Andrea Comba Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Birmingham, Al, Us

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

United States

Investigates the molecular basis and the cellular plasticity of the tumor microenvironment regulated by extracellular matrix changes in high-grade gliomas. Designs and executes a research project using preclinical genetic models of cancer, ex-vivo mouse tumor models, and post-operative human explant tumor models, state-of-art cellular and molecular biology lab technology such as fluorescent spatial multiplex in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, and bulk tumor RNA-Seq… Show more Investigates the molecular basis and the cellular plasticity of the tumor microenvironment regulated by extracellular matrix changes in high-grade gliomas. Designs and executes a research project using preclinical genetic models of cancer, ex-vivo mouse tumor models, and post-operative human explant tumor models, state-of-art cellular and molecular biology lab technology such as fluorescent spatial multiplex in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, and bulk tumor RNA-Seq analysis.Assisted in a Phase I Clinical Trial to treat newly diagnosed high-grade glioma by reprogramming the brain immune system. Collaborates in translational advances toward the treatment of brain tumors by performing sample acquisition, processing, and multiplex data analysis. Collaborates on a project to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment of a pediatric high-grade glioma mouse model harboring the H3.3 G34R mutation. Collaborated in a research study that aims to understand the role of the autophagy process in mutant IDH1 gliomas as a novel potential therapeutic target. Engaged in career development activities and workshops for grant writing and responsibility in conducting research.Mentored and trained 2 Undergraduate students, 1 Graduate student, 1 Research technician, and 2 Postdoctoral fellows.Immersed in research manuscripts and grant design and writing. Show less

Ann Arbor - Michigan

Held responsibility for a research project investigating tumor heterogeneity and mesenchymal transformation in brain cancer. Led the project of spatiotemporal analysis of high-grade glioma at the histological, cellular, molecular, and dynamic levels Managed the development of a spatial transcriptomic approach using laser capture microdissection and RNA-Seq analysis to study pathological glioma subregions with value for diagnosis, and treatment Established an ex-vivo explant… Show more Held responsibility for a research project investigating tumor heterogeneity and mesenchymal transformation in brain cancer. Led the project of spatiotemporal analysis of high-grade glioma at the histological, cellular, molecular, and dynamic levels Managed the development of a spatial transcriptomic approach using laser capture microdissection and RNA-Seq analysis to study pathological glioma subregions with value for diagnosis, and treatment Established an ex-vivo explant model of mouse gliomas tumors to study migration and invasion of tumor cells. Cooperated in the setting of a deep learning analysis method for the identification of areas of mesenchymal transformation in gliomasLed the project on immune modulation in the glioma tumor microenvironment. We demonstrated that Fyn kinase knockdown regulates immune suppressive cells and reduced tumor progression Elucidated the existence of an innate anti-glioma NK-mediated circuit initiated by the stimulation of TLR7 in glioma tumorsParticipated in the design and development of a method for the isolation and molecular characterization of immune tumor cells Earned excellent technical skills applicable to state-of-art cellular and molecular biology. Acquired experience with cancer in vitro models, tumor-immune cell co-culture, preclinical orthotopic and genetic mouse cancer models, laser capture microscopy, confocal microscopy, in vivo 2P microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis Mentored and supervised 4 undergraduate and 1 graduate student, and 2 research technicians. Participated in training courses, brain tumor boards, national and international scientific conferences, journal clubs, and scientific talksEarned strong communication, problem-solving, and oral presentation skills. Solid experience with research manuscripts and grants design and writing Show less

Capital Department, Córdoba Province, Argentina

Designed and executed research studies for the investigation of the role of post-transcriptional modifications in cancer. Identified the anti-tumorigenic role of the posttranslational arginylated Calreticulin (R-CRT) in apoptosis stimulation of human glioma cancer cells under treatment with proteasomal inhibitors. Earned experience in in-vitro cell culture, molecular cloning techniques, immunofluorescence cytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. Taught… Show more Designed and executed research studies for the investigation of the role of post-transcriptional modifications in cancer. Identified the anti-tumorigenic role of the posttranslational arginylated Calreticulin (R-CRT) in apoptosis stimulation of human glioma cancer cells under treatment with proteasomal inhibitors. Earned experience in in-vitro cell culture, molecular cloning techniques, immunofluorescence cytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. Taught the undergraduate courses of Cellular and Molecular Biology (organization and teaching of the practical course, elaboration, and corrections of laboratory reports and tests). Show less

