021)
    IF: 5.91AI: 2.26
  19. Manica G, Ghenea S, Munteanu CVA, Martin EC, Butnaru C, Surleac M, Chiritoiu GN, Alexandru PR, Petrescu AJ, Petrescu SMManica G et al . "EDEM3 Domains Cooperate to Perform Its Overall Cell Functioning", Int. J. Mol. Sci. 4(22): 2172, (2021)
    IF: 4.56AI: 0.80
  20. Isvoranu G, Surcel M, Munteanu AN, Bratu OG, Ionita-Radu F, Neagu MT, Chiritoiu-Butnaru MIsvoranu G et al . "Therapeutic potential of interleukin-15 in cancer (Review)", Experimental and therapeutic medicine 22(1): 675, (2021)
    IF: 1.78
  21. Chirițoiu GN, Chirițoiu M, Munteanu CVAChirițoiu GN et al . "Dataset of human EDEM2 melanoma cells proteomics, affinity proteomics and deglycoproteomics", Data in brief 39: 107471, (2021)
  22. Bonciu AF, Orobeti S, Sima LE, Icriverzi M, Filipescu M, Moldovan A, Popescu A, Dinca V, Dinescu M, Bonciu AF et al . "Pyramidal shaped ceria nano-biointerfaces for studying the early bone cell response", Applied Surface Science 533(10): 147464, (2020)
    IF: 6.70AI: 0.60
  23. Chiritoiu M, Chiritoiu GN, Munteanu CVA, Pastrama F, Ivessa NE and Petrescu SMChiritoiu M et al . "EDEM1 Drives Misfolded Protein Degradation via ERAD and Exploits ER-Phagy as Back-Up Mechanism When ERAD Is Impaired", International Journal of Molecular Sciences 10(21): 3468, (2020)
    IF: 4.10
  24. Boteanu RM, Suica VI, Ivan L, Safciuc F, Uyy E, Dragan E, Croitoru SM, Grumezescu V, Chiritoiu M, Sima LE, Vlagioiu C, Socol G, Antohe FBoteanu RM et al . "Proteomics of regenerated tissue in response to a titanium implant with a bioactive surface in a rat tibial defect model", Scientific reports 10(1): 18493, (2020)
    IF: 3.99AI: 1.90
  25. Sima LE, Chiritoiu G, Negut I, Grumezescu V, Orobeti S, Munteanu CVA, Sima F, Axente ESima LE et al . "Functionalized Graphene Oxide Thin Films for Anti-tumor Drug Delivery to Melanoma Cells", Frontiers in chemistry 8: 184, (2020)
    IF: 3.70
  26. Visan AI, Popescu-Pelin G, Gherasim O, Mihailescu A, Socol M, Zgura I, Chiritoiu M, Elena Sima L, Antohe F, Ivan L, Vranceanu DM, M Cotruț C, Cristescu R, Socol GVisan AI et al . "Long-Term Evaluation of Dip-Coated PCL-Blend-PEG Coatings in Simulated Conditions", Polymers 12(3), (2020)
    IF: 3.42AI: 0.90
  27. Mernea M, Ulăreanu R, Călboreanu O, Chirițoiu G, Cucu D, Mihăilescu DFMernea M et al . "N-glycosylation state of TRPM8 protein revealed by terahertz spectroscopy and molecular modelling", Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects 1864(7): 129580, (2020)
    IF: 3.42
  28. Chiritoiu M, Brouwers N, Turacchio G, Pirozzi M, Malhotra VChiritoiu M et al . "GRASP55 and UPR Control Interleukin-1β Aggregation and Secretion", Developmental cell 49(1): 145-155.e4, (2019)
    IF: 9.19
  29. Brixhilda Domi, Carlos Rumbo, Javier García-Tojal, Livia Elena Sima, Gabriela Negroiu, Juan Antonio Tamayo-RamosBrixhilda Domi et al . "Interaction Analysis of Commercial Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles with Unicellular Systems and Biomolecules", International Journal of Molecular Science 205(21): 1-19, (2019)
    doi: 10.3390/ijms21010205
    IF: 4.50
  30. Coman AG, Paun A, Popescu CC, Hădade ND, Hanganu A, Chiritoiu G, Farcasanu IC, Matache MComan AG et al . "A novel adaptive fluorescent probe for cell labelling", Bioorg Chem.(92): 103295, (2019)
    IF: 3.93
  31. Icriverzi M, Bonciu A, Rusen L, Sima LE, Brajnicov S, Cimpean A, Evans RW, Dinca V, Roseanu AIcriverzi M et al . "Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response to Lactoferrin-based Composite Coatings", Materials (Basel, Switzerland) 12(20), (2019)
    IF: 2.97AI: 0.80
  32. Alexandru Petruta, Cretoiu Sanda, Simona Dima, and Irinel PopescuAlexandru Petruta et al . "CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in Huh7 and Hepa RG cell lines", Romanian Biotechnological Letters(24): 216-228, (2019)
