Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Microbial symbioses in insect vectors and insect pests (Minivan)
Description - ENGLISH
This line of research aims to identify and characterize microbial symbionts (bacteria and yeasts) that reveal some characteristics of the insect's biology (e.g. thermal adaptation, insecticide resistance) or that can be used for the development of innovative control methods (e.g. paratransgenesis, entomopathogenic nanoparticles).
The insects studied are mosquitoes of the Aedes, Culex and Anopheles genera (vectors of numerous human and animal pathogens) and the medfly (Ceratitis capitata), one of the major insect pests for many crops. Some bacteria and yeasts, isolated from the aforementioned insects, have been characterized at a microbiological and biomolecular level and are used in the development of biocompatible and economical methods for controlling insects’ vector and insect pests. We are currently trying to transfer these methods "from the bench to the open field", validating them in "semi-field" experiments.
Furthermore, the role of these symbionts in the mechanisms of thermal adaptation, in insecticide resistance and in the vector competence of the host insect are being in depth studied to define the biochemical and cellular mechanisms that characterize these "symbiont-host" interactions.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Mosquito; Medfly; thermal adaptation; insecticide resistance; microbial symbionts; vector control
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Monica Falcinelli, Paolo Luigi Catapano; Giulia Lombardi; Mahdokht Ilbeigi Khamseh Nejad; Silvia Sorana; Muhammad Sameer Zubair; Paul Audrey Mayi; Paolo Rossi; Alessia Cappelli; Claudia Damiani*; Irene Ricci*; Guido Favia*
External Collaborations
Steven P Sinkins, Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Paulo EM Ribolla, Department of Biotecnology-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, Brazil; Mariangela Bonizzoni, Department of Biology and Biotechnology-University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Laura Dickson, Department of Microbiology and Immunology-University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (USA); Abdoulaye Diabaté, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Healthy and pathogenic microorganisms
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
FIRB-ERC Ideas 2008 (grant RBID082MLZ) from the Italian Ministry of Education and Research. “Assessment of the potential role of bacteria of the genus Asaia as microbial agents for paratransgenic control of malaria vectors”; INFRAVEC (grant 228421) from EU-FP7-Capacities-Infrastructure 2009. “Research capacity for the implementation of genetic control of mosquitoes”; ERC Starting Grant EU-7th ERC-StG-2011 (grant 28122) from European Union “Yeast symbionts of malaria vectors: from basic research to the management of malaria control”; FIR 2013 (grant RBFR136GFF_002) from the Italian Ministry of Education and Research “Killer yeasts and killer peptides as experimental models for the control and the therapy of vector-borne diseases”; Prin-PNRR2022 (grant P2022XKRAA) from the Italian Ministry of Education and Research. “Wolbachia to control the invasive mosquito species Aedes koreicus”.
Email Address
guido.favia@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Cancer Epidemiology and Surveillance
Description - ENGLISH
The Population Cancer Registry serves as a crucial tool for epidemiological tumor surveillance, assessing the efficacy of preventive and diagnostic-therapeutic interventions, and informing oncology healthcare programming. Its significance lies in:
• Monitoring pathology within a specific region, detecting temporal changes in the disease.
• Correlating variations, both temporal and territorial, to factors such as increased diagnostic capacity, lifestyle-related risk factors, and environmental influences.
• Evaluating secondary prevention activities.
• Facilitating public health planning.
This registry also plays a pivotal role in cancer research, utilizing population data to continually monitor residents' health. It gauges cancer incidence, analyzes provincial-level frequency, and identifies areas, sub-populations, or high-risk groups, thereby suggesting interventions in the preventive realm.
Commencing its recording activity in 2010, the Population Cancer Registry has collaborated with national and international scientific societies. These collaborations aim to streamline the integration and processing of clinical, genomic, imaging, and treatment data, enhancing its comprehensive approach to cancer-related information.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Cancer registry, epidemiology, incidence, survival, prevention.
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Sonia Manasse; Ludovica Di Biagi, Valerio Napolioni.
