Unraveling the role of extracellular vesicles in myeloproliferative neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are rare hematological disorders characterized by excessive blood cell production and a tendency to progress to acute myeloid leukemia. Despite advances in understanding the genetic basis of MPNs, many aspects remain unexplored about the disease complex interplay between neoplastic cells and their surroundings. Advancements in these areas are crucial for developing improved treatments and identifying biomarkers for MPN. Addressing factors other than genetic alterations may play a role in the origin, evolution and progression of the disease and could, therefore, be the target of new therapies as well. During my PhD program, I had the privilege of working not only at the Institute of Hematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli” of the University of Bologna, but also at two companies. These experiences allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between academia and industry, enriching my research and equipping me with skills to navigate both scientific and entrepreneurial environments. Additionally, I gained extensive experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration by working with research groups from diverse faculties, including the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as well as Chemistry. This exposure broadened my scientific perspective and strengthened my ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative environments. In conclusion, I hope that my PhD thesis has made a meaningful contribution to the better understanding of MPN diseases by providing insights that may support the development of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Improving EV isolation using HF5 represents a step toward more refined techniques, which, when combined with omics data, could open new avenues for exploring the biology of MPNs. I am hopeful that these advancements will aid in facilitating translational research and ultimately contribute to the development of more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies for MPN patients.