We’ve just published a comprehensive review article in Cancers MDPI that brings together the latest insights into cancer diagnostics and targeted therapy within the framework of precision oncology, based on molecular tumor profiling and artificial intelligence.
Read more about the article here.
Our team published the article “Implementing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in Clinical Practice: Advantages, Challenges, and Future Perspectives” in the scientific journal Cells, as part of the Special Issue Recent Advances in Research on Chromosome Abnormalities and Genomic Disorders. Integrating WGS into standard clinical practice introduces new prospects for personalized medicine and enhanced patient health results, encompassing proactive interventions to deter the onset of complex diseases. Anticipating the future, WGS is poised to become a customary diagnostic instrument in pediatric care, streamlining precise and tailored treatment for children with both monogenic and multifactorial conditions. The assimilation of WGS into clinical practice marks a significant shift in approach, offering optimism for improved outcomes of patient treatments. This potent technology not only heightens diagnostic precision but also unlocks new avenues for personalized therapies.
Article is available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/6/504
A new multidisciplinary research project is set to advance the understanding and prevention of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries by integrating clinical data with cutting-edge molecular and genomic technologies. The initiative, led by St. Catherine Specialty Hospital in collaboration with partners including International Center for Applied Biological Research (ICABS), Genos, and the University of Zagreb Faculty of Kinesiology, aims to develop a novel clinical-molecular algorithm capable of predicting individual susceptibility to ACL injury.
ACL injuries are among the most frequent and challenging conditions in sports medicine, often resulting in long recovery periods and a considerable risk of reinjury. Despite their prevalence, current clinical approaches remain largely reactive, focusing on treatment rather than prevention. A key limitation has been the insufficient understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms—particularly the interplay between genetic predisposition, biochemical processes, and biomechanical factors.
This project addresses that challenge through a comprehensive, multi-omics research strategy. By combining detailed clinical assessments with biochemical biomarker analysis, glycomics, and whole genome sequencing, the research team seeks to uncover the complex biological factors that contribute to ligament integrity and injury risk.
Participants in the study will undergo advanced clinical testing, including functional and biomechanical evaluations, alongside laboratory analyses of blood and urine samples. These analyses will focus on biomarkers related to collagen metabolism and tissue remodeling—key processes in maintaining ligament strength and resilience. In parallel, genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing technologies will enable the identification of genetic variants associated with connective tissue properties and susceptibility to injury.
A particularly innovative aspect of the project is the integration of glycan analysis, which captures both genetic and environmental influences on biological systems. This multi-layered approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how intrinsic and extrinsic factors interact in the development of ACL injuries, moving beyond traditional single-factor models.
The ultimate goal of the project is to develop and validate a predictive clinical-molecular algorithm that can be applied in real-world settings. Such a tool would enable early identification of individuals at increased risk of ACL injury, allowing for targeted preventive strategies, personalized training adaptations, and improved long-term outcomes for both professional and recreational athletes.
In addition to its clinical implications, the project contributes to the broader field of personalized medicine by demonstrating the value of integrating multi-omics data into predictive models of disease and injury. The collaboration between clinical institutions, research laboratories, and academic partners highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex biomedical challenges.
By bridging the gap between molecular research and clinical application, this initiative represents a significant step toward a more proactive and individualized approach to musculoskeletal health—one in which prevention, rather than treatment, becomes the central focus.
The project is funded through the “Targeted Scientific Research” call issued by the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth of the Republic of Croatia under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
A member of our team co-authored and co-edited the book “Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Practice”, published by Springer Cham. This book offers a practical guide for applications of pharmacogenomics in various medical fields. It includes an overview of the mechanisms involved in membrane transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes, emphasizing their significance in pharmacogenomics. It also provides detailed guidance on applying these techniques in specialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology, transplantation surgery, infectious diseases, anesthesia and analgesia, neurology, psychiatry, primary care, and public health. Additionally, it provides clear instructions on utilizing big data technologies and public health databases in routine clinical practice.
“Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Practice” concisely addresses the implementation of pharmacogenomic technologies in routine clinical practice. Therefore, it serves as an excellent current resource for medical practitioners, trainees, and researchers across all medical fields who seek to enhance their understanding and utilization of these techniques.
Book is available as hardcover and ebook (EPUB and PDF): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-45903-0