Molecular Genetics

Our group aims to study the molecular and genetic bases of human diseases, with a particular interest in studying cancer and in particular lung cancer.

The two main projects are:

1. the characterization of PRODH gene regulation and of the role that the encoded enzyme, proline dehydrogenase,  plays in the modulation of specific cellular phenotypes. We study how modulation of its expression in human adenocarcinoma cell lines impacts on phenotypes such as cell proliferation, cellular senescence and apoptosis.  We also aim to study the effect of modulating proline dehydrogenase on the tumour microenvironment and in drug resistance.
2. Identification and validation of microRNAs as circulating biomarkers to be applied to screening and early diagnosis of lung cancer.  For this study, we use droplet digital PCR, but we are also interested in developing novel diagnostic tests to measure microRNA directly in serum and plasma.

Staff and contacts

Find us: Campus Bizzozero; Via Dunant, 3; 21100 Varese; blue floor

Group website

Keywords: Regulation of gene expression; disease genes; biomarkers; molecular genetics; microRNA.

ERC SECTORS: LS4_12 Cancer; LS2_14 Genetic diseases;  LS1_3 DNA and RNA biology; LS2_4 Gene regulation; LS2_14 Genetic diseases; LS3_2 Cell senescence, cell death, autophagy, cell ageing; LS3_3 Cell behaviour, including control of cell shape, cell migration; LS3_5 Cell signalling and signal transduction, exosome biology; LS7_2 Medical technologies and tools (including genetic tools and biomarkers) for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases

Collaborations: Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi-Varese; Università di Verona; Multimedica, Milano; Cibio, Università di Trento; UMPH Cluj-Napoca, RO.