External Collaborations
Associazione Italiana Registri Tumori; International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); European Network of Cancer Registry (ENCR); London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Fondazione IRCCS “Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori” (INT) Milano
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
Agenzia Sanitaria Regionale, Regione Marche; Fondazione IRCCS “Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori” (INT) Milano
Email Address
susanna.vitarelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
In vitro development of new controlled-release pharmaceutical formulations
Description - ENGLISH
This line of research aims to develop and characterize new pharmaceutical formulations for the controlled release of drugs or active ingredients through natural polymers or hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, or ethylcellulose.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Pharmaceutical formulations, controlled release of drugs, polymers
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Carlotta Marini, Mario Nicotra, Alessandro Di Cerbo
External Collaborations
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy;
Gomal Centre of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, D.I.K., P. O. Box; 29050, KPK, Pakistan;
National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Analytical characterization and functionality of biological molecules
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
alessandro.dicerbo@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Gut-brain axis in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Description - ENGLISH
The main goal of this research line is to evaluate the role of dietary interventions through functional foods in counteracting aging signs and delaying/slowing-down the onset and progression of age-associated diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies highlight and dissect how treatments modulate the gut-brain axis and the interplay between the microbiota and the host, focusing on the secretome and extracellular vesicles. Evaluation of the intestinal permeability and adsorption is performed. Biochemical-clinical parameters and gut hormones levels are detected. Treatment ability to specifically modulate gut microbiota composition is evaluated through 16S rRNA sequencing. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of short-chain fatty acids in feces of treated subjects is executed. The research is also focused on the evaluation of protein aggregates and deposits in aged and diseased brain, of the functionality of proteolytic pathways, including the proteasomal system and autophagy, inflammatory and oxidative processes, main contributors to aging and age-related disorders. Lipid and glucose metabolisms as well as energy homeostasis are investigated. Studies are performed both on in vitro and in vivo models (cell cultures and animal models, respectively) using immunomethods, spectrofluorimetric assays, GC-MS, confocal and fluorescent microscopy.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Aging, Alzheimer’s disease, microbiota, proteolysis, inflammation, oxidation
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Laura Bonfili; Valentina Cecarini; Massimiliano Cuccioloni; Anna Maria Eleuteri
External Collaborations
Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Brescia; San Raffaele Open University, Roma; CEINGE Biotecnologie avanzate, Napoli; Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University; Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, TEXAS AandM University
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN 2022 – ORPHEA, Combined effect of gamma-oryzanol and probiotics in counteracting the hallmarks of pathological aging; NextGenerationEU – program “MUR-Fondo Promozione e Sviluppo - D.M. 737/2021”: PROTECTIVE, Design and development of probiotic and prebiotic functional cookies to counteract cognitive decline”.
Email Address
valentina.cecarini@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease
Description - ENGLISH
The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease is an attractive topic of research, but molecular patterns are partially defined and available in vitro models have technical limitations. This research line is focused on validating a relatively unexplored cellular model of Alzheimer’s disease, through the characterization of immortalized astrocytes generated from the hippocampus of a well-established Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, and from the wild-type counterpart, specifically focusing on proteasomal and autophagic proteolytic pathways. These cells are treated with natural and synthetic molecules in order to define the mechanism of action of potential neuroprotective compounds. Moreover, the interaction between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum is altered in Alzheimer’s disease astrocytes, with consequent imbalance in intracellular calcium signaling. Upon strategic modulation of the distance between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, the effects on proteolysis are explored. Studies are performed using immunometric and spectrofluorimetric assays, fluorescent and confocal microscopy.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Alzheimer’s disease, microglia, immortalized astrocytes, proteolysis
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Laura Bonfili; Valentina Cecarini; Massimiliano Cuccioloni; Anna Maria Eleuteri
External Collaborations
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Università di Catania.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
laura.bonfili@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Biomedical properties of (semi)synthetic molecules
Description - ENGLISH
This research line focuses on the evaluation of the anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, and neuroprotective properties of rationally-designed derivatives of bioactive molecules (natural-occurring polyphenols and hydrazones). According to a concerted approach that combines in silico (molecular docking) and bioanalytical methods (SPR biosensor, spectro-photometry/fluorometry, HPLC, SEM), these aims are pursued by characterizing the direct interaction of these molecules with established pharmacological targets (proteolytic and redox enzymes, DNA, transport proteins, amyloid proteins).
