We had a pleasure to host our external collaborator from the Institute for Cell biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, dr Aleksandar Janev. Dr Janev visited our lab, with special focus on 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting where we discussed our research and future mutual plans. On September the 17th, dr Janev presented his research on the potential application of human amniotic membrane (hAM) in bladder cancer therapy.

The study demonstrated that hAM homogenate and extract influence the molecular and structural characteristics of both non-invasive and invasive bladder cancer cells. Using proteomic, transcriptomic, and 3D spheroid models, Dr. Janev’s team observed significant changes in cell signaling, gene expression, and tumor architecture, highlighting the translational potential of hAM preparations for future therapeutic strategies.

“Human amniotic membrane is rich in extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and signaling molecules. Although it has been extensively studied in regenerative medicine, its anticancer effects, particularly in bladder cancer, have remained largely unexplored. Our work aims to systematically evaluate the antitumor activity of hAM in both 2D and 3D in vitro models,” explained Dr. Janev.