Department of Biomedicine and Prevention
  • Homepage
  • Department
    • Organization and Governance
    • Staff
  • Research
  • Didactic
    • Specialization School in Nutrition Science Università Cattolica Nostra Signora del Buon Consiglio
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienza dell' Alimentazione
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Radioterapia
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Radiodiagnostica
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Ematologia
    • Medical genetics Graduated School
    • master_II_Level_Cytogenetics
    • master_II_Level_CBRNE
    • master_I_Level_PH. E. SOUCHARD
    • master_I_Level_CBRNE
    • master_I_Level_Nursing_Managment
    • master_I_Level_Critical_Nursing
    • master_I_Level_Stomaterapia
    • Corso_professionale_Nursery_midwifery_operating_room
  • Third Mission
    • Conventions
    • Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology
    • Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
    • ICP-Massa Laboratory
    • Laboratory of Forensic Genetics
    • Laboratory of Industrial Hygiene
    • Laboratory of Medical Genetics
    • Laboratory of Oncohematology
    • Section of Histology and Embryology-Laboratories of Reproductive and Developmental Biology
    • Section of Legal Medicine
    • Section of of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics
    • Simulation and Optimization Laboratory of National Health Service (SSN) Services
    • Laboratory for Primordial Cell Germ Study en
    • Laboratory for the Prevention and Management of Psychosocial Risks (stress, mobbing and burn out)
    • Laboratory of Environmental and Occupational Toxicology
    • Laboratorio of Human Anatomy
  • SUA-RD_en
    • Report on Research Planning 2014-2015
    • Research Report
    • Papers on SCOPUS
    • Statistics and Metrics
    • Research lines
  • Positions and Announcements
    • Positions
    • Commitments to third parties
  • In Evidence
  • News_en
  • Home
  • Dipartimento
    • Organizzazione e Governance
    • Personale
  • Ricerca
    • Dottorati di ricerca
  • Didattica
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienze dell'Alimentazione (Università Cattolica Nostra Signora del Buon Consiglio)
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienza dell' Alimentazione
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva >
      • LIBRETTO SCUOLA SPECIALIZZAZIONE
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Radioterapia
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Radiodiagnostica
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Ematologia
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Genetica Medica
    • master_II_Livello_Citogenetica
    • master_II_Livello_CBRNE
    • master_I_Livello_PH. E. SOUCHARD
    • master_I_Livello_CBRNE
    • master_I_Livello_Nursing_Managment
    • master_I_Livello_Critical_Nursing
    • master_I_Livello_Stomaterapia
    • Corso_professionale_Infermiere_Ostetrica_sala_operatoria
  • Terza Missione
    • Convenzioni
    • Laboratorio di Microbiologia Ambientale
    • Laboratorio di Chimica Ambientale
    • Laboratorio ICP-Massa
    • Laboratorio di Genetica Forense
    • Laboratorio di Genetica Medica
    • Sezione di Medicina Legale
    • Laboratorio di Oncoematologia
    • Laboratorio di Igiene Industriale
    • Laboratory for Primordial Cell Germ Study
    • Laboratorio dei Rischi Psicosociali
    • Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia - Laboratorio di Biologia della Riproduzione e dello Sviluppo
    • Laboratorio di Simulazione - SSN
    • Laboratorio di Tossicologia Ambientale ed Occupazionale
    • Laboratori Sezione di Biologia
    • Laboratory of Human Anatomy
    • Sezione di Nutrizione clinica e Nutrigenomica
  • SUA-RD
    • Relazione Ricerca
    • Relazione Programmazione Ricerca
    • Elenco Pubblicazioni Scopus
    • Statistiche e Metriche
    • Linee di Ricerca
  • News
  • Bandi e Concorsi
    • Concorsi
    • Affidamento incarichi c/terzi
  • In Evidenza
  • Area riservata

Laboratory of di Medical Genetics

(Responsable Prof. Giuseppe Novelli)

Picture
In the Medical Genetics Laboratory various expertise in different fields are available, in particular:
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Medical Genetics
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Forensic Genetics
  • Classical and Molecular Cytogenetics
 