Next, their cytotoxic/protective activity is assessed in different human cell models (cancer and neuronal) using colorimetric and cytofluorimetric assays, and the mechanism underneath the observed effects is dissected by monitoring the levels of specific biomarkers using immunometric and enzymatic assays.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Molecular docking, Binding studies, Enzyme inhibition, Anticancer complexes, Anti-amyloid complexes
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Massimiliano Cuccioloni, Mauro Angeletti, Laura Bonfili, Valentina Cecarini, Anna Maria Eleuteri
External Collaborations
Prof. Riccardo Pettinari (Scuola del Farmaco, Unicam); Prof. Fabio Marchetti (Scuola Scienze e Tecnologie, Unicam); Prof. Fabio Piccinelli (Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, UniVr), Prof. Andrea Melchior (Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura - Chimica, UniUd); Paul Dyson (Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering - EPFL, Losanna)
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Analytical characterization and functionality of biological molecules
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN 2022 PNRR "The Cura - Theranostic Curcumin-Based Rare-Earth Agents"
Email Address
massimiliano.cuccioloni@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Human Genomics: Complex Traits and Personalized Medicine
Description - ENGLISH
This abstract outline the laboratory activities undertaken in the realm of Human Genomics, specifically focusing on the investigation of complex traits and the development of strategies for personalized medicine. The research endeavors involve employing state-of-the-art genomic technologies, including high-throughput sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analyses, to decipher the intricate genetic landscape governing complex traits within the human genome.
In our laboratory, the primary objective is to identify and characterize genetic markers associated with diverse complex traits, ranging from disease susceptibility to individual responses to therapeutic interventions. Rigorous experimentation, integrated with cutting-edge computational approaches, facilitates the extraction of meaningful insights from large-scale genomic datasets. The emphasis lies in unraveling the genetic determinants contributing to the complexity of human phenotypes, ultimately providing a foundation for precision medicine.
Furthermore, our investigations extend to the translation of genomic discoveries into personalized therapeutic approaches. By delineating individual genetic profiles, we aim to contribute to the realization of tailored medical interventions, optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. This abstract encapsulates the ongoing laboratory activities, highlighting their significance in advancing our understanding of human genomics and paving the way for a more personalized and effective approach to medical care.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Bioinformatics; Complex Traits; Computational Biology; Genomics; Genomic Epidemiology; Next-Generation Sequencing
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Giovanni Deiana; Stefano Pallotti; Benedetta Torbidoni-Baldassari; Valerio Napolioni
External Collaborations
Prof. Serena Dato, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy; Prof. Michael D. Greicius, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA; Prof. Jie Huang, School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Prof. Patrizia Mecocci, University of Perugia, School of Medicine, Perugia, Italy; Prof. Luigina Romani, University San Raffaele and Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando 2022, EXTREMAL: EXTREMe phenotypes for Aging and Longevity; ANALISI PRS DA SHALLOW – Polo GGB, Siena, Italy.
Email Address
valerio.napolioni@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Structure and function of ciliate pheromones, evolutionary forerunners of ‘modern’ self/not-self cell signaling molecules
Description - ENGLISH
Self/not-self discrimination is at the core of immunology, and represented the driving force in the evolution of vertebrate adaptive immune systems. The knowledge of its molecular basis is essential to develop new immunotherapies and vaccines, and enormous research interest has focused on mammalian systems which, however, are often difficult to be experimentally dissected into single, easier analyzable components. Help to circumvent some difficulties can derived from studying ‘simpler’ evolutionary forerunner systems, such as the ‘mating systems’ that in ciliates act via diffusible protein pheromones to control the cell switching between reproduction (mitotic growth) and sex (manifested as cell-cell mating). We stably cultivate species of Euplotes (isolated from temperate and polar waters) that are quantitatively unmatched pheromone sources. The availability of native proteins paved the way to determine (through a long-standing collaboration with Prof. K. Wüthrich, 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry) the three-dimensional (NMR and crystallographic) structures of a significant variety of pheromones. The knowledge of these structures, and of their genetic determinants, has established a firm basis to seek into the pheromone mechanisms of action, and to assess the biotechnological potentialities of a few showing the intriguing capacity to cross-react with mammalian protein growth-factors and cytokines.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Comparative immunology, Cell signaling molecules, Self/not-self recognition, Water-borne pheromones, Molecular evolution.