Capital Department, Córdoba Province, Argentina

Lead a project focused on the effects of essential fatty acids on the activity of the oncogenic factor GLI1 in breast and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. This study identified a novel anti-tumoral mechanism of essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulating the activity of the transcription factor GLI1 during carcinogenesis. PUFAs antitumoral functions serve as a foundation for future coadjutant essential fatty acids-based therapeutic approaches. Involved in a research study… Show more Lead a project focused on the effects of essential fatty acids on the activity of the oncogenic factor GLI1 in breast and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. This study identified a novel anti-tumoral mechanism of essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulating the activity of the transcription factor GLI1 during carcinogenesis. PUFAs antitumoral functions serve as a foundation for future coadjutant essential fatty acids-based therapeutic approaches. Involved in a research study that demonstrated the effect of omega-3 PUFAs and the synergistic antitumorigenic action with melatonin on mammary gland adenocarcinoma mouse models due to an improvement of the immune response. Earned deep knowledge in essential fatty acids metabolism, epigenetics, and transcriptional regulation of cancer. Gained experience with preclinical cancer orthotopic models, in vitro cell culture, histological methods, immunohistochemistry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), plasmid amplification and eukaryotic cell transfection, luciferase reporter assays, RNA purification, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Gel electrophoresis, Western Blotting, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Had rigorous training in designing and executing experiments, experimental methodological troubleshooting, analyzing data, statistical analysis, writing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research studies at scientific meetings.Supervised and provided technical guidance to undergraduate students and support staff. This work led to achieving my Ph.D. degree in Biology and the publication of 3 original manuscripts and 2 review articles. Earned teaching experiences: 1) Instructor and coordinator of Cell Biology, Histology, and Embryology. 2) Course organizer and lecturer of the graduate course of Nutrigenomics. 3) Lecturer of the graduated course of Epigenetics. 4) Lecturer of the introductory course for the Medicine career Show less

Capital Department, Córdoba Province, Argentina

Instructed and taught the course Cell Biology, Histology, and Embryology to more than 100 graduate students in their Medicine careers. Prepared course materials, corrected written exams, and perform oral evaluations.

Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Earned new methodological skills in transcriptional activity and regulation analysis to apply to my Ph.D. project. Participated in a research project that studied the mechanism of the transcription factor GLI1 as a mediator of TGFβ1 driven EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma via a SNAI1-dependent.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Gained experience in single-cell sorting, flow cytometry analysis, and stable cell lines generation using fluorescent and antibiotic selection.

Rochester, Minnesota

Involved in the characterization of the molecular mechanism of the oncogenic transcription factor GLI1 in pancreatic and esophageal carcinogenesis. This study revealed a novel insight into the complex network involved in these pathologies as a new avenue for the development of therapeutic regimens. Gained deep knowledge of the molecular and biological signaling pathways that contribute to cancer development. Learned molecular and cellular biology techniques such as transient… Show more Involved in the characterization of the molecular mechanism of the oncogenic transcription factor GLI1 in pancreatic and esophageal carcinogenesis. This study revealed a novel insight into the complex network involved in these pathologies as a new avenue for the development of therapeutic regimens. Gained deep knowledge of the molecular and biological signaling pathways that contribute to cancer development. Learned molecular and cellular biology techniques such as transient and stable cancer cell lines transfection, plasmid transformation, luciferase reporter assays, proliferation, and apoptosis analyses. This training advanced my skills in molecular studies on adenocarcinomas and opened the doors to further high-quality research at an international level. Show less

Cordoba, Córdoba, Argentina

Lead a research study that demonstrated the function of essential unsaturated fatty acids derived from walnuts and peanuts seeds in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell death, metastasis, and tumor growth of breast cancer. We revealed that dietary supplementation with Walnuts and Peanuts oils enriched in omega-3 and omega-9 essential fatty acids inhibit tumor progression and halt tumor metastasis by changing the lipid composition of the tumor cells and the activity of their lipid… Show more Lead a research study that demonstrated the function of essential unsaturated fatty acids derived from walnuts and peanuts seeds in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell death, metastasis, and tumor growth of breast cancer. We revealed that dietary supplementation with Walnuts and Peanuts oils enriched in omega-3 and omega-9 essential fatty acids inhibit tumor progression and halt tumor metastasis by changing the lipid composition of the tumor cells and the activity of their lipid metabolic enzymes.This work led to earning my B.S. degree in Biological Sciences, the publication of original articles, and the presentation and oral communication in national and international scientific meetings. Show less

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuro-Oncology

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Cellular And Molecular Biology

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Biology