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Advances in the Translational Preclinical Research

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Guest Editor
Centro de Oncología Molecular y Traslacional, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina
Interests: cancer; active immunotherapy; TACA; aberrant glycosylation; mimicry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite significant advances in cancer research, substantial challenges persist in the fight against this disease. Translational preclinical research plays a crucial role in this process by generating essential data to enhance drug efficacy, minimize toxicity, and establish effective management protocols. In the early stages of developing a novel therapy, the drug discovery process focuses on identifying and developing compounds that specifically target validated cancer pathways. Once a lead compound is selected, it undergoes an optimization process to improve its potency, selectivity, and safety profile. Throughout this process, in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments are conducted to deepen the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the evaluated cancer treatment. This Special Issue seeks to showcase original preclinical research focused on the evaluation of innovative drugs and treatments, also highlighting ongoing efforts to translate scientific discoveries into effective cancer therapies with the potential to benefit patients.

Dr. Mariano Gabri
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • translational preclinical research
  • drug discovery
  • cancer therapies
  • in vitro and in vivo experiments
  • biological mechanisms

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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42 pages, 5506 KB  
Article
From Genetic Engineering to Preclinical Safety: A Study on Recombinant Human Interferons
by Thelvia I. Ramos, Carlos A. Villacis-Aguirre, Emilio Lamazares, Viana Manrique-Suárez, Felipe Sandoval, Cristy N. Culqui-Tapia, Sarah Martin-Solano, Rodrigo Mansilla, Ignacio Cabezas, Oliberto Sánchez, Sergio Donoso-Erch, Natalie C. Parra, María A. Contreras and Nelson Santiago-Vispo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411982 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
There is a critical gap in the preclinical research of recombinant human interferons (rhIFNα-2b and rhIFN-γ), as most studies focus on modified variants, which complicates the understanding of the native molecules’ properties. This study addresses this limitation by comprehensively evaluating the structural stability [...] Read more.
There is a critical gap in the preclinical research of recombinant human interferons (rhIFNα-2b and rhIFN-γ), as most studies focus on modified variants, which complicates the understanding of the native molecules’ properties. This study addresses this limitation by comprehensively evaluating the structural stability and intrinsic toxicity of purified IFNs. Our findings confirm that both interferons retain their bioactivity (antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory) and exhibit remarkable stability under controlled conditions. Accelerated stability assays showed that neither protein lost biological potency after 18 days at various temperatures, supporting their potential as liquid formulations. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies in rodent, non-rodent, and higher-organism animal models showed no signs of toxicity, even at doses 100 to 300 times higher than therapeutic levels. These assays, combined with the absence of pyrogens, support a favorable safety profile for clinical use, with no evidence of systemic or structural damage. This work establishes a reproducible experimental model and lays the groundwork for future preclinical evaluations. We underscore the importance of characterizing the safety profile of active pharmaceutical ingredients from the earliest stages of biopharmaceutical development to ensure a safe and well-founded transition to human clinical trials. Furthermore, these results open the door for the development of advanced formulations and alternative routes of administration, such as the intranasal route, an area with significant potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Translational Preclinical Research)
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Review

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21 pages, 1675 KB  
Review
Modeling Glioblastoma with Brain Organoids: New Frontiers in Oncology and Space Research
by Laura Begani, Luigi Gianmaria Remore, Stefania Ragosta, Massimiliano Domenico Rizzaro, Laura Guarnaccia, Giovanni Andrea Alotta, Laura Riboni, Monica Rosa Miozzo, Emanuela Barilla, Chiara Gaudino, Marco Locatelli, Emanuele Garzia, Giovanni Marfia and Stefania Elena Navone
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110664 - 1 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor, characterized by extensive heterogeneity, invasiveness, infiltrating behavior, and resistance to standard therapies, including radiation and temozolomide (TMZ). Despite considerable efforts in investigating its pathophysiology, GBM represents one of the most challenging cancers to treat, [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor, characterized by extensive heterogeneity, invasiveness, infiltrating behavior, and resistance to standard therapies, including radiation and temozolomide (TMZ). Despite considerable efforts in investigating its pathophysiology, GBM represents one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with a median survival rate under 15 months and a 5-year survival rate below 5%. A major barrier to progress in GBM therapy development is the lack of reliable preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the tumor’s molecular heterogeneity, invasive behavior, and complex microenvironment. Traditional cell lines and xenograft models often fail to reflect the key pathological features of human GBM, including immune suppression, vascular abnormalities, and treatment resistance. In recent years, attention has focused on the development of numerous clinically relevant GBM models based on brain organoids as a powerful “disease-in-a-dish” model. They strongly mimic GBM key histopathological and molecular features, such as the tumor’s cellular heterogeneity, genetic landscape, and microenvironment, enabling more accurate studies of tumor biology, invasion, and therapeutic response in a controlled in vitro setting. Notably, research in microgravity offers a unique and promising platform to study cancer biology under conditions that enhance tissue self-organization, mimic aspects of tumor growth, and potentially unveil novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. This review compares organoids to conventional preclinical models, tracing their historical development and salient features, focusing on the preparation and use of organoids in GBM research. We also introduce a novel and promising field of organoid application: space-based organoid brain research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Translational Preclinical Research)
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