One lab-multidisciplinary-two sites

Our multidisciplinary laboratory integrates chemical synthesis and biological evaluation to develop and test innovative drugs for prostate cancer (PC) treatment across various preclinical models. Established in January 2024, Inserm ERL U1326 “RNAnoTher,” led by Dr. Palma Rocchi, is the first French laboratory to unite chemical and biological expertise for the design, production, and evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in precision medicine and radiotheranostics.

With state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled team, our laboratory conducts cutting-edge research efficiently. It is structured into two specialized departments across different sites:

Campus Luminy

The RNAnoTher Chemistry Department is located at the Centre Interdisciplinaire des Nanosciences de Marseille (CiNAM, Faculté des Sciences de Luminy). This site is fully equipped for chemical synthesis in solution, featuring fume hoods, rotary evaporators, and microwave reactors. It also includes advanced purification systems such as automated flash chromatography, analytical and preparative HPLC, and a range of analytical tools, including LC-MS, NMR, and MALDI-TOF.

For nanoparticle (NP) characterization, we utilize dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with freeze-drying equipment for sample conditioning. Recently, the RNAnoTher laboratory acquired a DNA/RNA automated synthesizer for producing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and L-ASOs, as well as a microfluidic system (Silon Therapeutics) for NP formulation, further enhancing our capabilities.

Campus La Timone

The RNAnoTher Biological Department is located at the Centre Européen de Recherche en Imagerie Médicale (CERIMED, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales de la Timone). This site is fully equipped for biological research, featuring a cell culture platform and molecular biology facilities, including qPCR and Western blot (WB) capabilities. Additionally, it houses animal facilities for in vivo studies.

CERIMED is a multidisciplinary research and service center offering both preclinical and clinical imaging capabilities. It is equipped with microPET/CT, two cyclotrons (in partnership with AAA/Novartis), and ⁶⁸Ga generators for radionuclide supply. The radiopharmacy team, led by Prof. Benjamin Guillet, specializes in nanoparticle (NP) radiolabeling and has developed RGD-targeted dendrimersomes for imaging applications.

As a center of excellence in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical production, CERIMED plays a pivotal role in advancing both preclinical and clinical applications in precision medicine.