    IF: 0.59
  33. Villeneuve J, Bassaganyas L, Lepreux S, Chiritoiu M, Costet P, Ripoche J, Malhotra V, Schekman RVilleneuve J et al . "Unconventional secretion of FABP4 by endosomes and secretory lysosomes", The Journal of cell biology 217(2): 649-665, (2018)
    IF: 8.89
  34. Condello S, Sima L, Ivan C, Cardenas H, Schiltz G, Mishra RK, Matei DCondello S et al . "Tissue Tranglutaminase Regulates Interactions between Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Niche", Cancer research 78(11): 2990-3001, (2018)
    doi: https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-17-2319
    IF: 8.38AI: 3.20
  35. M. Icriverzi, L. Rusen, L. E. Sima, A. Moldovan, S. Brajnicov, A. Bonciu, N. Mihailescu, M. Dinescu, A. Cimpean, A. Roseanu, V. DincaM. Icriverzi et al . "In vitro behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) based biointerfaces obtained by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation", Applied Surface Science 440: 712-724, (2018)
    IF: 5.16AI: 0.60
  36. Popescu A C, Florian P E, Stan G E, Popescu-Pelin G, Zgura I, Enculescu M, Oktar F N, Trusca R, Sima L E, Roseanu A, Duta LPopescu A C et al . "Physical-chemical characterization and biological assessment of simple and lithium-doped biological-derived hydroxyapatite thin films for a new generation of metallic implants", Applied Surface Science 439: 724-735, (2018)
    IF: 5.15AI: 0.60
  37. Alexandra Gaspar-Pintiliescu, Ana-Maria Seciu, Florin Miculescu, Lucia Moldovan, Elena Ganea, Oana CraciunescuAlexandra Gaspar-Pintiliescu et al . "Enhanced extracellular matrix synthesis using collagen dressings loaded with Artemisia absinthium plant extract", (Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers), (2018)
  38. Nwani NG, Sima LE, Nieves-Neira W, Matei DNwani NG et al . "Targeting the Microenvironment in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer", Cancers 10(8), (2018)
  39. Scarisoreanu ND, Craciun F, Ion V, Birjega R, Bercea A, Dinca V, Dinescu M, Sima LE, Icriverzi M, Roseanu A, Gruionu L, Gruionu GScarisoreanu ND et al . "Lead-Free Piezoelectric (Ba,Ca)(Zr,Ti)O3 Thin Films for Biocompatible and Flexible Devices", ACS applied materials & interfaces 9(1): 266-278, (2017)
    IF: 8.30AI: 1.50
  40. Lixandru D, Alexandru P, Mihai A, Roşca A, Ionescu-Tîrgovişte C, Braşoveanu LI, Manuel-Y-Keenoy BLixandru D et al . "Decreased paraoxonase 2 enzymatic activity in monocyte/macrophages cells. A comparative in vivo and in vitro study for diabetes", Free radical research 51(6): 604-615, (2017)
    IF: 3.04
  41. Ruta LL, Lin YF, Kissen R, Nicolau I, Neagoe AD, Ghenea S, Bones AM, Farcasanu ICRuta LL et al . "Anchoring plant metallothioneins to the inner face of the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells leads to heavy metal accumulation", PloS one 12(5): e0178393, (2017)
    IF: 2.77
  42. Deftu AF, Filippi A, Shibsaki K, Gheorghe RO, Chiritoiu M, Ristoiu VDeftu AF et al . "Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) modulate the activity of TRPV1+/IB4+ cultured rat dorsal root ganglia neurons upon short-term and acute application", Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society 68(3): 385-395, (2017)
    IF: 2.48
  43. Uta M, Sima LE, Hoffmann P, Dinca V, Branza-Nichita NUta M et al . "Development of a DsRed-expressing HepaRG cell line for real-time monitoring of hepatocyte-like cell differentiation by fluorescence imaging, with application in screening of novel geometric microstructured cell growth substrates", Biomedical microdevices 19(1): 3, (2017)
    IF: 2.08AI: 0.70
  44. A Visan, R Cristescu, N Stefan, M Miroiu, C Nita, M Socol, C Florica, O Rasoga, I Zgura, LE Sima, M Chiritoiu, MC Chifiriuc, AM Holban, IN Mihailescu, G SocolA Visan et al . "Antimicrobial polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol embedded lysozyme coatings of Ti implants for osteoblast functional properties in tissue engineering", Applied Surface Science 417: 234-243, (2017)