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Adriana Vallesi; Pierangelo Luporini; Claudio Alimenti
External Collaborations
Bill Pedrini (Paul Scherrer Institute, Villingen, Svizzera); Yoahan Jiang (Ocean University, Repubblica Popolare Cinese)
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Analytical characterization and functionality of biological molecules
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
claudio.alimenti@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Investigation on mammary carcinogenesis and new therapeutic strategies against breast cancer
Description - ENGLISH
The research program of the Laboratory of Experimental Biology is focused on the molecular mechanisms governing breast carcinogenesis and the breast cancer response to new therapeutic strategies. The ongoing projects are aimed at testing the efficacy of immunotherapies, targeted therapies and natural compounds, administered alone or in a combinatorial regimen, in breast cancer preclinical models, such as Δ16HER2 transgenic mice that develop spontaneous mammary tumors. In parallel, we are studying the regulatory roles of tRNA fragments and their properties as diagnostic biomarkers in breast cancer.
In particular, we are investigating: (1) the anticancer activity and immune reactions triggered by vaccines conceived against the oncogene HER2 (phage-based or DNA vaccines, encapsulated or not in lipid nanoparticles); (2) the anti-neoplastic action and the underlying molecular mechanisms of selected medicinal fungi and herbs traditionally used in Chinese medicine; (3) the tumor suppressor role of the tRNA fragment tRF3E through nucleolin interaction; (4) the impact of the exposure to microplastics on breast cancer.
Keywords - ENGLISH
breast cancer, HER2, tRNA fragments, cancer vaccines, lipid nanoparticles, cancer targeted therapies
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Junbiao Wang; Maurizio Falconi; Cristina Marchini
External Collaborations
Giulio Caracciolo; Daniela Pozzi; Barbara Belletti; Roberta Galeazzi; Manuela Iezzi;
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
FAR 2022 PNR: The tRNA-fragment tRF3E: tumor suppressor role in breast cancer and diagnostic detection methods (tRNA catching);
PRIN 2022 PNRR: Development of a biophotonic instrumentation to detect and quantify different types of microplastics present in aquatic ecosystems and evaluation of risks to human health (PlasticHealth);
Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Post-doctoral Fellowships 2024 to Junbiao Wang: Investigation of the synergistic effect between Mushroom extracts and conventional therapies in breast cancer;
Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Post-doctoral Fellowships 2023 to Junbiao Wang: Combination of Phage-Based anti-HER2 Vaccination and Palbociclib as a Therapeutic Strategy in Hormone Receptor‐Positive/HER2‐Positive Advanced Breast Cancer;
Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Post-doctoral Fellowships 2019, 2020, 2021 to Junbiao Wang
Email Address
cristina.marchini@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Metabolic diseases impact brain and gut morphology: studies in different animal models
Description - ENGLISH
The research activity is focused on neuronal, glial and neurotransmitter systems alterations in experimental models of cerebrovascular diseases induced by different nutritional conditions and/or diet-related diseases such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Immunochemical, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques were applied for the characterization of organ damage in high-fat diet (HFD) obese rats, cafeteria-diet obese rats and leptin-receptor-deficient obese Zucker rats (OZRs) rats as a genetic model of metabolic syndrome. In brain areas neurodegeneration, astrogliosis, microglial activation, dysfunction of cholinergic transmission, and endothelial inflammation were evaluated. Suitable biomarkers of the intestinal function, including the enteroendocrine and neuroenteric system, gut permeability, inflammation, and glycosylation pathways in the intestinal epithelium were investigated. The effects of pharmacological and nutraceutical supplementations were evaluated to study their properties and role in beneficial effects for animal and human health.
Moreover, the studies were translated in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and colitis, to better understand the brain and intestinal alterations related to pathological conditions and possible protective effects of pre- and probiotic supplementation.
Keywords - ENGLISH
metabolic disease, obesity, neurodegeneration, gut permeability
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Ilenia Martinelli; Vincenzo Bellitto; Simonetta Cammertoni; Daniele Tomassoni.
External Collaborations
Section of Human Anatomy, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino; Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
daniele.tomassoni@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
End-organ damage due to hypertension: characterization of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Description - ENGLISH
High blood pressure may induce end organ damage in different organs like the heart, the kidneys, the brain, and the vascular system with an increase on vascular wall thickness and arterial stiffness.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) represent a model of hypertension and vascular brain injury. Several studies have shown that cerebrovascular changes in SHR may mimic brain vascular disorders of hypertensive individuals. Moreover, cardiovascular, and renal alterations are typical events in these rats. Brain areas were collected for Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of neuronal, glial, blood brain barrier (BBB) and inflammatory markers. Immunochemical and immunohistochemical techniques were also applied on heart, kidney, and gastrointestinal tracts to evaluate morphological alterations and inflammatory processes.
