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The group launched within the framework of the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiative (HipSci) project, funded by Wellcome and MRC implementing methods to characterise cell behaviour of human iPS cells based on microscopy images, collating data with genomics. This work has formed the basis for an innovative collaborative cell phenotyping space - The Stem Cell Hotel.

The research group led by Davide focuses in particular on two model systems: human iPS and patient-derived brain tumour cells. The combination of imaging, biology and artificial microenvironments is aimed directly towards establishing novel platforms for translational research with applications to drug discovery, precision medicine and future therapeutic approaches.

Davide holds an MD from University of Milan, a PhD in Molecular Oncology from the European Institute of Oncology and completed his postdoctoral training with Austin Smith and Steve Pollard at University of Cambridge and University College London. He is a FLIER (Future Leader in Innovation, Enterprise and Research). of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Projects

Defining cell behaviour of human iPS cells using high content imaging
Defining cell behaviour of human iPS cells using high content imaging

This work started within the framework of the Human induced pluripotent stem cells intiative (HipSci). More recently, phd student Haneen Alsehli has been studying iPS forming sheroids using high content analysis and artificial microenvironments to define inter-relationships between morphology of these structures and lineage differentiation. Haneen Alsehli – Human iPS form spheroids in self-renewing (left) and differentiating (right) conditions (blue, nuclei – red, phalloidin – gray, 3D reconstruction)

    Defining cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using high content imaging
    Defining cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using high content imaging

    Wellcome PhD student Victoria Tsang and Research Associate Jason Coombes are exploring the cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using artificial microenvironments and high content analysis. Victoria Tsang – Human iPS-derived neural spheroid (brightfield) with protruding axons cocultured with invasive patient-derived glioblastoma cells (purple).

      Publications

        Awards

        Davide was awarded the FLIER (Future Leader for Innovation Enterprise and Research) from the Academy of Medical Sciences.

        Grants:

        Project Awarded by: Awarded to: Value: Dates: Reason:
        A Proof of Concept study for the reprogramming of iPSC to manufacture cancer killing neutrophils MedCity Ltd Danovi, D. £99,999.90 1/01/2020 → 31/12/2020 Research
        Use of 'Axon-like' Nanofibres to quantify and guide Glioblastoma cells migration Rosetrees Trust Danovi, D. £60,000.00 1/09/2019 → 31/08/2021 Research
        Using iPSC variation to define HIV-1 regulatory networks MRC Medical Research Council Malim, M., Vigilante, A., Danovi, D., Apolonia, L. £1,631,019.00 1/08/2019 → 31/07/2024 Research
        Impact of missense mutations in recessive Mendelian disease: insight from ciliopathies Wellcome Trust Danovi, D., Watt, F. £206,112.00 1/10/2018 → 30/09/2023 Research

        Activities

        stemcellnetwork
        London Stem Cell Network - Annual

        19th October 2021 – The Francis Crick Institute (and online)

        CytoData
        Cytodata 2021

        Online 13-14-15 October 2021

        PhD Students

        Ms Haneen Alsehli

        Ms Victoria Tsang

        Mr Sam Acors (with Mike Malim)

        Mr Matthew Tegtmeier (with Fiona Watt)

        Projects

        Defining cell behaviour of human iPS cells using high content imaging
        Defining cell behaviour of human iPS cells using high content imaging

        This work started within the framework of the Human induced pluripotent stem cells intiative (HipSci). More recently, phd student Haneen Alsehli has been studying iPS forming sheroids using high content analysis and artificial microenvironments to define inter-relationships between morphology of these structures and lineage differentiation. Haneen Alsehli – Human iPS form spheroids in self-renewing (left) and differentiating (right) conditions (blue, nuclei – red, phalloidin – gray, 3D reconstruction)

          Defining cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using high content imaging
          Defining cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using high content imaging

          Wellcome PhD student Victoria Tsang and Research Associate Jason Coombes are exploring the cell behaviour of patient-derived brain tumour cells using artificial microenvironments and high content analysis. Victoria Tsang – Human iPS-derived neural spheroid (brightfield) with protruding axons cocultured with invasive patient-derived glioblastoma cells (purple).

            Publications

              Awards

              Davide was awarded the FLIER (Future Leader for Innovation Enterprise and Research) from the Academy of Medical Sciences.

              Grants:

              Project Awarded by: Awarded to: Value: Dates: Reason:
              A Proof of Concept study for the reprogramming of iPSC to manufacture cancer killing neutrophils MedCity Ltd Danovi, D. £99,999.90 1/01/2020 → 31/12/2020 Research
              Use of 'Axon-like' Nanofibres to quantify and guide Glioblastoma cells migration Rosetrees Trust Danovi, D. £60,000.00 1/09/2019 → 31/08/2021 Research
              Using iPSC variation to define HIV-1 regulatory networks MRC Medical Research Council Malim, M., Vigilante, A., Danovi, D., Apolonia, L. £1,631,019.00 1/08/2019 → 31/07/2024 Research
              Impact of missense mutations in recessive Mendelian disease: insight from ciliopathies Wellcome Trust Danovi, D., Watt, F. £206,112.00 1/10/2018 → 30/09/2023 Research

              Activities

              stemcellnetwork
              London Stem Cell Network - Annual

              19th October 2021 – The Francis Crick Institute (and online)

              CytoData
              Cytodata 2021

              Online 13-14-15 October 2021

              PhD Students

              Ms Haneen Alsehli

              Ms Victoria Tsang

              Mr Sam Acors (with Mike Malim)

              Mr Matthew Tegtmeier (with Fiona Watt)

              Our Partners

              GlamAI - https://www.glamorous.ai partner in Innovate UK funded project ‘Glioblastoma Multiforme Patient Stratification through Novel integration of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Phenotypic Screening’)

              LIfT BioSciences - https://www.liftbiosciences.com partner in MedCity funded project ‘A Proof of Concept study for the reprogramming of iPSC to manufacture cancer killing neutrophils’

              In parallel to his role at King's, Davide has recently joined an award-winning Cambridge biotech.

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