IGM Bologna Unit – Research Activities
The Bologna Unit stands out for its ability to combine research on fundamental biological mechanisms with translational research. Six main research topics can be identified:
CELLULAR BIOLOGY OF THE NUCLEUS
Study of the nuclear membrane and lamina, involvement of the nuclear envelope in the differentiation and function of adipocyte, muscle and bone precursors.
Study of the structure and ultrastructure of chromatin and epigenetic modifications of chromatin dependent on the nuclear lamina.Study of cellular senescence in relation to the nuclear lamina.Study of the transposable elements.
Study models: primary cell cultures from laminopathies, cell models of laminopathies, mouse model of progeria.
Staff: Cristina Capanni, Elisabetta Mattioli, Vittoria Cenni, Davide Andrenacci, Stefano Squarzoni, Elisa Schena e Giovanna Lattanzi.
PATHOGENESIS AND DRUG SEARCHING IN LAMINOPATHIES
Study of the pathogenetic mechanisms of laminopathies: dilated cardiomyopathy type 1A (DCM1A), congenital lamina muscular dystrophy (L-CMD), Dunningan’s partial familial lipodystrophy (FPLD), mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD), atypical Werner’s syndrome (WS) and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria (HGPS).
Study models: primary cell cultures from laminopathies, cell models of laminopathies, mouse model of progeria.
Staff: Giovanna Lattanzi, Vittoria Cenni, Cristina Capanni, Elisabetta Mattioli, Schena Elisa, Davide Andrenacci e Stefano Squarzoni.
CELL BIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY AND PROTEOMICS OF BONE SARCOMAS
Study of the cellular mechanisms involved in tumor migration and invasion.Role of inflammation in tumor progression and therapeutic response.Study of bone sarcomas in relation to the nuclear lamina.
Staff: William Blalock, Vittoria Cenni, Manuela Piazzi, Francesca Chiarini and Cristina Capanni.
CELL BIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF MUSCLE
Study of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in some hereditary forms of muscular dystrophy such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Emery-Dreyfuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and forms caused by mutations of Collagen VI (Col6-MD).
Cell biology of skeletal muscle: muscle differentiation, response to mechanical stress and oxidative stress and senescence studied through molecular, biochemical and ultrastructural techniques.
Study models: primary cell cultures of skin and skeletal muscle from patients with muscular dystrophies, stable muscle cell lines, mouse and zebrafish models of DMD and Col6-MD.
Staff: Patrizia Sabatelli, Vittoria Cenni, Elisabetta Mattioli, Cristina Capanni, Stefano Squarzoni and Giovanna Lattanzi.
CELLULAR BIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF BONE PRECURSORS
Study of the proliferation and differentiation of bone precursors, also related to laminopathies and the interaction with biocompatible materials.
Study models: primary cell cultures from laminopathies and a mouse model of progeria.
Staff: Elisabetta Mattioli, Cristina Capanni, Stefano Squarzoni and Giovanna Lattanzi
CELLULAR BIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF NEURO-TRANSMITTERS