In the last few years, the Laboratory has worked on the identification of different genes and gene variants at the base of monogenic diseases, chromosomal syndromes and multifactorial diseases. Regarding monogenic diseases, the laboratory dealt with Progeroid Syndromes, congenital and familial lipodystrophies, Myotonic Dystrophy, cardiac and muscular Laminopathies, X-linked myotubular myopathy, Metabolic Diseases, Cystic Fibrosis and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In this area, the Laboratory has worked on the development of protocols for molecular diagnosis (prenatal and postnatal diagnosis), contributing to the development of national and international guidelines, the development of innovative gene therapy protocols and the creation of cellular models useful for understanding molecular pathogenesis and to test new therapeutic molecules.
As for chromosomal syndromes, the Laboratory has contributed to the mapping and cloning of several responsible human genes and to the study of the molecular basis of human syndromes caused by chromosomal deletions of the 22q11 region (DiGeorge / velocardiofacial syndrome) and 7q23 (Williams syndrome) and congenital heart disease.
In the field of the Genetics of Multifactorial Complex Diseases and their complications, the Laboratory has dealt with Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Crohn's Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Macular Degeneration and Osteoporosis. In fact, the Molecular Genetics Laboratory is part of the "Center of Excellence for the study of Genomic risk in complex and multifactorial diseases", whose purpose is to identify the genetic factors contributing to the susceptibility to complex diseases, to the development of their complications and to the variability in response to therapies (see below, Pharmacogenetics).
Furthermore, the Genetics Laboratory is involved in molecular analysis (by next-generation sequencing approaches, NGS) of genes predisposing to the development of hereditary carcinoma of the breast and / or ovary and to cardiomyopathies and hereditary arrhythmic syndromes.
The laboratory has also created several lines of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from both fetal cells (trophoblasts) and adult cells (skin biopsies). These lines are obtained from healthy subjects and from subjects suffering from monogenic diseases. Their specific differentiation into target cell types of different pathologies / conditions represents a valid model for the study of the pathogenetic mechanisms at the basis of these pathologies.
The Laboratory of Molecular Genetics works also in the field of Pharmacogenetics / Pharmacogenomics, for the study of genetic factors that contribute to the inter-individual variability in response to drugs, both in terms of efficacy and toxicity. In this field, the Laboratory contributed to identify genes and / or allelic variants in genes involved in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various drugs (genes coding for drug transporters, for metabolizing enzymes, for drug targets, etc.). Identifying these gene variants may help identify individuals who might develop adverse reactions to some drugs, identify “responders” and “non-responders” patients, or identify the right dosage of a drug for each patient. The purpose of this work is to contribute, with genetic information, to establish more personalized therapies (Genomic Medicine, - Personalized Medicine).
In this context, some members of the Laboratory collaborate with the Pharmacogenomics Working Party of the EMA (European Medicine Agency), as well as with several Italian institutions, contributing to the formulation of International Documents and Guidelines regarding the recent applications of Pharmacogenetics in the Clinical field, to the inclusion of pharmacogenetic studies in the production of new drugs or in the "Repositioning" of already existing drugs and to the definition of specific procedures for the Qualification of Genomic Biomarkers.
The Laboratory of Medical Genetics includes also the Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, the only university laboratory accredited according to the norm 17025. The Forensic Genetics Laboratory conducts genetic analysis on all biological tissues and provides a valid technological and scientific support to the judicial system through the staff experience and the innovative available equipment. (See the specific section on the site).
The close collaboration with the Medical Genetics Counseling Service of the Policlinico Tor Vergata allows to collect biological samples from patients, to have access to clinical data and to to participate to the main networks for studying and diagnosing a series of genetic diseases (EMQN, Orphanet etc.), in particular myotonic dystrophies and neuromuscular diseases for which the laboratory is a national centre of reference.
 
Regarding this issues, the Laboratory is able to provide different study approaches:
  • DNA sequencing based on Sanger's method of capillary electrophoresis (on ABI-PRISM 3130 xl Thermofisher) for the identification of common (polymorphisms) or rare (mutations) genomic variants
  • Genotyping by Real Time system using Taqman probes (Termofisher)
  • Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) through ION S5 platform (Termofisher) for the simultaneous analysis of the sequence of genes responsible for various genetic pathologies such as Cystic Fibrosis, Marfan Syndrome, progeroid syndromes, congenital and familial lipodystrophies, Myotonia of Thomsen, the main cardiomyopathies and canalopathies, and for the identification of the variants  in the predisposition to the family tumor of breast and / or ovary.
  • Studies of gene expression using microarrays or quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) on mRNA and / or miRNAs extracted from different biological samples (blood, plasma, saliva, etc.), tissues and cell systems.
  • Studies of DNA methylation profiles in different biological samples, tissues and cell systems: analysis of epigenetic modifications of candidate genes by HRM and DNA sequencing methods.
  • Development of induced pluripotent stem cell lines (hiPSCs) derived from healthy subjects affected by cystic fibrosis, beta-thalassemia, type 1 and 2 myotonic dystrophy, Marfan syndrome and others. These lines, after specific differentiation in vitro, represent valid cellular models for the study of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and for testing specific drugs. IPS cells are also useful for the in vitro evaluation of the toxicity of some drugs during embryonic development, and can also be derived from subjects with specific genotypes in order to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of specific anticancer drug treatments
  • Biostatistic studies of multivariate analysis able to evaluate the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors in response to a drug or in the susceptibility to complex diseases.
 
 
 
INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY PRESENT IN THE LABORATORY:
  • Basic Laboratory instruments (centrifuges, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometer. Freezers -80 ° C, Freezers -20 ° C, refrigerators
  • Automatic nucleic acid extractor EZ1 Bio-Robot (Qiagen)
  • PCR machine for the amplification of the DNA
  • 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System for genotyping and expression assays
  • Automated Sequencer 3130xl Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystem- Thermofisher)
  • Ion Torrent S5 platform for sequencing exome or targeted studies.
  • Ion OneTouch 2 System
  • Ion OneTouch ES
  • Agilent platform for gene expression and genotyping analysis
  • Basic tools for cell biology laboratory (cell incubators, laminar flow hoods) including fluorescence microscope and stereomicroscope.
 
