PhD programme in Cellular, Molecular and Industrial Biology (Project n. 1: Cell Biology and Physiology)
Our research interests are focused on understanding some key molecular processes at the basis of normal function of neural cells as well as of their derangement in pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system derived tumors. This general goal is pursued by targeting selective molecules and processes in several models, including primary neuronal and mixed cultures as well as cell lines maintained in vitro and in vivo experiments on laboratory animals. Actual examples of these approaches are: 1) study of the role of the diffusible messenger molecule, nitric oxide, in neurogenesis and neuron survival/death; 2) role of the transcription factor CREB in neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory; 3) molecular interactions between neurons and microglia, the brain immune cells, in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection; 4) pharmacological neuroprotection in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases; 5) role of nitric oxide and its transduction pathway in the regulation of proliferation of tumor cells arising from the peripheral or central nervous system, neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma; 6) role of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the control of neurogenesis, disregulated growth of tumors derived from neuronal precursors and neuroprotection.
Post-doc positions entirely or partially funded by ongoing research grants
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Research Group:
Antonio Contestabile (Full professor)
Marco Virgili (Associate professor)
Barbara Monti Ricercatrice
Elisabetta Polazzi Postdoc
Emiliano Pena Altamira Post-doc
Monia Bentivogli (Laboratory technician)
Simona Eleuteri Dottoranda
