Ph.D. Program in Cellular, Molecular and Industrial Biology (Progect n. 1: Physiology and Cellular Biology)
Plant phytochemicals: metabolomics, proteomics and biotechnological applications The laboratory is mainly involved in the study of human health related plant phytochemicals such as polyphenols, alkaloids and biogenic amines. Metabolomics, proteomics and gene expression techniques are currently used to study the regulation of the synthesis of these metabolites in several plant systems (es. Arabidopsis thaliana and Vitis vinifera). 1). Analysis of polyphenolic content (in particular flavonoids and stilbenes such as resveratrol) in different grapevine plants, berries. Grape liquid cell cultures are used as model system to study the activity and gene expression of biosynthetic enzymes (northern blot, RT-PCR and Real-Time PCR), and to determine the protein expression profile (proteomics and mass spectrometry techniques). The regulation of biosynthetic enzymes is also studied by heterologous expression of plant proteins in E. coli, S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris. 2). Biogenic amines in plants and plant-derived foods. The presence of detrimental compounds in plant-derived foods (es. biogenic amines, alkaloids), is investigated. Particular attention is given to biogenic amines and related compounds present in significant amounts in human diet either naturally or as a result of food processing, microorganisms contamination, storage and spoilage. 3). Polyamine metabolism: transport, translocation, binding, gene expression and activity of biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes in in vivo and in vitro plants models.
Research group :
Dr. Maura Ferri post-doc
Dr. Tassoni Annalisa (Research Associate)
Prof. Nello Bagni (Full professor)