 
TEACHING ACTIVITIES:
The staff of the Laboratory of Genetics is involved in TEACHING ACTIVITIES in numerous degree courses, both in Italian and in English, in numerous Specialization and Doctorate Schools in the Medical Area.
The Laboratory is also includes the School of Specialization in Medical Genetics, the Cytogenetic and Cytogenomic Master (in collaboration with the “Bambin Gesù” Pediatric Hospital and the “Roma Tre” University) and the Master of Forensic Genetics.

ADDRESS

Laboratorio di Genetica MEdica
Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione
Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia
Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”

Via Montpellier, 1 - 00133 Roma (Italy)

Staff

Full Professors:
Novelli Giuseppe

Associate Professors:
Borgiani Paola
Giardina Emiliano
Sangiuolo Federica

​Researchers:
Amati Francesca
Botta Annalisa
​Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione
Università di Roma Tor Vergata 

presso Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia
Indirizzo:  Viale Montpellier, 1 – Roma
Direttore del Dipartimento
Prof. Antonio De Lorenzo


Responsabile Amministrativo
Avv. Ombretta Picchioni


Content manager del sito
Prof. Andrea Malizia
  • Homepage
  • Department
    • Organization and Governance
    • Staff
  • Research
  • Didactic
    • Specialization School in Nutrition Science Università Cattolica Nostra Signora del Buon Consiglio
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienza dell' Alimentazione
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Radioterapia
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Radiodiagnostica
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Ematologia
    • Medical genetics Graduated School
    • master_II_Level_Cytogenetics
    • master_II_Level_CBRNE
    • master_I_Level_PH. E. SOUCHARD
    • master_I_Level_CBRNE
    • master_I_Level_Nursing_Managment
    • master_I_Level_Critical_Nursing
    • master_I_Level_Stomaterapia
    • Corso_professionale_Nursery_midwifery_operating_room
  • Third Mission
    • Conventions
    • Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology
    • Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
    • ICP-Massa Laboratory
    • Laboratory of Forensic Genetics
    • Laboratory of Industrial Hygiene
    • Laboratory of Medical Genetics
    • Laboratory of Oncohematology
    • Section of Histology and Embryology-Laboratories of Reproductive and Developmental Biology
    • Section of Legal Medicine
    • Section of of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics
    • Simulation and Optimization Laboratory of National Health Service (SSN) Services
    • Laboratory for Primordial Cell Germ Study en
    • Laboratory for the Prevention and Management of Psychosocial Risks (stress, mobbing and burn out)
    • Laboratory of Environmental and Occupational Toxicology
    • Laboratorio of Human Anatomy
  • SUA-RD_en
    • Report on Research Planning 2014-2015
    • Research Report
    • Papers on SCOPUS
    • Statistics and Metrics
    • Research lines
  • Positions and Announcements
    • Positions
    • Commitments to third parties
  • In Evidence
  • News_en
  • Home
  • Dipartimento
    • Organizzazione e Governance
    • Personale
  • Ricerca
    • Dottorati di ricerca
  • Didattica
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienze dell'Alimentazione (Università Cattolica Nostra Signora del Buon Consiglio)
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Scienza dell' Alimentazione
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva >
      • LIBRETTO SCUOLA SPECIALIZZAZIONE
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Radioterapia
    • Scuola di Specializzazione di Radiodiagnostica
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Ematologia
    • Scuola di Specializzazione in Genetica Medica
    • master_II_Livello_Citogenetica
    • master_II_Livello_CBRNE
    • master_I_Livello_PH. E. SOUCHARD
    • master_I_Livello_CBRNE
    • master_I_Livello_Nursing_Managment
    • master_I_Livello_Critical_Nursing
    • master_I_Livello_Stomaterapia
    • Corso_professionale_Infermiere_Ostetrica_sala_operatoria
  • Terza Missione
    • Convenzioni
    • Laboratorio di Microbiologia Ambientale
    • Laboratorio di Chimica Ambientale
    • Laboratorio ICP-Massa
    • Laboratorio di Genetica Forense
    • Laboratorio di Genetica Medica
    • Sezione di Medicina Legale
    • Laboratorio di Oncoematologia
    • Laboratorio di Igiene Industriale
    • Laboratory for Primordial Cell Germ Study
    • Laboratorio dei Rischi Psicosociali
    • Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia - Laboratorio di Biologia della Riproduzione e dello Sviluppo
    • Laboratorio di Simulazione - SSN
    • Laboratorio di Tossicologia Ambientale ed Occupazionale
    • Laboratori Sezione di Biologia
    • Laboratory of Human Anatomy
    • Sezione di Nutrizione clinica e Nutrigenomica
  • SUA-RD
    • Relazione Ricerca
    • Relazione Programmazione Ricerca
    • Elenco Pubblicazioni Scopus
    • Statistiche e Metriche
    • Linee di Ricerca
  • News
  • Bandi e Concorsi
    • Concorsi
    • Affidamento incarichi c/terzi
  • In Evidenza
  • Area riservata