Projects

EVs are small spherical lipidic particles (diameters from 30 nm to several microns) that contain several types of biomolecules, such as proteins and microRNAs, and are decorated with diverse classes of proteins on their external surface. EVs are released from cells in body fluids. Procedures suitable for miniaturized and automatized approaches take instead advantage of the specific interactions with antibodies or they exploit the interactions which charged molecules. The activity was focused on the EVs separation from fluids, based on electrostatic interactions, and on the subsequent recovery of specific biomarkers (e.g. microRNAs) from the captured vesicles. As an alternative, aimed at the post-elution analysis (e.g. quality control of the captured vesicles), the recovery of intact vesicles was considered and achieved.

The project aims to develop a system for analyzing micro- and nanoplastics in drinking water using a simple approach and easy-to-build instrumentation. The system includes an acustophoresis device to separate suspended particles, microplastic detection devices based on impedance cytometry, and nanoplastic detection techniques based on NTA (Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis) and fluorescence. The ultimate goal is to acquire a greater quantity and quality of data to manage water quality more effectively).

The FANES project is an R&D initiative focused on developing a rapid prototyping process for advanced lab-on-chip diagnostic systems. Initiated by Femtorays Technologies (FTH Srl), an Italian biomedical startup, in collaboration with Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) and the local healthcare provider APSS, the project aims to accelerate the time-to-market for silicon photonics-based point-of-care diagnostics.

FBK is contributing in the development of microfluidic module and sensors’ surface biofunctionalization.

The recent development of treatments increasing SMN levels marks significant progress in managing SMA. However, challenges persist, especially with the emergence of new symptoms in treated individuals, affecting various bodily functions beyond muscles and nerves. This calls for a broader understanding of SMA as a systemic condition.

To navigate this new landscape, we aim to develop advanced molecular biomarkers, using data to track disease progression and treatment responses accurately, as existing biomarkers are limited and focus only on neuromuscular indicators. Our project builds on previous findings, focusing on how SMN loss affects protein translation in SMA models. Using advanced technologies, we'll expand our research, testing samples from SMA patients treated with approved drugs. Our goals include confirming the role of SMN in protein production, identifying specific ribosomal changes indicative of SMA subtypes, and validating these biomarkers in real-world patient samples.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by loss of the SMN1 gene, leading to reduced SMN protein, motor neuron degeneration, and muscle atrophy. Although treatments such as Spinraza, Evrysdi, and Zolgensma improve outcomes, they are not curative. This project leverages the role of SMN in translation, proposing that ribosome-associated proteins (RAPs) cooperate with SMN and represent novel therapeutic targets to correct translational defects and advance SMA treatment.

The NutraNeuro project, using different functional/pathological cellular models and electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches, aims to verify whether natural and/or nutraceutical compounds (curcumin, saffron, L-theanine, etc.) can exhibit neuroprotective and neuroresilient effects, acting as enhancers of neuronal excitability in functional models and as symptomatic rescuers in pathological models of NDDs through the regulation of the bioelectrical activity of ion channels. 

This project aims to implement advanced technological protocols to improve the identification of rG4-containing onco-miRNAs regulated by APE1. Using ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines, we will investigate their role in mediating chemotherapy resistance and assess the regulation of rG4-onco-miRNAs by APE1 under genotoxic stress conditions. These approaches will provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms linking rG4 structures, APE1 activity, and cancer therapy response.

The NGS laboratory operates in compliance with the UNI EN ISO 15189:2024 standard, which defines the quality and competence requirements for medical laboratories. The NGS Facility is accredited with certificate no. 01462 – Medical Examination, Rev. 05, guaranteeing the reliability of the analytical processes and the verified standards of the analyses performed.