PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Dr. Gianluca Ianiro wins a prestigious grant from the European Research Council (ERC)

Dr. Gianluca Ianiro wins a prestigious grant from the European Research Council (ERC)

2025-09-08
(Press-News.org) The MicroRestore project, presented by Dr. Gianluca Ianiro, has been awarded one of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants, intended for talented young scientists who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD) no more than seven years ago. Following a rigorous selection process and an in-person interview, an international panel of experts draws up a merit ranking that rewards scientific excellence. The ERC Starting Grant—worth €1.5 million and lasting five years—is a highly prestigious recognition, that had never before been awarded to a researcher from the Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli/Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome.

 

MicroRestore, the project that won an ERC Starting Grant (Informed Ecological Rewiring of the Gut Microsystem for Dysbiosis Associated Disorders—focuses on the precise modulation of the gut microbiome, a topic of great current interest and expectations (in areas such as obesity, cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases), but which still lacks solid scientific evidence.

 

“At present,” explains Dr. Gianluca Ianiro, researcher in Gastroenterology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and medical consultant at the Gastroenterology Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, “there is a significant knowledge gap in the scientific literature. Much is said about microbiota testing and precision modulation of the gut microbiome, but no study has ever shown that a ‘precision’ approach provides real advantages over current practice, i.e. intervening on the microbiota without precision tools but only on the basis of symptoms. The question our research is trying to answer is therefore: do we truly need a precision medicine approach to microbiota modulation, or is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach sufficient?”

 

The four steps of the research

To answer this question, the study will recruit patients with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), that represents a precise and elegant model of dysbiosis. Researchers will analyze patients’ microbiota both during the acute phase of disease and after remission, comparing results with a control group, to identify the ‘key’ microbial species associated with acute disease.

 

“At this point,” continues Dr. Ianiro, “using ecological models (in silico analyses), we will evaluate what happens to the target microbial species under simulated (theorical) changes in the microbiota. This will help us generate hypotheses on possible modulation strategies—through the administration  of antibiotics, or prebiotics, or even full microbiota replacement via fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

 

In a second phase, we will use two pre-clinical models: an intestinal microbiota simulator (SHIME™), or ‘artificial intestine’, which allows us to observe very clearly what happens to the microbiota in vitro (in a test tube) without, however,  providing us with information about the disease. To acquire additional information, we will then use an animal model (mouse) of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

Finally, after the in silico, in vitro and animal studies, our research will culminate in a randomized, controlled clinical trial in humans in which all patients with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome will undergo microbiota analysis and will then be treated with a ‘precision’ modulation therapy—based on the algorithm we will have developed through the various pre-clinical steps of this experiment—while the control group will receive a placebo.”

 

The five-year project will involve the collaboration of the Microbiology Unit and the CEMAD (Center for Digestive Diseases) Translational Lab of Policlinico Gemelli, as well as international experts.

 

Institutional statements

“The awarding of this prestigious ERC grant to Dr. Gianluca Ianiro,” comments Professor Antonio Gasbarrini, Scientific Director of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS and Full Professor of Internal Medicine at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, “represents a historic milestone not only for our Foundation and our University, but for the entire country. It proves that Italy, too, can attract highly competitive international funding by investing in young talented researchers and innovative projects. This ERC Starting Grant is tangible proof that Gemelli and Università Cattolica are places where scientific excellence finds fertile ground and concrete prospects for growth.”

 

“The outstanding achievement of Dr. Ianiro confirms the leading role of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in the study and modulation of the gut microbiome,” adds Professor Maurizio Sanguinetti, Full Professor of Microbiology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Director of the Department of Laboratory and Hematological Sciences at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS. “This success testifies to international leadership built on an integrated approach, from microbiota characterization to targeted therapeutic strategies—made possible also thanks to the presence in our Institution of a dedicated Unit for the preparation of material for microbiota transplantation.”

 

“This result,” states Professor Giovanni Cammarota, Full Professor of Gastroenterology at Università Cattolica, Director of the Gastroenterology Unit and of the FMT Center at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, “testifies to the strength and excellence of a research line that has deep roots in our center, and has been consolidated over time through the continuous, harmonious collaboration of a cohesive and productive research team.”