    AI: 0.60
  45. Rașoga O, Sima L, Chirițoiu M, Popescu-Pelin G, Fufă O, Grumezescu V, Socola M, Stănculescu A, Zgură I, Socol GRașoga O et al . "Biocomposite coatings based on Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/calcium phosphates obtained by MAPLE for bone tissue engineering", Applied Surface Science 417: 204-212, (2017)
    AI: 0.60
  46. ROXANA-OLIMPIA GHEORGHE 1, ALEXANDRA SOCA 1, MARIOARA CHIRIȚOIU 2, ALEXANDRU-FLORIAN DEFTU 1, MARIA-LUIZA FLONTA 1, VIOLETA RISTOIU1 *ROXANA-OLIMPIA GHEORGHE 1 et al . "Long-term exposure to CXCL2 has cytotoxic effects on HEK293T cells stably expressing TRPV1", Romanian Biotechnological letters, (2017)
  47. Ulăreanu R, Chiriţoiu G, Cojocaru F, Deftu A, Ristoiu V, Stănică L, Mihăilescu DF, Cucu DUlăreanu R et al . "N-glycosylation of the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 channel is altered in pancreatic cancer cells", Tumour biology : the journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine 39(8): 1010428317720940, (2017)
  48. Grumezescu V, Holban AM, Sima LE, Chiritoiu MB, Chiritoiu GN, Grumezescu AM, Ivan L, Safciuc F, Antohe F, Florica C, Luculescu CR, Chifiriuc MC, Socol GGrumezescu V et al . "Laser deposition of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) - lysozyme microspheres based coatings with anti-microbial properties", International journal of pharmaceutics 521(1-2): 184-195, (2017)
    AI: 0.80
  49. Sima LE. "Extracellular Signals for Guiding Mesenchymal Stem Cells Osteogenic Fate", Current stem cell research & therapy 12(2): 139-144, (2017)
  50. Popa IL, Milac AL, Sima LE, Alexandru PR, Pastrama F, Munteanu CV, Negroiu GPopa IL et al . "Cross-talk between Dopachrome Tautomerase and Caveolin-1 Is Melanoma Cell Phenotype-specific and Potentially Involved in Tumor Progression", The Journal of biological chemistry 291(24): 12481-500, (2016)
    IF: 4.12
  51. Chiritoiu GN, Jandus C, Munteanu CV, Ghenea S, Gannon PO, Romero P, Petrescu SMChiritoiu GN et al . "Epitope located N-glycans impair the MHC-I epitope generation and presentation", Electrophoresis 37(11): 1448-60, (2016)
    IF: 2.74
  52. Alexandra Gaspar, Daniel Constantin, Ana-Maria Seciu, Lucia Moldovan, Oana Craciunescu, Elena GaneaAlexandra Gaspar et al . "Human adipose-derived stem cells differentiation into epidermal cells and interaction with human keratinocytes in coculture", (Turkish Journal of Biology), (2016)
  53. Zurac S, Neagu M, Constantin C, Cioplea M, Nedelcu R, Bastian A, Popp C, Nichita L, Andrei R, Tebeica T, Tanase C, Chitu V, Caruntu C, Ghita M, Popescu C, Boda D, Mastalier B, Maru N, Daha C, Andreescu B, Marinescu I, Rebosapca A, Staniceanu F, Negroiu G, Ion DA, Nikitovic D, Tzanakakis GN, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AMZurac S et al . "Variations in the expression of TIMP1, TIMP2 and TIMP3 in cutaneous melanoma with regression and their possible function as prognostic predictors", Oncology letters 11(5): 3354-3360, (2016)
  54. Ulmeanu M, Sima LE, Ursescu D, Enculescu M, Bazan X, Quintana IUlmeanu M et al . "Cell adhesion response on femtosecond laser initiated liquid assisted silicon surface", Current topics in medicinal chemistry 14(5): 624-9, (2014)
    IF: 3.40AI: 0.90
  55. Cucu D, Chiritoiu G, Petrescu S, Babes A, Stanica L, Duda DG, Horii A, Dima SO, Popescu ICucu D et al . "Characterization of functional transient receptor potential melastatin 8 channels in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells", Pancreas 43(5): 795-800, (2014)
    IF: 2.96AI: 0.90
  56. Ioana Popa*, Elena Ganea, and Stefana M. PetrescuIoana Popa* et al . "Expression and subcellular localization of RAGE in melanoma cells", Biochemistry and Cell Biology 2(92): 127-136, (2014)