Animal models were used to evaluate the possible protective effects of drugs or nutraceutical compounds. Cholinergic enhancing drugs and antioxidant compounds were tested in SHR, to evaluate the protective actions against the cerebral alterations. Treatment with choline alphoscerate a cholinergic precursor enhancing neurotransmission and (+)-thioctic acid with antioxidant properties, alone or in association, could induce neuroprotection in SHR.
Keywords - ENGLISH
hypertension, organdamage, neuroinflammation
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Ilenia Martinelli; Vincenzo Bellitto; Daniele Tomassoni
External Collaborations
Section of Human Anatomy, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
daniele.tomassoni@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells: an in-vitro model to evaluate neuroinflammation.
Description - ENGLISH
The neurovascular unit (NVU) which is made up of both neurons, glial and vascular cells is responsible for integrating changes in blood supply to increases or decreases in neuronal activity. Glial cells components of NVU include astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendroglia. Microglia cells, which are found throughout the brain, represent the first response in the CNS to neuroinflammation. The resting phenotype represents microglia that are highly active in monitoring the presence of pathogens in the local environment. The M1 phenotype is characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to an acute immune response. On the contrary, M2 phenotype is characterized by the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, involved in the tissue repair, wastes removal, and in the renovation of brain homeostasis. Activated microglia using an immortalized murine microglial cell line (BV2) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), represent an important in vitro model to evaluate neuroinflammatory processes in the brain. Immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting methods were used to assess the neuroinflammatory responses and the transitional for resting to M1 or M2 phenotypes of different molecules, including choline-containing phospholipids and antioxidant substances.
Keywords - ENGLISH
neuroinflammation, microglia, cell culture
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Ilenia Martinelli; Vincenzo Bellitto; Daniele Tomassoni
External Collaborations
Section of Human Anatomy, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", University of Urbino Carlo Bo.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
daniele.tomassoni@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
AcorN: a forgotten resource to be rediscOVered and valorizEd in the production of good and heaLThY foods. (NOVELTY)
Description - ENGLISH
Traditionally, Quercus spp. fruits (acorns) were used in animal feeding (pigs, cows, and so on), but their nutritional value, as well as the interesting/high amount of fiber, fat and phytochemical compounds have raised the interest in integrating acorns into the human diet. The enrichment of foods with acorn flour contributes to increase their content in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, with potential health benefits, including antitumor and cardioprotective properties, and counteraction of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis. Thus, the aim of the project is to bring to light a forgotten food resource, represented by the oak acorns and originate new designed acorn containing foods. The in vivo model of Drosophila melanogaster will be used to verify the potential health effects of dietary inclusion of acorn based food products both during the ageing process (wild type strain) or during the development of a neurodegenerative disease (engineered model of flies developing Alzheimer Disease).
Keywords - ENGLISH
Acorn, Valorization, Drosophila melanogaster, Bread, Pasta, Snack.
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Daniela Beghelli; Elena Giovanna Vittadini; Antonella Laterza; Giovanni Caprioli.
External Collaborations
Università degli Studi di Parma; Università degli Studi di Milano.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN– Bando 2022 PNRR Prot. P2022N57PN : "AcorN: a forgotten resource to be rediscOVered and valorizEd in the production of good and heaLThY foods. (NOVELTY)"
Email Address
daniela.beghelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Discovery, isolation, and characterization of bioactive metabolites
Description - ENGLISH
Currently, 700,000 deaths/year are caused by infections of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. The World Health Organization estimates that in the next 25 years 10 million lives per year are at risk due to antimicrobial resistance. To cope with this global threat, this line of research investigates the development of new molecules with antibiotic activity against pathogens indicated in the global priority list by WHO as Priority 1 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa carbapenem-resistant and Enterobacteriaceae carbapenem-resistant/cephalosporin-resistant) and Priority 2 (MRSA Staphylococcus aureus).
