Cellular signaling laboratory - prof. Lucia Manzoli and prof. Stefano Ratti

Research areas

The Cellular Signaling group of the Center of Clinical Surgical Experimental and Molecular Anatomy of the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna) is a multidisciplinary team that combines expertise in the fields of molecular and cellular biology and morphological analysis. The scientific activity is mainly focused on studying the signaling transduction pathways in rare pathologies in the hematological (Myelodysplastic Syndromes), neuroscientific (Glioblastoma and ADLD) and cardiovascular (cardiac amyloidosis and cardiac toxicity) fields.

The research activity carried out at the CRBA focuses on the study of high-grade gliomas through the creation of engineered in-vitro models (by modulating the expression of genes of interest). Through the collection of different glioblastoma patients’ samples, the research group is responsible for the characterization of their intra- and inter- tumor heterogeneity through various molecular and morphological-functional approaches. Starting from patients’ biopsies, there is also the possibility to create patient-derived cell cultures and perform further molecular and morphological analyses to elucidate the signaling mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis. By correlating the clinical characteristics of the patients with the molecular ones, it will be possible, in the future, to identify potential therapeutic targets and pave the way for new personalized and stratified therapies.

Research project carried out at the CRBA

• Phospholipases as novel potential modulators of aggressiveness in Glioblastoma