The Research activity is currently aimed at the study of some degenerative pathologies in cell culture models. In particular, the cell lines used are representative of neuronal lines (neuroblastoma, glioma, pheochromocytoma) and pigmented retinal epithelium. The diseases under investigation are Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and age-related macular degeneration, all characterized by an increase in oxidative potential at the cellular level. Our study aims to test some potentially antioxidant molecules, both of natural and synthetic origin. The characterization of molecular mechanisms is focused in particular on mitochondria (membrane potential, cellular respiration, cytochrome C release, mitochondrial DNA) and on the NRF2 / OH axis which is the basis of cellular control mechanisms (inflammation-oxidation-apoptosis).
PROJECTS
2007. Italian Minister of University (PRIN 2007) PI of Unit. CLEMENTI Maria Elisabetta. “Mitochondrial damage in neurodegenerative diseases: the role of amyloidogenic peptides” (20078RWJBN_003).
2010 Italian Minister of University (PRIN 2010) Project Participant: “Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotection: Role of the expression of neuroglobin induced by estrogen hormones” (Pro. 20109MXHMR_006)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Oxidative stress, cellular lines, mitochondrial characterization, apoptosis
SCIENTIFIC SKILLS
Cell cultures, measurement of oxygen radicals, mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial purification from tissues, Elisa assay
RESEARCH AREA