To achieve this goal, three complementary approaches are used:
1) Screening the Unicam Culture Collection of Microorganisms (CCM), composed by 2.000 microorganisms isolated from different environmental settings, for its ability to produce novel compounds with antibiotic properties;
2) In silico virtual screening of compound libraries to identify new putative antibiotics;
3) Exploring the almost unlimited genetic resources available in the database for the identification of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) involved in antibiotic synthesis.
To validate the biological activity of the most promising molecules obtained through these approaches, we will make use of in-house developed high sensitivity assays, with the aim to confirm their in vitro efficacy and to identify the molecular target of the purified compounds.
Keywords - ENGLISH
drug discovery, antimicrobial resistance, antibiotics, culture collection of microorganisms
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Roberto Spurio; Anna Maria Giuliodori; Attilio Fabbretti
External Collaborations
Dezemona Petrelli (School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, UNICAM, Camerino, Italy); Valerio Napolioni (School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, UNICAM, Camerino, Italy); Pohl Milón (Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perù); Daniel Wilson (University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany)
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Analytical characterization and functionality of biological molecules
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
MSCA-RISE Bio-TUNE (N. 872869)
Email Address
attilio.fabbretti@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Bio-waste products as a source of nutraceuticals to target the common trait of inflammation in cancer and neurodegeneration
Description - ENGLISH
Neurodegenerative diseases and cancer have much in common as they have similar epidemiological and biochemical features and share common risk factors such as aging and inflammation. The inflammation hypothesis is one of the most accredited explanation for comparison between neurodegeneration and cancer. The immune factors and reactive oxygen species released from chronic inflammatory reactions not only promote disease occurrence, but also allow cellular DNA to accumulate mutations more easily, forming proteins with aberrant functions. A valuable resource of potential protective agents are phytochemicals that possess pleiotropic biological activities. Many food wastes and vegetable processing by-products are rich of bioactive phytochemicals and the possibility to convert bio-wastes in nutraceuticals represents a valuable step towards sustainability. General goal of the project is to identify low-cost/sustainable bio-waste extracts effective in counteracting cancer and neurodegeneration targeting the inflammatory machine. The in vivo model of Drosophila melanogaster (both wild type and engineered to develop Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases) as well as some cancer (osteosarcoma cell models: MG63, SaOS-2, U2-OS, MNNG and TE85) and neuro- inflammation cell lines (BV-2 microglial cells as such or in co-culture with neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells) will be used to test the identified most promising extracts, previously in vitro tested for their biological properties (antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities).
Keywords - ENGLISH
Drosophila melanogaster; signal transduction; inflammation; proteomics; nutraceuticals; bio-wastes.
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Daniela Beghelli; Laura Giusti.
External Collaborations
Università degli Studi di Bologna; Università degli Studi di Siena.
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
PRIN 2022 -progetto: 2022LW54KC
Titolo: BIO-WASTE PRODUCTS AS A SOURCE OF NUTRACEUTICALS TO TARGET THE COMMON TRAIT OF INFLAMMATION IN CANCER AND NEURODEGENERATION
Email Address
daniela.beghelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Microbiological and molecular characterization of microplastic-associated multidrug resistant bacteria
Description - ENGLISH
Microplastics (MPs) dispersed in the environment and in particular in freshwater ecosystems may act as a vehicle for the spread of multidrug resistant bacteria that efficiently colonize their surface forming biofilms. These particles may pose a potential risk for human health exacerbating the diffusion of the antibiotic resistance phenomenon. It is therefore necessary to establish rigorous methodologies to examine the impact of this pollutants on the health status of freshwater, and to highlight the hazards of MPs-associated bacteria travelling all the way down to sea.
Among the activities planned to investigate this topic, our research team is involved in the quantification and identification of microplastics present in rivers of the Marche region, in the isolation and characterization of antibiotic resistant enterobacteria associated with microplastics, and in the detection of the genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance. The composition of the bacterial communities retrieved from the surface of MPs will be analysed using a metagenomic approach and their role in the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (AMR) will be explored through the analysis of the resistome.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Microplastics, MPs, ARGs, antibiotic resistance, freshwater, biofilm
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Roberto Spurio; Serena Gabrielli; Dezemona Petrelli
External Collaborations
Stefania Marcheggiani (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma); Lado Kranjcevic (Faculty of Engineering University of Rijeka)
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Healthy and pathogenic microorganisms
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
dezemona.petrelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Molecular epidemiology of antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of multidrug resistant pathogenic bacteria.
