The gene expression that leads to DNA lesions caused by asbestos exposure can explain the development of malignant mesothelioma (MPM), a rare and aggressive cancer. Analyzing the public data RNA-SEQ through a comprehensive bioinformatics conductor, scientists working with the SBARRO Health Research Agency (SHRO) have developed an in-depth view of the molecular mechanisms involved in asbestos-caused carcinogenesis. The findings highlight both the known and the new genes and trails, providing valuable knowledge of biological processes disrupted in exposed patients. This project contributes to the ongoing efforts to determine reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and lays the foundations for future research and possible clinical applications in personalized approaches to MPM management.
The article, entitled “From Exhibition to Asbestos to Carcinogenesis: Transcriptional Signatures to Mesothelioma of the pleura,” describes a new study that explores the differential gene expression in malignant mesothelioma (mpm) related to the Support the origin in the present of medicine.
Published Experimental and Molecular PathologyThe paper was a collaborative effort between teams led by Professor Antonio Giordano, MD, Ph.D., founder and director of Shro and professor at Temple University and Professor Elisa Frullanti, Ph.D. The study was conducted in the center of Med Biotech and the Ski University Center at the University of Siena, in collaboration with Shro and the Sbarro Molecular Medicine and Cancer Institute at Temple University. The funding is provided by the Italian National Institute of Insurance Accidents at work (inail) through the BRIC-INAIL 2022 program. Co-authors include Diletta Rosati, Bianca Giulia Maurizi, Viola Bianca Serio, Debora Maffeo, Angela Rina, Francesca Mari Mari Mari and Maria Palmieri.
Using the available RNA sequence sets available in the public, the research team used a comprehensive bioinformatics conductor to perform differential gene expression and functional enrichment analysis. The results identified a separate set of differently expressed genes (Deg) in patients with MPM with a documented exposure to asbestos. Many of these genes are involved in basic biological processes such as ion homeostasis, oxidative stress reaction, and disorganization of cellular cells induced by asbestos cellular damage that can play a role in the onset and evolution of tumor.
This is not just about gene cataloging. This is the construction of a molecular map of the asbestos -induced development of cancer. With further validation, this could be translated into real world clinical applications. ”
Professor Elisa Frullanti, Ph.D., Director of Cancer Genomics & Systems Laboratory and Professor of Genetics at the University of Siena University
The findings shed new light on the MPM molecular mechanisms and offer a foundation for future research in prognostic and prognostic biomarkers. By identifying specific transcriptional changes, the study contributes to the efforts of medical accuracy and supports the development of improved diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic goals for this deadly disease.
“This type of medical accuracy means that we are one step closer to the recognition of patients who are more likely to develop malignant pleural mesothelioma,” says Giordano, “and we are closer to the development of possible treatments.”
As the global impact of the mesothelioma continues to grow partially in the long-term latent period of exposure to asbestos and on continued environmental risks-this study represents a critical step towards more personalized and effective management strategies for patients.
Source:
Magazine report:
Rosati, D., et al. (2025). From exposure to asbestos to carcinogenesis: transcriptional signatures to malignant pleural mesothelioma. Experimental and Molecular Pathology. doi.org/10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104973.
