Research themes
-Substance use disorders (SUD)
Study of the role of neuromodulatory systems (endogenous opioids, endocannabinoids, neurotrophins) in molecular (receptors, signal transduction and transcription factors), genetic (gene expression) and epigenetic (DNA methylation, histone modifications and related enzymes) mechanisms in different experimental models (in vivo and in vitro) to identify new pharmacological targets for the therapy of CNS diseases, such as substance use disorders (opiates, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabinoids, nicotine and alcohol). Role of social stress induced by early experiences in adolescence and adulthood in the development of S.U.D. Investigation of the role of neuroinflammatory processes in pathogenesis of addiction.
-Pain
Molecular and behavioral studies on the role of neuropeptidergic systems (opioid and non-opioid) in nociceptive transmission, in the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain, in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Use of in vivo and in vitro models of chronic pain, analysis of the mechanisms underlying painful pathologies by analgesimetric, behavioral and molecular biology techniques. Assessment of pharmacological effects of natural substances, in vitro and in vivo.
-Neurodegenerative diseases
Study of gene expression and related epigenetic mechanisms for neuromodulators involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer in experimental models (in vitro and in vivo) and in clinical setting (receptor analysis, signal transduction pathways and transcription factors). Evaluation of DNA (site-specific) methylation and histone modifications induced by different pathological conditions to identify innovative pharmacological targets. Investigation on the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.