Molecular Oncology and Pathology Laboratory

The laboratory carries out research activities related to:

• The study of molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
• The analysis of mechanisms involved in the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells.
• The role of the triiodothyronine/thyroid hormone receptor axis (T3/TRs) in HCC.
• The study of thyromimetic molecules for the treatment of liver diseases.

The activities are based on the use of:

• Sample processing techniques, use of microtome and cryostat, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, immunofluorescence, microscopic analysis of samples
• Molecular biology: RNA and DNA extraction from blood, cells, and tissues
• Reverse transcription, gene expression analysis by RT-PCR, miRNA expression analysis by RT-PCR
• Western blot
• Cell cultures, viability and cytotoxicity assays, migration assays, enzymatic assays
• Laser Capture Microdissection

LOCATION: University Campus, Block A

Clinical Metabolomics Laboratory

The research activity of the laboratory is focused on the study of changes in metabolomic profiles associated with complex diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and autism spectrum disorders. Metabolomic investigations are carried out on different tissues and biological matrices using mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS and LC-MS) and H1-NMR spectroscopy, with the aim of understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diseases, identifying potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers, and discovering possible therapeutic targets.

These analyses are complemented by in vitro studies using cell lines and/or primary cultures of isolated cells (human or murine), with the aim of analyzing biochemical pathways involved in cellular responses to different pathophysiological conditions and exploring their response to natural and/or synthetic compounds with potential therapeutic applications. For this purpose, biochemical assays for cell viability, enzymatic activity, and evaluation of energy and biosynthetic metabolism are used.

STAFF: Dr. Vera Piera Leoni
LOCATION AND PHONE: University Campus, Block A, Molecular Biology Lab Room 42, Cell Culture Lab Room 28, Metabolomics Lab Rooms 8 and 23. Tel. +39 0706758638

Experimental Medicine Laboratory

Under the guidance of Prof. Ezio Laconi and Prof. Fabio Marongiu, the laboratory focuses its studies on two main research areas:

Carcinogenesis: Studies focus on the role of the tissue microenvironment in cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on tissue architecture, cellular competition, cellular senescence, and aging. The group has demonstrated how a compromised tissue microenvironment, for example due to aging or chronic injury, can promote neoplastic development not so much by inducing mutations, but by favoring the selective expansion of altered cellular clones.

Regenerative Medicine: Our primary interest is currently directed toward the study of placental cells, particularly amniotic epithelial cells, as a possible tool for regenerative medicine of the liver and other organs/tissues. Studies include the development of protocols for the isolation and characterization of placental stem cells and their secretome. Currently, we are exploring the potential application of placental cells for retinal regeneration in the context of age-related macular degeneration.

LOCATION: University Campus, Block A, Molecular Biology Lab Room 41, Cell Culture Lab Room 28, Histology Lab Room 25, Microscopy Lab Room 12

Experimental Pathology Laboratory

Research activity is focused on evaluating the toxic effects of primary and secondary products of lipid peroxidation in relation to inflammation, redox imbalance, and cell death, as well as assessing the modulatory activity of bioactive food-derived compounds and their metabolites, mainly at the endothelial level and on the intestinal epithelium.

Experiments are carried out in vitro in cell-free systems, on cell cultures, tissues, and biological samples, using biochemical methods, spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses, and molecular biology techniques to evaluate the modulatory activity of pro/antioxidant and pro/anti-inflammatory agents in major intracellular signaling pathways.

STAFF: Dr. Maria Paola Melis
LOCATION AND PHONE: University Campus, Block C, Lab 1 – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lab 2 – Cell Cultures. Tel. +39 070 675 4127–4151