 

“The success achieved by Dr. Ianiro with this ERC grant,” concludes Professor Alessandro Sgambato, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, “represents an extraordinary milestone for our School. It Is a recognition that rewards not only the talent and dedication of one of our young researchers, but also the quality of the academic and clinical environment in which he trained and continues to develop his scientific activity. This recognition, in fact represents the synthesis of years of synergistic collaboration between different specialties, primarily Gastroenterology and Microbiology, and demonstrates how teamwork across disciplines allows us to address complex challenges and identify new opportunities, that were once unthinkable, for the benefit of our patients. The ERC Starting Grant thus testifies to our University’s ability to compete internationally and to lead in highly innovative research areas. It also shows how the integration of research, teaching, and clinical practice—developed in synergy with Policlinico Gemelli—constitutes a powerful model for generating new knowledge. We wish Gianluca Ianiro every success as he continues on a research path that promises to have a significant impact on human health and the future of medicine.”

 

END


ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

‘Rogue’ DNA rings reveal earliest clues to deadly brain cancer’s growth

2025-09-08
‘Rogue’ DNA Rings Reveal Earliest Clues to Deadly Brain Cancer’s Growth An international team of scientists has revealed how rogue rings of DNA that float outside of our chromosomes – known as extrachromosomal DNA, or ecDNA – can drive the growth of a large proportion of glioblastomas, the most common and aggressive adult brain cancer. The discovery could open the door to much-needed new approaches to diagnose glioblastoma early, track its progress and treat it more effectively. The findings, published today in Cancer Discovery, are the first to suggest that ecDNA ...

Clinical study deepens understanding of mesothelioma and opens the door to potential treatment options

2025-09-08
WASHINGTON – People with operable diffuse pleural mesothelioma may benefit from immunotherapy before and after surgery, based on results of a clinical trial exploring the sequence of treatment and the role of surgery for this difficult to treat cancer.   Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the tissue that lines many organs of the body. Approximately 30,000 cases are diagnosed every year worldwide, most of them in the pleura, or lining of the lungs. It occurs most often in people who have been exposed ...

New study and major data updates expand the Kids First data ecosystem

2025-09-08
The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First) has released its 36th study and introduced significant new data updates to two existing studies, further advancing efforts to uncover the genetic foundations of childhood cancers and congenital conditions. This brings the total data files available at the Kids First Data Resource Center (Kids First DRC) to more than 110,000.     WHO: Kids First, a program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) WHAT: Announcing the latest data releases to the Kids First data ecosystem. Newly released and updated datasets are available publicly, including: CONGENITAL CONDITIONS Kids ...

Seaweed snare: Sargassum stops sea turtle hatchlings in their tracks

2025-09-08
Every year, sea turtles hatch on Florida’s beaches and make their way from the sand to the ocean – a critical journey that determines their chances of survival. As these hatchlings navigate obstacles such as artificial lights, beach debris and predators like birds and crabs, a new hazard looms. Sargassum seaweed washing up on Florida’s shores in record amounts is more than just a nuisance for beachgoers – it’s becoming a serious threat to vulnerable sea turtle hatchlings. While it’s long been known that obstacles on the beach can slow down hatchlings and put ...

Scientists uncover key to decoupling economic growth from pollution in developing countries

2025-09-08
Balancing environmental conservation with economic progress is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. This is particularly difficult for many developing countries, which urgently need to lift their populations out of poverty while grappling with the increasing degradation of their environment. Unfortunately, a common belief is that these nations have to choose between economic growth and a clean environment—a situation made more complex by their reliance on foreign aid. While the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a global roadmap for tackling such issues, ...

Frailty fuels gut imbalance and post-surgery gastrointestinal risks

2025-09-08
Gastrointestinal (GI) complications, such as postoperative ileus (POI) and intra-abdominal infections (IAI), remain a major concern after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Even with advances in surgical techniques, including robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC), and the adoption of enhanced recovery protocols, these complications continue to affect a substantial proportion of patients. They not only prolong hospital stays but also increase patient morbidity, underscoring the need to identify risk factors beyond surgical technique alone. In a new study ...