  57. Dinca V, Florian PE, Sima LE, Rusen L, Constantinescu C, Evans RW, Dinescu M, Roseanu ADinca V et al . "MAPLE-based method to obtain biodegradable hybrid polymeric thin films with embedded antitumoral agents", Biomedical microdevices 16(1): 11-21, (2014)
  58. Corotchi MC, Popa MA, Remes A, Sima LE, Gussi I, Lupu Plesu MCorotchi MC et al . "Isolation method and xeno-free culture conditions influence multipotent differentiation capacity of human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells", Stem cell research & therapy 4(4): 81, (2013)
    IF: 4.63AI: 1.30
  59. Sima LE, Buruiana EC, Buruiana T, Matei A, Epurescu G, Zamfirescu M, Moldovan A, Petrescu SM, Dinescu MSima LE et al . "Dermal cells distribution on laser-structured ormosils", Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine 7(2): 129-38, (2013)
    AI: 1.00
  60. Filimon A, Sima LE, Appelhans D, Voit B, Negroiu GFilimon A et al . "Internalization and intracellular trafficking of poly(propylene imine) glycodendrimers with maltose shell in melanoma cells", Current medicinal chemistry 19(29): 4955-68, (2012)
    IF: 4.07AI: 1.20
  61. Ivan V, Martinez-Sanchez E, Sima LE, Oorschot V, Klumperman J, Petrescu SM, van der Sluijs PIvan V et al . "AP-3 and Rabip4' coordinately regulate spatial distribution of lysosomes", PloS one 7(10): e48142, (2012)
    IF: 3.73AI: 1.50
  62. Florian P, Macovei A, Sima L, Nichita N, Mattsby-Baltzer I, Roseanu AFlorian P et al . "Endocytosis and trafficking of human lactoferrin in macrophage-like human THP-1 cells (1)", Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire 90(3): 449-55, (2012)
    IF: 2.92
  63. Ioana Popa*, Elena Ganea, Stefana PetrescuIoana Popa* et al . "RAGE over AGEs and DAMPs", Romanian Journal of Biochemistry, 2(49): 195-210, (2012)
  64. Zurac S, Negroiu G, Petrescu S, Andrei R, Tebeica T, Popp C, Musţată R, Neagu M, Constantin C, Solovan C, Chiţu V, Reboşapcă A, Andreescu B, Marinescu I, Stăniceanu FZurac S et al . "Spectrum of morphologic alterations of regression in cutaneous melanoma--potential for improving disease prognosis", Romanian journal of internal medicine = Revue roumaine de medecine interne 50(2): 145-53, (2012)
  65. Marin MB, Ghenea S, Spiridon LN, Chiritoiu GN, Petrescu AJ, Petrescu SMMarin MB et al . "Tyrosinase degradation is prevented when EDEM1 lacks the intrinsically disordered region", PloS one 7(8): e42998, (2012)
  66. Sima F, Davidson P, Pauthe E, Sima LE, Gallet O, Mihailescu IN, Anselme KSima F et al . "Fibronectin layers by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation from saline buffer-based cryogenic targets", Acta biomaterialia 7(10): 3780-8, (2011)
    IF: 4.87AI: 1.30
  67. Cioaca D, Ghenea S, Spiridon LN, Marin M, Petrescu AJ, Petrescu SMCioaca D et al . "C-terminus glycans with critical functional role in the maturation of secretory glycoproteins", PloS one 6(5): e19979, (2011)
    IF: 4.09AI: 1.80
  68. Sima F, Mutlu EC, Eroglu MS, Sima LE, Serban N, Ristoscu C, Petrescu SM, Oner ET, Mihailescu INSima F et al . "Levan nanostructured thin films by MAPLE assembling", Biomacromolecules 12(6): 2251-6, (2011)
  69. Sima F, Ristoscu C, Caiteanu D, Mihailescu CN, Stefan N, Mihailescu IN, Prodan G, Ciupina V, Palcevskis E, Krastins J, Sima LE, Petrescu SMSima F et al . "Biocompatibility and bioactivity enhancement of Ce stabilized ZrO(2) doped HA coatings by controlled porosity change of Al(2) O(3) substrates", Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials 96(2): 218-24, (2011)
  70. Sima F, Axente E, Ristoscu C, Mihailescu IN, Kononenko TV, Nagovitsin IA, Chudinova G, Konov VI, Socol M, Enculescu I, Sima LE, Petrescu SMSima F et al . "Tailoring immobilization of immunoglobulin by excimer laser for biosensor applications", Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A 96(2): 384-94, (2011)
