Prof. Geppino Falco, Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Abstract:
Patient-Derived Gastric Cancer Organoids: A Translational Platform for Precision Oncology
Gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, characterized by significant heterogeneity and limited therapeutic response in advanced stages. Conventional treatments for this malignancy consist of surgery in association with the administration of platinum compounds or 5-FU and capecitabine. The emergence of three-dimensional organoid culture systems has revolutionized gastric cancer research by providing physiologically relevant models that closely recapitulate the cellular architecture, genetic landscape, and functional behavior of primary tumors. Patient-derived gastric cancer organoids allow the in vitro study of tumor biology, carcinogenesis, and drug responses within a personalized context. Particularly, they represent a valuable tool for exploring mechanisms of tumor progression, evaluating chemotherapy and targeted therapy efficacy, as well as identifying predictive biomarkers for precision oncology. Moreover, the integration with immune cells, fibroblasts, and microbiota has enhanced the translational relevance of gastric organoids, bridging the gap between preclinical studies and clinical applications. Considering the variability in patient responses and the limitations of current pharmacological options, Gastric Cancer Organoids hold a significant promise for guiding individualized treatment strategies and accelerating the development of novel therapeutics in gastric cancer.
Bio
Geppino Falco (GF) is Full Professor in Applied Biology at the Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
During his PhD in Applied Biology he carried out his scientific activity at the International Institute of Genetics and Biophysics of C.N.R. in Italy, in the group directed by Dr. Michele D'Urso.
Subsequently, he continued his studies as a Visiting Fellow at the National Institute on Aging (NIA, National Institutes on Health) in Baltimore (USA) directed by Dr. Minoru Ko. The scientific work carried out in these years has led to the identification of genes related to germ cell aging and chromosomal stability of murine embryonic stem cells.
He proudly coordinates a Biomedical research group which mission is to improve drug treatment by implementing the precision and personalized medicine.
He organized the Biomedical research group following “roundtable not hierarchical philosophy” that includes Scientific, Academic and Medical Institutes which share interdisciplinary skills such as:
Stemness Biology Laboratory at Biogem Research Institute,
Gene editing Laboratory at Department of Biology of the Federico II University, and
Clinical and pharmaceutical carcinogenesis Laboratory at IRCCS CROB.
His research interest is to understand the role of stem cell homeostasis in physio-pathological conditions such as cancer and inflammatory diseases. The research activity of these years has been mainly focused on the mechanisms of differentiation and de-differentiation of embryonic stem cells with particular attention to genome reprogramming. These studies have allowed the identification of novel markers of stemness and to define crucial cellular steady state that become an important topic of International Scientific Community.
Recently, his research group developed ex vivo three-dimensional differentiation models of endoderm derived organoids having the mission to reduce the gap between fundamental science and clinical disciplines. This study has allowed to establish and to coordinate the main “organoid biobanking infrastructure” in Italy.
The research group is involved in highly productive collaborations with developmental biology researchers, bioinformaticians, and cancer research specialists and has been involved in project aimed to understand common features among self-renewal, cellular aging, and transformation.
He believes Technolgy Transfer opportunity that Science offers. In this scenario, he has a US Patent NIH (DHHS) Ref. No. E-088-2007/0-EIR-00 that covers, methods of identification of specific subpopulations of stem cells and methods of stabilization of telomeres of embryonic stem cells. Recently he participated to the creation of an innovative Start-Up whose mission is the optimization of personalized therapies and to define regeneration cellular model in microgravity.
Beyond his scientific and training activities, Prof Falco is involved in scientific dissemination activities involving young students, he is promoter of the importance of bio-ethical issue related to stem cell and regenerative biology.
