Laboratory of Human Anatomy
(Responsabili Prof. Pellegrino Rossi – Prof. Susanna Dolci)
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The research activity of the laboratory focuses on two main topics: Cancer Biology and Germ Cells Biology.
STUDY APPROACHES:
RESEARCH FIELDS BY INVESTIGATOR Prof.ssa Susanna Dolci ([email protected]) Our lab uses genetically engineered mouse models to study human disease. In particular we produced mouse strains to understand the role of MAPK and GMP signaling in the genesis of tumors of the nervous system, of germ cells and of melanocytes. We aim to develop mouse cancer models based on the evidence that mutations of Ras-Raf-Mek signaling pathway strongly impact on cell transformation and to transfer our findings for validation in human cancer samples. Prof.ssa Pamela Bielli ([email protected]) In humans regulation of gene expression is primarily controlled by regulation of RNA processing, a set of stepwise post-transcriptional modifications responsible of transcriptome expansion and proteome diversity. Aberrant RNA processing regulation can generate dysfunctional proteins leading to modification of fundamental physiological processes and thus raising the risk to develop pathological conditions. Due the relevance of this process, our laboratory is mainly focused on the study of RNA processing regulation in physiological processes, as apoptosis and differentiation, and in pathological condition, as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. During the last five years, our research work mainly contributed to elucidate the role of pro-oncogenic splicing factors in alternative splicing regulation of cancer-related genes in tumors, including prostate and bladder cancer. Currently, the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying alternative polyadenylation and transcription termination regulation and their biological relevance in tumors are our main focus. Prof.ssa Paola Grimaldi ([email protected]) In the last 10 years our laboratory has been focused on the study of the “Endocannabinoid system” (ECS) in germ cells and in CNS. The ECS is ubiquitously expressed and is involved in maintaining cell homeostasis. It is composed of lipid molecules, called endocannabinoids, that bind to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and enzymatic proteins that synthetize and degrade endocannabinoids. ECS regulates many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and its alteration is associated to pathological conditions. In germ cells we elucidated the role of CB2 receptor in promoting meiotic entry of male and female germ cells and in inducing epigenetic modifications in these cells that can be transmitted to the future generation. In the field of CNS, we demonstrated the effect exerted by CB1 receptor in Neural stem cells differentiation and maturation into neurons. Studies on these fields are currently in progress. Prof. Pellegrino Rossi ([email protected]) Starting from 1990 and up to date, his main field of research is the study of the mechanisms that control the differentiation of male germ cells, and in particular: expression and function of proto-oncogenes in spermatogenesis, interaction between pituitary hormones and paracrine factors in testicular regulation of hormone-dependent gene transcription, control of meiotic progression, control of gene expression in the haploid phase, genetic mechanisms of male infertility, molecular basis of fertilization, mechanisms of specification of the germ cell line, generation of animal models for testicular germ cell tumors. Dr. Marco Barchi ([email protected]) Meiosis is the specialized process that in sexually reproducing organisms leads to the differentiation of gametes. Proper segregation of chromosomes during meiosis is key to prevent conception of aneuploid embryos, such as that carrying trisomy of chromosome 21 (Down syndrome) and that of sex chromosomes (Klinefelter and Turner syndromes). Using animal models, our laboratory is interested at understanding the molecular mechanisms behind chromosome recombination and segregation during meiosis. Moreover, using germ cell cancer cell lines of human origin, we are interested at identify the role of DNA recombination in testicular cancer acquired-resistance to chemotherapy. Dr. Flavia Botti ([email protected]) Since 1994 working in a hospital context, initially in the field of Dentistry, later in the field of Anatomical Pathology I collaborated transversally in various research fields. From the study of materials for implantology, to the optimization of preparation techniques for optical and electron microscopy for non-decalcified human dental tissues, to the role of the transcription factor FBI-1 in the regulation of alternative splicing when it interacts with the splicing factor SAM68. Currently, in collaboration with the orthopedics department, I am involved in the study of the histological characteristics found in discoid lateral menisci of young patients in order to better understand the pathophysiology of that disease. PUBLICATIONS (Pub Med): Prof. Susanna Dolci https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=dolci+susanna&sort=date&size=20 Prof.ssa Pamla Bielli https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=pamela+bielli&sort=date&size=20 Prof.ssa Paola Grimaldi https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=grimaldi+paola&sort=date&size=20 Prof. Pellegrino Rossi https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=pellegrino+rossi&sort=date&size=20 Dr. Marco Barchi https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=barchi+marco&sort=date&size=20 Dr.ssa Flavia Botti https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Botti+flavia&sort=date&size=20 A partire dal 2022, in virtù della convenzione stipulata tra l’Università di Tor Vergata e la Fondazione IES Abroad Italy (https://www.iesabroad.org/), i Laboratori di Anatomia Umana, Biologia Applicata e Istologia ed Embriologia Umana accolgono regolarmente studenti internazionali nell’ambito di programmi di tirocinio formativo.
Ogni anno, uno o due studenti per ciascun laboratorio partecipano a un periodo di stage della durata di sette settimane, durante il quale hanno l’opportunità di conoscere da vicino le attività di ricerca svolte nei laboratori e di acquisire competenze teorico-pratiche nelle principali metodologie sperimentali impiegate. Nel corso della permanenza, gli studenti sono invitati a cimentarsi in un progetto di ricerca su scala ridotta, sotto la supervisione del personale docente e tecnico-scientifico, i cui risultati vengono successivamente raccolti in una relazione finale. L’iniziativa rappresenta un’importante occasione di formazione e di crescita culturale per gli studenti ospitati e per il personale afferente ai laboratori, favorendo al contempo l’internazionalizzazione delle attività dipartimentali. La presenza di studenti provenienti da diversi contesti accademici e geografici contribuisce infatti a promuovere il confronto scientifico, lo scambio di esperienze e l’apertura verso prospettive di ricerca internazionali, arricchendo l’ambiente di lavoro e consolidando le relazioni con istituzioni accademiche estere. Attraverso questa collaborazione, il Dipartimento conferma il proprio impegno nella promozione della mobilità internazionale e nella diffusione di una cultura della ricerca aperta, inclusiva e orientata alla cooperazione scientifica globale. |
STAFF
Prof. Susanna Dolci Prof. Pamela Bielli Prof. Paola Grimaldi Prof. Pellegrino Rossi Dr. Marco Barchi Dr. Flavia Botti |