  71. Sima LE, Stan GE, Morosanu CO, Melinescu A, Ianculescu A, Melinte R, Neamtu J, Petrescu SMSima LE et al . "Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells onto highly adherent radio frequency-sputtered carbonated hydroxylapatite thin films", Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A 95(4): 1203-14, (2010)
    IF: 3.04
  72. Sima LE, Filimon A, Piticescu RM, Chitanu GC, Suflet DM, Miroiu M, Socol G, Mihailescu IN, Neamtu J, Negroiu GSima LE et al . "Specific biofunctional performances of the hydroxyapatite-sodium maleate copolymer hybrid coating nanostructures evaluated by in vitro studies", Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine 20(11): 2305-16, (2009)
  73. Zurac S, Andrei R, Petsakos G, Nichita L, Bastian A, Micu G, Gramadă E, Popp C, Stăniceanu F, Petrescu S, Negroiu G, Giurcăneanu D, Chiţu VZurac S et al . "Cutaneous metastases of malignant melanoma--how difficult can it be?", Romanian journal of internal medicine = Revue roumaine de medecine interne 46(4): 375-8, (2008)
  74. Negroiu G, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMNegroiu G et al . "Tyrosinase-related protein-2 and -1 are trafficked on distinct routes in B16 melanoma cells", Biochemical and biophysical research communications 328(4): 914-21, (2005)
  75. Neeft M, Wieffer M, de Jong AS, Negroiu G, Metz CH, van Loon A, Griffith J, Krijgsveld J, Wulffraat N, Koch H, Heck AJ, Brose N, Kleijmeer M, van der Sluijs PNeeft M et al . "Munc13-4 is an effector of rab27a and controls secretion of lysosomes in hematopoietic cells", Molecular biology of the cell 16(2): 731-41, (2005)
  76. Petrescu A-J, Milac AL, Petrescu SM, Dwek RA, Wormald MRPetrescu A-J et al . "Statistical analysis of the protein core around N-glycosylation sites. Implications on occupancy, folding and function", Glycobiology 14: 103-114, (2004)
  77. Petrescu SM, Popescu CI, Petrescu A-J, Dwek RAPetrescu SM et al . "The glycosylation of tyrosinase in melanoma cells and the effect on antigen presentation", Adv. Exp. Med. Biol 535: 257-269, (2003)
  78. Negroiu G, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMNegroiu G et al . "The inhibition of early N-glycan processing targets TRP-2 to degradation in B16 melanoma cells", The Journal of biological chemistry 278(29): 27035-42, (2003)
  79. Costin GE, Trif M, Nichita N, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMCostin GE et al . "pH-sensitive liposomes are efficient carriers for endoplasmic reticulum-targeted drugs in mouse melanoma cells", Biochemical and biophysical research communications 293(3): 918-23, (2002)
  80. Branza-Nichita N, Petrescu AJ, Negroiu G, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMBranza-Nichita N et al . "N-glycosylation processing and glycoprotein folding-lessons from the tyrosinase-related proteins", Chemical reviews 100(12): 4697-712, (2000)
  81. Negroiu G, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMNegroiu G et al . "Folding and maturation of tyrosinase-related protein-1 are regulated by the post-translational formation of disulfide bonds and by N-glycan processing", The Journal of biological chemistry 275(41): 32200-7, (2000)
  82. Petrescu SM, Branza-Nichita N, Negroiu G, Petrescu AJ, Dwek RAPetrescu SM et al . "Tyrosinase and glycoprotein folding: roles of chaperones that recognize glycans", Biochemistry 39(18): 5229-37, (2000)
  83. Branza-Nichita N, Negroiu G, Petrescu AJ, Garman EF, Platt FM, Wormald MR, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMBranza-Nichita N et al . "Mutations at critical N-glycosylation sites reduce tyrosinase activity by altering folding and quality control", The Journal of biological chemistry 275(11): 8169-75, (2000)
