“During my profesional stay in Milan at the Università degli Studi di Milano, I closely collaborated with the esteemed Professor Paolo Magni, who is also the coordinator of the CardioSCOPE project. In the research laboratory located at the mentioned university, I attended and participated in various stages of work on cell cultures used to examine homeostasis, biochemical processes, metabolic reactions, mutagenesis, pathological mechanisms leading to the development of various diseases, as well as the impact of different agents on the molecular mechanisms of gene action. The practical work involved monitoring cell cultures through growth and development processes, i.e., their proliferation until the formation of a cell bank that is further used for various research

including molecular mechanisms and novel biomarkers of atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases overall. Also, I was able to work with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and human liposarcoma (SW872) cell lines. The research with these two different types of cells is focused on RNA extraction, specifically assessing its quality and quantity using the RT-qPCR technique. The obtained results are used to examine the effects of different agents on the expression of target genes. In all stages of the work, I closely collaborated with PhD students mentored by Professor Paolo Magni. Their expertise, responsibility, and desire to share knowledge greatly contributed to the sense of belonging to their collective and the successful mastering of the mentioned molecular biology techniques. 

Thanks to Professor Paolo Magni and Professor Alberico Catapano, I had the opportunity to visit IRCCS MultiMedica hospital as well as, research and clinical laboratory. I paid special attention to getting acquainted with the research laboratory led by Professor Alberico Catapano, which focuses on researching new molecular biomarkers in the field of cardiovascular diseases using omics techniques. 

In conclusion, this experience is invaluable to me for several reasons. Firstly, it allowed me to acquire new knowledge and master new laboratory techniques, i.e., molecular biology techniques. Secondly, although I have a PhD, working in a research laboratory gave me the opportunity to engage in complex scientific work again, collaborate with young, enthusiastic people, and confirm that scientific work, although not easy, yields invaluable long-term results. Thirdly, the collegiality, warmth, professionalism, exchange of knowledge, and new ideas once again confirmed that science knows no boundaries and that communication and collaboration among colleagues and researchers are essential if we want to move forward. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and collaborate with wonderful people and true professionals led by Professor Paolo Magni during my stay in Milan. ”

Dr Iva Perović Blagojević, Clinical-Hospital Center “Dr Dragiša Mišović – Dedinje” 

“During my stay in Milan, I was at the Università degli Studi di Milano, where I closely collaborated with the esteemed Professor Paolo Magni, who is also the coordinator of the CardioSCOPE project. In the research laboratory located at the university, I attended and participated in various stages of work on cell cultures used to examine homeostasis, biochemical processes, metabolic reactions, mutagenesis, pathological mechanisms leading to the development of various diseases, as well as the impact of different agents on the molecular mechanisms of gene action. The practical work involved monitoring cell cultures through the processes of growth and development, i.e., their proliferation until the formation of a cell bank that is further used for various research including molecular mechanisms and novel biomarkers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases overall. Also, I had an opportunity to work with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and human liposarcoma (SW872) cell lines. The research is focused on RNA extraction, specifically assessing its quality and quantity using the RT-qPCR technique. The obtained results are used to examine the effects of different agents on the expression of target genes. In all stages of the work, I closely collaborated with PhD students mentored by Professor Paolo Magni. Their expertise, responsibility, and desire to share knowledge greatly contributed to my sense of belonging to their collective and the successful mastering of the mentioned molecular biology techniques.
Thanks to Professor Paolo Magni and Professor Alberico Catapano, I had the opportunity to visit hospital as well as research and clinical laboratory which are part of IRCCS MultiMedica. I paid special attention to getting acquainted with the research laboratory led by Professor Alberico Catapano, which focuses on researching new biomarkers in the field of cardiovascular diseases using omics techniques.

This unique experience is significant for enhancing my competencies, skills, and communication, which will certainly contribute to my professional and personal development. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to meet, collaborate, and spend time with people who are exceptional both professionally and personally. “

Jovana Milijić Jovanović, Clinical-Hospital Center “Dr Dragiša Mišović – Dedinje”