BMS-986504 demonstrates durable responses in MTAP-deleted NSCLC, including EGFR and ALK-positive tumors

2025-09-08
Barcelona, Spain (September 8, 2025, Noon CEST / UTC +2  ) — BMS-986504, a first-in-class methylthioadenosine (MTA)-cooperative protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) targeting agent, showed promising antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with MTAP-deleted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to results from the Phase 1CA240-0007 trial presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC). MTAP, encoding the enzyme methylthioadenosine phosphorylase, is ...

Phase III trial finds hypofractionated radiotherapy with chemotherapy offers comparable survival and lower toxicity to conventional schedule in LS-SCLC

2025-09-08
(Barcelona, Spain September 8, 2025, 10:45 a.m. CEST / UTC +2) ) — A multi-center, randomized phase III trial has found that a three-week hypofractionated radiotherapy (HypoRT) schedule with concurrent chemotherapy provides similar survival outcomes and reduced toxicity compared to the standard six-week conventional fractionated radiotherapy (ConvRT) schedule for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). The results were presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC). In hypofractionated ...

Lung cancer screening benefits adults up to age 80 if surgical candidates, UK study finds

2025-09-08
(Barcelona, Spain September 8, 2025, 10:45 a.m. CEST / UTC +2)  Older individuals between the ages of 75 and 80 who are eligible for lung surgery may achieve survival outcomes comparable to younger patients following lung cancer screening, according to research presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC). Despite half of lung cancers being diagnosed in people aged 75 or older, randomized evidence on screening outcomes in this age group is limited. Most national lung cancer screening programs, including the UK’s, stop at age 74. The U.S. Preventive ...

Video assisted thoracoscopy surgery reduces mortality by 21 percent compared to lobectomy

2025-09-08
(Barcelona, Spain September 8, 2025, 10:45 a.m. CEST / UTC +2)  – Patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) compared to open lobectomy had a significantly improved overall survival rate, according to a meta-analysis presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is currently the most common approach to perform pulmonary lobectomy in early-stage lung cancer. Advantages include reduced pain, fewer complications, faster recovery and improved quality-of-life. The adoption of VATS lobectomy ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Hiring in high-growth firms: new study explores the timing of organizational changes

Boosting work engagement through a simple smartphone diary

Climate change may create ‘ecological trap’ for species who can’t adapt

Scientists create ChatGPT-like AI model for neuroscience to build one of the most detailed mouse brain maps to date

AI and omics unlock personalized drugs and RNA therapies for heart disease

2023 ocean heatwave ‘unprecedented but not unexpected’

Johns Hopkins researchers develop AI to predict risk of US car crashes

New drug combination offers hope for men with advanced prostate cancer

New discovery finds gene converts insulin-producing cells into blood-sugar boosters

Powerful and precise multi-color lasers now fit on a single chip

Scientists agree chemicals can affect behavior, but industry workers more reluctant about safety testing

DNA nanospring measures cellular motor power

Elsevier Foundation and RIKEN launch “Envisioning Futures” report: paving the way for gender equity and women’s leadership in Japanese research

Researchers discover enlarged areas of the spinal cord in fish, previously found only in four-limbed vertebrates

Bipolar disorder heterogeneity decoded: transforming global psychiatric treatment approaches

Catching Alport syndrome through universal age-3 urine screening

Instructions help you remember something better than emotions or a good night’s sleep

Solar energy is now the world’s cheapest source of power, a Surrey study finds

Scientists reverse Alzheimer’s in mice using nanoparticles

‘Good’ gut bacteria boosts placenta for healthier pregnancy

USC team demonstrates first optical device based on “optical thermodynamics”

Microplastics found to change gut microbiome in first human-sample study

Artificially sweetened and sugary drinks are both associated with an increased risk of liver disease, study finds

Plastic in the soil, but not as we know it: Biodegradable microplastics rewire carbon storage in farm fields

Yeast proteins reveal the secrets of drought resistance

Psychiatry, primary care, and OB/GYN subspecialties hit hardest by physician attrition

New Canadian study reveals where HIV hides in different parts of the body

Lidocaine poisonings rise despite overall drop in local anesthetic toxicity

Politics follow you on the road

Scientists blaze new path to fighting viral diseases

[Press-News.org] Dr. Gianluca Ianiro wins a prestigious grant from the European Research Council (ERC)
Dr. Gianluca Ianiro wins a prestigious grant from the European Research Council (ERC)