  84. Nichita-Branza N, Petrescu A-J, Dwek RA, Wormald M, Platt F, Petrescu S-MNichita-Branza N et al . "Tyrosinase folding and copper loading in vivo: a crucial role for calnexin and a-glucosidase II", Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.(261): 720-725, (1999)
  85. Negroiu G, Branza-Nichita N, Costin GE, Titu H, Petrescu AJ, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMNegroiu G et al . "Investigation of the intracellular transport of tyrosinase and tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1. The effect of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-glucosidases inhibition", Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France) 45(7): 1001-10, (1999)
  86. Negroiu G, Branza-Nichita N, Petrescu AJ, Dwek RA, Petrescu SMNegroiu G et al . "Protein specific N-glycosylation of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 in B16 mouse melanoma cells", The Biochemical journal 344 Pt 3: 659-65, (1999)
  87. Petrescu AJ, Petrescu SM, Dwek RA, Wormald MRPetrescu AJ et al . "A statistical analysis of N- and O-glycan linkage conformations from crystallographic data", Glycobiology 9(4): 343-52, (1999)
  88. Glant TT, Buzás EI, Finnegan A, Negroiu G, Cs-Szabó G, Mikecz KGlant TT et al . "Critical roles of glycosaminoglycan side chains of cartilage proteoglycan (aggrecan) in antigen recognition and presentation", Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) 160(8): 3812-9, (1998)
  89. Petrescu AJ, Butters TD, Reinkensmeier G, Petrescu S, Platt FM, Dwek RA, Wormald MRPetrescu AJ et al . "The solution NMR structure of glucosylated N-glycans involved in the early stages of glycoprotein biosynthesis and folding", The EMBO journal 16(14): 4302-10, (1997)
  90. Petrescu SM, Petrescu AJ, Titu HN, Dwek RA, Platt FMPetrescu SM et al . "Inhibition of N-glycan processing in B16 melanoma cells results in inactivation of tyrosinase but does not prevent its transport to the melanosome", The Journal of biological chemistry 272(25): 15796-803, (1997)
  91. Zapun A, Petrescu SM, Rudd PM, Dwek RA, Thomas DY, Bergeron JJZapun A et al . "Conformation-independent binding of monoglucosylated ribonuclease B to calnexin", Cell 88(1): 29-38, (1997)
    AI: 26.40
  92. Brennan FR, Negroiu G, Buzás EI, Fülöp C, Holló K, Mikecz K, Glant TTBrennan FR et al . "Presentation of cartilage proteoglycan to a T cell hybridoma derived from a mouse with proteoglycan-induced arthritis", Clinical and experimental immunology 100(1): 104-10, (1995)
  93. Brennan FR, Mikecz K, Buzás EI, Ragasa D, Cs-Szabó G, Negroiu G, Glant TTBrennan FR et al . "Antigen-specific B cells present cartilage proteoglycan (aggrecan) to an autoreactive T cell hybridoma derived from a mouse with proteoglycan-induced arthritis", Clinical and experimental immunology 101(3): 414-21, (1995)
  94. Buzás EI, Brennan FR, Mikecz K, Garzó M, Negroiu G, Holló K, Cs-Szabó G, Pintye E, Glant TTBuzás EI et al . "A proteoglycan (aggrecan)-specific T cell hybridoma induces arthritis in BALB/c mice", Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) 155(5): 2679-87, (1995)
  95. Mirancea N, Mirancea D, Caloianu-Iordăchel M, Toader G, Moldovan L, Negroiu GMirancea N et al . "The action of the collagen-Fe2+ complex at tissular level", Morphologie et embryologie 35(1): 59-61, (1989)
  96. A.Milac, G. Negroiu. "The Multiple Roles of Tyrosinase-Related Protein-2/Ldopachrome Tautomerase in Melanoma", pp 45-83, Human Skin Cancers - Pathways, Mechanisms, Targets and Treatments, IntechOpen, (2018).
    ISBN: 978-1-78923-095-6
  97. Petrescu SM, Petrescu A-J, Platt FM, Dwek RAPetrescu SM et al . pp 41-42, Glycosylation and Glycoprotein Folding, Wellcome Trust Reviews, (2000).
    ISBN: 184129019X
Dezvoltarea infrastructurii de cercetare a Institutului de Biochimie in vederea cresterii competitivitatii in domeniul proteomicii biomedicale 2010-2012
Acronym: PROCERA
Project director: Stefana-Maria Petrescu

