We are currently working in the field of atherosclerosis, focusing on therapeutic strategies and the detailed study of lipid metabolism. We use molecular tools and in vitro and in vivo models to explore the roles of various apolipoproteins in modulating lipoprotein function, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic cross-talk, including their impact on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in energy production.

Through our research, we aim to connect fundamental discoveries with real-world therapeutic advances in cardiovascular medicine. By integrating molecular insights with translational strategies, we attempt to shape innovative approaches to combat vascular diseases.

The research infrastructure is updated and includes the equipment needed for molecular biology (cloning, PCR, Real Time PCR, ChIP, electroporation, transfections), biochemistry (western blot, ELISA, spectrophotometric and luminescent assays), cell culture, adeno- and lentiviral production, packaging and transduction, cell encapsulation, lipoprotein fraction analysis (FPLC and Lipoprint).

Research infrastructure and services can be found at https://eertis.eu/erlb-2300-000h-0702

Our group was deeply involved in collaborative research.

• Currently, we are implementing the project "Comprehensive and personalized assessment of acute coronary syndrome by multiomic approach and artificial intelligence strategy" under the HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01-01 CARDIOSCOPEGrant Agreement nº 101086397 (2023-2026), led by Dr. Paolo Magni (University of Milan). This project is an impressive opening between academic and private companies, and an excellent opportunity for collaborative research.

• The project Strengthening Romanian competence in metabolic syndrome research by exploring the role of apolipoprotein A2 in dyslipidemia, obesity, and type II diabetes mellitus(ACRONIM: STROMA) PNRR project (contract 258/2023), led by Dr. Kyriakos Kypreos is a fruitful collaboration between our team and Dr. Kypreos’ team.

• We were part of the international project Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance – ERA-NET PerMed (2019-2022), and Anca Gafencu was the Coordinator for the Romanian team.

• We have had a fruitful collaboration with Prof. Dimitris Kardassis (University of Crete, Greece), which began in 2002, when Anca Gafencu was a visiting fellow in Prof. Kardassis' lab under a NATO Science grant - Collaborative linkage grant: "Role of ApoE in cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis", awarded to Prof. Vassilis Zannis, Boston Univ. School of Medicine, USA.

• We were part of previous COST actions (HDLNet -BM0904), and we are actively participating in current COST actions: AtheroNet (CA 21153),CardioPharmaGENET (CA24165).

We organized various scientific meetings and training courses with international participation:

• 2007 - Advances in gene regulation in the frame of the contract 016873/2005 - SERA

• 2008 - From gene expression and protein activation to human diseases in the frame of the contract 016873/2005- SERA

• 2012- Simionescu Advanced School of Cellular and Molecular Approaches for the Progress of the Biomedical Research. November 5-14, supported by UEFISCDI

• 2013 –“HDL Physiology, Regulation and Therapeutic Potential”. Bucharest and Sinaia, August 26-30, within the framework of the COST ACTION BM0904

• 2021 – Encapsulation of cells and drugs: materials, processes, and applications in the frame of the project INTERA1.

• 2023 –“The first COST Action CA 21153 AtheroNet MC and WG Meeting - Bucharest, March 21-24, in the frame of the COST ACTION CA21153 - Network for implementing multiomics approaches in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention and research (AtheroNET)

Research

2022-2024: “A novel anti-atherosclerotic chimeric protein that impedes the infiltration of the inflammatory cells in the vessel wall”PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1755, Project Director A. Gafencu.

2020-2022: Demonstration of the enhanced anti-atherosclerotic potential of apolipoprotein E targeted to the activated endothelium, by fusion with VCAM-1 binding peptide -project PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019- 4574 Project Director A. Gafencu

2019-2022: Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance – ERA-NET PerMed – A. Gafencu - Coordinator for Romanian team

2016-2020 Improve institutional competitiveness in the field of type 1 diabetes by developing an innovative concept of immunotherapy based on mesenchymal stromal cells ACRONYM: DIABETER Project Director Nadir Askenasy.

2015-2017: Genetically engineered apolipoproteins immobilized on nanoparticles: a Molecular Trojan horse targeting atherosclerotic plaque (Acronym: APGEN) PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-2143, Projects for Young Research Teams, supported by CNCSIS Romania (2015-2017), Project Director A. Gafencu.

2011-2016: Apolipoprotein E-based novel anti-atherosclerosis cell-therapy approaches, Exploratory research projects, project PN-II ID_PCE-2011-3-0591, supported by CNCSIS Romania (2011-2016), Project Director A. Gafencu.

2009-2011: Novel strategies employing genetic engineering to increase plasma HDL- the protective lipoproteins in atherosclerosis, Exploratory research projects:1307 supported by CNCSIS Romania, Project Director A. Gafencu.

2005-2007: Regulation of apolipoprotein gene clusters- an innovative therapeutic approach of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases- Grant awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Research: “Excellence Research Program: Projects for Young Researchers.” Project Director A. Gafencu.

2005-2007: Regulation of the expression of the human apolipoprotein E gene in macrophages and the brain: new approaches for the treatment of dyslipidemias and Alzheimer’s Disease- Grant awarded by the Greek and Romanian Ministries of Research- to Prof Dimitris Kardassis and Dr. Anca Gafencu

2003-2005: ApoE gene regulation - therapeutic target in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases -Grant awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Research- National Research Program for Biotechnology "BIOTECH" Project Director A. Gafencu.

2001-2003: Characterization of albumin and IgG receptors, expressed by the endothelial cells in normal and pathologic states Grant awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Research- National Research Program "CERES" Project Director A. Gafencu.

2000: Functional analysis of the IgG receptors in endothelial cells - Grant awarded by the Romanian Research Ministry Project Director A. Gafencu.

1999: Identification of FcR in human placental endothelial cells-Grant awarded by the Romanian Academy Project Director A. Gafencu.

1998: Immortalization of endothelial cells -Grant awarded by the Romanian Academy Project Director A. Gafencu.

1997-1998: Lipid composition of the microdomains of the endothelial cell membrane-Grant awarded by the Romanian Academy Project Director A. Gafencu.

1996-1999: Biochemical and functional characterization of the endothelial plasmalemma Grant awarded by the Romanian Research Ministry Project Director A. Gafencu.