The research project titled “Exploring DNA Chimerism in Transplants and Hematologic Malignancies: A Pilot Study for Medical and Forensic Applications,” designed and led by PhD Retina Çapuni, has been selected for funding by the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI). This 18-month project will be conducted at Western Balkans University in collaboration with two key partner institutions: American Hospital II and Forensic Center Albania (FCA).
The focus of the research will be the development of advanced molecular methods to address a still underestimated issue: DNA chimerism, a phenomenon that can significantly complicate genetic diagnostics and forensic interpretations, especially in patients after transplantation and those with hematologic malignancies.
In the next phase of the project, the involvement of volunteers who have undergone bone marrow transplantation is planned. These volunteers are critical to the success of the study but are often difficult to recruit, even through clinical networks.
This close collaboration between research, clinical, and forensic institutions represents a significant step toward advancing knowledge and services in the biomedical and forensic fields in Albania.
The project will be carried out by a multidisciplinary team composed of:
- PhD Retina Çapuni
- PhD Ornela Cuci
- MSc Pamela Xhani
- MSc Albano Llapaj
- MD Arjeta Dedej
- Msc Gilberta Lala