Scopul PROCERA este de a dezvolta infrastructura IBAR pentru cresterea capacitatii de cercetare-dezvoltare C-D in domeniul biochimiei si biologiei moleculare pe plan national, precum si a competitivitatii cercetarii stiintifice romanesti la nivel european.

Biotehnologii Celulare si Moleculare cu Aplicatii in Medicina 2010-2013
Acronym: Programul Postdoctoral
Project director: Stefana-Maria Petrescu

Programul Postdoctoral "Biotehnologii Celulare si Moleculare cu Aplicatii in Medicina", se adreseaza tinerilor cu diploma de doctor in biologie, chimie, fizica, medicina si informatica - interesati de burse de cercetare Post Doctorala la standarde europene.

In vitro evaluation of potential biomedical strategies aimed to prevent bone loss during spaceflight 2017-2019
Acronym: SPACEBONE
Project director: Stefana-Maria Petrescu

Bone loss represents one of the most important health problems experienced by Space travelling astronauts. Microgravity produces deterioration of the skeleton due to lack of mechanical loading thus affecting both muscle and bones. Tendons stiffness decreases, muscle fibres atrophies and attenuates their metabolic capacity, whileprogressive cartilage loss occurs.

Microfluidic assay of FGF2 therapeutic administration for bone regeneration 2017-2019
Acronym: μFGF2bone
Project director: Gabriela Chiritoiu

Musculoskeletal disorders affect 1 in 7 people and fractures alone affect 1 in 50 people annually while 10% of bone injuries fail to heal. Our present proposal aims to test for the first time the potential of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), to be administered as a stimulatory drug to enhance bone regeneration.

