Elisangela Bressan, PhD

As member of the AIRNA platform development team, I have diverse responsibilities for the development and optimization of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. This includes the development and validation of in-vitro assays to support drug discovery and development; the development, execution, and evaluation of preclinical safety assessments, toxicological profiles, and DMPK studies for ASO programs to support go/no-go decisions; contributing to the documentation for clinical trial applications (CTA); interdisciplinary collaboration with discovery, chemistry, and biology teams at local and international (US) sites to advance pipeline candidates; managing documentation strategies and ensuring data integrity for research programs utilizing the electronic notebook platform Benching.

Lead an international consortium project, FOUNDIN-PD to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Sporadic Parkinson's Disease in iPSC-derived neurons. Implemented 2D and 3D culture of dopaminergic neurons and microglia, CRISPR/lentiviral activation systems and omics assays incl. single-cell ATAC/RNA-seq; perforated automated culture (Hamilton) and confocal imaging (Yokogawa); implemented image analysis pipelines using Columbus, CellPathfinder and CellProfiler; performed high sensitivity ELISA to quantify cytokine release in 3D co-cultures of neurons/microglia in microfluidic devices equipped with MEAs; performed electrophysiology studies in MEAs. Project supported by Michael J. Fox Foundation. iPSC obtained from PPMI.

Lead projects to study the mechanisms of erythromelalgia in patient-derived iPSC cells. Reprogrammed patient iPSC, implemented iPSC neuron models and executed functional assays (electrophysiology, calcium imaging) and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Implemented 3D and culture of iPSC neurons in microfluidic devices. Performed CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.

Led and conducted a binational (Brazil-Germany) research project that identified three N-terminal cysteine residues (C621, C641, and C665) on TRPA1 as potential primary binding sites for crotalphine, a potent analgesic peptide isolated from the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. TRPA1 is a cation channel expressed in sensory neurons sensing various noxious stimuli, and is a promising therapeutic target for various diseases, particularly pain and respiratory disorders.

Coordinated and executed research work in the preclinical development phase of the new analgesic peptide Crotalphine. Worked mainly with pharmacology tools and animal models for PD and PK studies.

Mechanisms of neuron-glia interactions in the CNS: role in pain hypersensitivity. This study identified cytokines involved in cellular communication between sensory neurons and immune cells (microglia and astrocytes) in the CNS (spinal cord) and characterized its function for the development of pain hypersensitivity in LPS-induced reactive arthritis. Study developed using animal models, pharmacology tools, histology and fluorescence microscopy (collaboration with Dr. Mišo Mitkovski, MPI for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany). Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Carlos Rogério Tonussi. PhD thesis writing in LaTex.

Role of cytokines in the peripheral mechanism of LPS-induced reactive arthritis. This study characterized inflammatory cytokines involved in the development and perpetuation of chronic joint inflammation and pain. Study developed using an in vivo animal model (LPS-induced reactive arthritis), pharmacology tools, microscopy and histology. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Carlos Rogerio Tonussi.