Description - ENGLISH
Surveillance studies are fundamental in clinical microbiology. The study of genetic variation of virulence and antibiotic resistance is one of the main research activities of our group. We work together with hospitals to collect clinical isolates of the most relevant pathogenic bacteria to study the genetic of their virulence and resistance using different molecular techniques including next generation sequencing
Keywords - ENGLISH
antibiotic resistance, pathogenic bacteria, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), molecular typing
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Dezemona Petrelli, Luca Agostino Vitali
External Collaborations
NA
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Healthy and pathogenic microorganisms
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
dezemona.petrelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
NAD+ Metabolism as a Novel Target Against Infection
Description - ENGLISH
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics could be the leading cause of death world-wide in the future. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to identify novel antimicrobial therapeutic tools. In this context the use of unconventional approaches to dissect NAD+ metabolism and its impact on different defense mechanisms could reveal new therapeutic targets. Modulation of host NAD+ metabolism by the activation or inhibition of key enzymes could influence NAD+ signaling pathways in pathogens and their ability to colonize host cells. The increasingly rapid spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains has encouraged scientists to intensify studies to identify new enzymes taking part in NAD+ metabolism. Unravelling the role, in pathogens and host cells, of newly discovered enzymes involved in NAD+ turnover during infection could increase our knowledge of the of bacterial pathogenesis and may be relevant for the development of targeted drug therapies against super bugs and reduce antibiotic resistance.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Antibiotic resistance, NAD metabolism, Bacteria, Immune response
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Enrico Balducci
External Collaborations
NA
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Healthy and pathogenic microorganisms
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
enrico.balducci@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
A cytokinin-activating enzyme in Bordetella pertussis: potential paradigm of a novel class of pathogenic factors
Description - ENGLISH
Antibiotic resistance is considered one of the greatest threats to human health. Cases of antibiotic resistance are constantly reported. Infectious diseases could reduce our lifespan to an extent similar to the pre-antibiotic era. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to identify novel antimicrobial therapeutic tools. In this context however, to discover alternative treatments against infections, it is necessary to identify new features related to bacterial pathogenesis and microbiology. We have recently identified in B. pertussis a homolog of LONELY GUY family of plant enzymes and characterized its physiological product 6-O-methylguanine a cytokinin-like molecule. Our in-silico investigation has revealed that priority pathogens included in the report published by World Health Organization contain LONELY GUY sequences. Therefore, LONELY GUYs and their products, could represent a new family of potential virulence factors.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Bordetella pertussis, cytokinin, phosphoribohydrolase
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Enrico Balducci
External Collaborations
NA
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Healthy and pathogenic microorganisms
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
enrico.balducci@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Intervention by nutraceutical compounds on metabolic regulators and molecular targets of chronic-aging related diseases.
Description - ENGLISH
The identification of metabolic determinants and enzymatic mechanisms involved in dysregulation of cell turnover resulting from chronic aging is of great importance. Modification of metabolic solutions to taking advantage of nutrients is observed in many biological conditions, such as lifespan extension, as well as a strategy adopted by cancer cells to maintain rapid growth and proliferation. Our research is particularly aimed at evaluating alterations in the cell metabolic flux and crosstalk between metabolic pathways by quantification of families of metabolites like folates, polyamines, and NAD related nucleotides in different models of proteotoxicity-driven neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, cancer. In parallel, by focusing on the determination the catalytic activity of enzymes involved in the investigated pathways (dihydrofolate reductase, thioredoxin reductase, nicotinamide adenylyl transferase) we try to identify the mechanism associated with the metabolic response. Possible interventions by nutraceuticals, like plant derived antioxidant compounds, and milk proteins, are studied, with a particular interest on delivery systems.
Technical expertise: HPLC-DAD-MS; spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry; circular dichroism, light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry.
Keywords - ENGLISH
Folates, polyamines, NAD, nutraceuticals, metabolism
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Silvia Vincenzetti; Valeria Polzonetti; Sofia Renzi; Massimo Ricciutelli; Diego Romano Perinelli; Rossana Galassi; Cristina Marchini; Stefania Pucciarelli.