Platforma robusta pentru descoperirea de medicamente anti-diabetice 2016-2019
Acronym: PLATFORMDIAB
Project director: Florentina Pena

Societatea contemporana se afla in mijlocul unei epidemii globale de diabet zaharat tip 2. Aceasta boala este caracterizata de concentratii patologic crescute de glucoza in sangele pacientilor datorita productiei, secretiei si utilizarii inadecvate a insulinei - hormonul principal care regleaza concentratia de glucoza serica. Ne propunem sa generam linii reporter stabile ce pot fi utilizate pentru cuantificarea insulinei secretate.

Development of a fluorescence-based technology to screen for RAGE-ligand binding inhibitors 2016-2020
Acronym: FLUORORAGE
Project director: Ioana Popa

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and its ligands are important players in pathological conditions such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. RAGE is a cell surface molecule of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Alternatively spliced variants lacking either only the intracellular domain or both the intracellular and the transmembrane domains are also expressed in some tissues.

Role of the ERAD pathway in the degradation of tyrosinase and production of antigenic peptides in human melanoma 2012-2015
Acronym: TYRPRES
Project director: Stefana-Maria Petrescu

A detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation is essential to optimize cancer vaccination. known as Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated Degradation (ERAD). Non cytosolic misfolded proteins, synthesized at the endoplasmic reticulum are degraded to peptides by a complex machinery Cancer immunotherapy aims at harnessing the resources of the immune system to treat cancer.

Selectia cailor de degradare a proteinelor in patogeneza bolilor umane 2013-2015
Acronym: PRODEGRAD
Project director: Stefana-Maria Petrescu

A considerable fraction of all newly synthesized secretory polypeptides fail to attain their native conformation due to mutations, transcriptional and translational errors, folding defects or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions.

High-throughput screening platform for small-molecules with anti-inflammatory potential 2020-2022
Acronym: HTS-IL-1β
Budget: 600.000 RON
Project director: Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru

This project aims to develop a sensitive high-throughput screening platform by generating an endogenously tagged interleukin-1β reporter cell line by CRISPR-Cas9 technology, able to monitor stimulated IL-1β secretion with the purpose to identify new chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory activity that will be validated in primary macrophages and a mouse model for sepsis.

Role of TG2 in cancer tumor microenvironment for guiding metastasis prevention therapeutic approaches 2020-2022
Acronym: TG2TARGET
Budget: 431,900 RON
Project director: Livia Sima

The overall goal of the current project is to understand the impact of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) targeting in the context of ovarian cancer (OC) tumor microenvironment (TME). Our aproach is aimed at testing the hypothesis that interventions in targeting TG2 in the OC TME will disrupt pro-tumorigenic signaling cross-talk within tumors.

Context-dependent therapeutic targeting of ovarian cancer metastasis using TG2 small molecule inhibitors 2020-2022
Acronym: TG2THERAPY
Budget: 600,000 RON
Project director: Livia Sima

The principal goal of this project is the development of a new class of small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) targeting TG2-FN interaction, which is currently in the phase of lead optimization, translatable to clinical use for prevention of ovarian cancer dissemination, either alone or in combinations.

Molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation and unconventional secretion in the context of inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders 2021-2023
Acronym: AggrInflam
Budget: 431.900 RON
Project director: Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru

This project aims to understand the molecular events associated with protein aggregation and how a Golgi located protein along with the UPR pathway modulate this process. Model proteins such as IL-1β and α-synuclein, previously shown to aggregate will be employed for these studies. Achieving the objectives of this project should facilitate the understanding of the signaling pathways and the sequence of events correlating the stress sensing machinery with cytoplasmic proteome instability.

Identification of new molecules involved in melanoma associated antigens production 2020-2022
Acronym: ImmunoMOD
Budget: 246,950 RON
Project director: Gabriela Chiritoiu

This project aims to develop new strategies to improve the capacity of antigen presenting tumor cells to activate cytotoxic T cells and hamper immune escape mechanisms in cancer.

IDENTIFICATION OF IL-1Β CYTOKINE SECRETION MODULATORS TARGETED BY REPOSITIONED DRUGS 2023-2025
Acronym: RepozIL
Budget: 200.000 RON
Project director: Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru