Research themes
In this unit there are 4 main lines of research:
1) Expression and function of ion channels involved in neuropathic and gastrointestinal pain in Anderson-Fabry disease
This line of research has the main objective of studying the role of different receptors/ion channels involved in nociceptive processes that participate in neuropathic pain in the lysosomal storage disease defined as Fabry disease. In this research, cell biology, cellular electrophysiology and microfluorimetry techniques are used, as well as a mouse model of the disease itself.
2) Analysis of brain homeostatic mechanisms in physiology and pathophysiology
In these studies, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the homeostatic control of astroglial cells in physiological conditions and their regulation in pathophysiological situations are analyzed. Cellular biology, cellular electrophysiology and microfluorimetry techniques are used in this research.
3) Transcriptional channelopathies in glial and neuronal cells
This line of research has the main objective of determining the pathogenetic role of the altered expression of channel proteins in glial and neuronal cells in some chronic diseases of the central nervous system. In these studies, in vitro and in situ molecular biology and cellular electrophysiology techniques are used.
4) Role of channel receptors and aquaporins in the control of cell volume in rat cortical astrocytes
Through collaboration with the Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF) of the National Research Council (CNR), nanostructured interfaces, electronic and photonic devices are used to identify and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of cortical astrocytes of rat in order to develop and highlight the potential of new diagnostic imaging techniques and stimulation of cellular physiological activity.
5) "Pain in a dish" models through 3D bioprinting
This project aims to employ a 3D bioprinting technology developed by our research group, coupled with direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts isolated from patients with congenital neuropathy into sensory neurons. In this patient-specific model inflammation and neurodegeneration will be investigated, along with neuronal excitability and ion channel disfunctions. In collaboration with ISMN (Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials - CNR).