External Collaborations
Alessandra Perra (Università degli Studi della Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli); Alessandro di Michele (Università di Perugia); Pier Paolo Scaglioni, Cristina Andreani, Caterina Bartolacci (University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA); Sebastian Frische (Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark); Zafer Erbay (Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Turkey);
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
Participation in the PRIMA project, Thematic Area 3 - Agri-food Value Chain, Project title: From Tradition to Innovation: New Foods and Educational Toolkits for a Healthy and Sustainable Mediterranean Lifestyle (Tool4MEDLife), duration 36 months.
Email Address
stefania.pucciarelli@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Alterations in the functional properties of post-translationally modified proteins due to the formation of tyrosine dimers
Description - ENGLISH
Oxidative stress introduces post-translational modifications into proteins. In some cases, these modifications not only modify the oxidation state of the target protein, but also alter its structural and functional properties. The formation of intra- and inter-chain tyrosine dimers in proteins are an example of post-translational modification that modifies the susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, the stability of the tertiary structure and of any quaternary structures.
These structural changes give the modified proteins altered/new functional properties towards biological targets such as enzymatic systems and receptors.
Numerous studies have detected tyrosine dimers in key proteins in pathologies for which oxidative stress is a cofactor in the pathogenesis, such as Alzheimer's/Parkinsons' disease.
Tyrosine dimers are present in some wheat proteins able to induce an inflammatory response on host macrophages mediated by activation of the TLR4 receptor.
The present project is aimed at clarifying the functional variations produced by the formation of tyrosine dimers in target biological systems.
To support the research, analytical methods will be developed (based on MS/MS spectrometry) for the identification of tyrosines involved in dimers, and the application of molecular docking and molecular dynamics computational methodologies, including virtual screening and inverse virtual screening, for the prediction of functional changes due to the formation of dityrosines.
Keywords - ENGLISH
protein post-traslational modifications, dityrosine, MS/MS spectrometry, virtual screening, inverse virtual screening
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Mauro Angeletti
External Collaborations
NA
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Analytical characterization and functionality of biological molecules
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
mauro.angeletti@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
First 1000 days of life gut microbiota: early probiotic supplementation for a healthy neurodevelopment.
Description - ENGLISH
The research aims to study the role of gut-brain axis during the first years of human life. The studies are focusing on the correlation within a healthy neurodevelopment in child and the potential activity of specific probiotic strains used during pregnancy and/or in the very early days of life as valuable mean for a healthy infant brain development. The probiotic supplementation will be also studied as prevention approach in specific neurodevelopment disorders. The research address various aspects related to brain inflammatory state and its relationship with gut microbiota with several in vitro approaches using a fermentation system mimicking the microbial fermentation in human gut and organs-on-a-chip system, device containing organ-specific cells which are cultured and organized to mimic the physiological and mechanical properties of target organs.
Keywords - ENGLISH
gut microbiota; child; probiotics; postbiotics; gut-brain axis; neuroinflammation
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Lucia Occhigrossi, Maria Magdalena Coman, Stefania Silvi
External Collaborations
Synbiotec Srl
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Healthy and pathogenic microorganisms
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
Project funded under DM 117/2023
Email Address
stefania.silvi@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications
Research Line Title - ENGLISH
Investigating cellular pathways in cancer to understand cancer biology and search for new therapeutic targets.
Description - ENGLISH
The research interest is mainly focused on the study of molecular mechanisms influencing cell fate during cancer progression and treatment. Although we have greatly increased our knowledge of the signals that regulate and guide tumor progression, the controlling cancer growth still remains an open challenge. In fact, cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells, acquire the ability to modulate and/or impair several cellular pathways such as autophagy, apoptosis, mitophagy, metabolic adaptations, bi-directional communication between organelles, ion channel activity to promote relapse and therapy resistance.
Keywords - ENGLISH
cancer, autophay, mitophagy, calcium flux, ion channels, chemoresistance
Graphical abstract/representative picture
Active participants in the research line (PI last author or *)
Consuelo Amantini
External Collaborations
NA
Pillar
Human Health
Macroareas in Human Health
Biology of health and disease
Relevant research grants (national/international) funding specifically this Research Line
NA
Email Address
consuelo.amantini@unicam.it
Link to Relevant Publications