Diving Into The Deep
Our aim is to study the mechanisms at the basis of hematopoietic and vascular cell defects, that cause and/or exacerbate several human diseases, such as childhood leukemias, systemic sclerosis, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva and muscular dystrophies.
The extreme complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions as well as the network of intertwined signalling pathways, has hampered a full elucidation of the onset and progression of these diseases. Only by combining different competences, complementing each other, we will be able to shed light on the multi-layered connections occurring during physiological and pathological processes such as hematopoiesis and vascular remodeling in the embryo and in the adult, and the crosstalk with the innate immune system.
The objectives of our research are achieved by exploiting both specialized tools and our unique expertise. Strategies such as genetic lineage tracing in transgenic mice and characterization of loss/gain of function (LOF/GOF) models allows us to approach the study of the diseases of our interest in a specific way.
For example, for diseases such as childhood leukemias, which have a pre-natal origin, we are currently aiming to identify the origin of the pathological cells from the embryo to the adult. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic profiling achieved through state-of-the-art biomolecular/sequencing platforms and live-imaging, will lead us to 1) define the molecular mechanisms driving the disease and aid the identification of new therapeutic targets; 2) identify the different components of the remodeling vascular and hematopoietic niche in physiological and pathological conditions for further identification of specific key factors produced when challenged with different inflammatory stimuli.
Meet Our Team
HEVA Research Group is a team of scientists with complementing expertise working together toward the common goal of building biomedical research with the potential of improving existing therapies. We believe in raising awareness about the impact of our research outcomes in both academic and public communities.
Principal Investigators
My research explores the molecular mechanisms of muscle regeneration and the intricate interactions between innate immunity and vessel-associated progenitors, with a particular focus on the role of endothelial-mesenchymal transitions (EndMT) in fibrotic diseases. To support this work, I have developed innovative mouse models to study how muscle progenitors and the immune system interact in both physiological and pathological conditions.
In recent years, my research has increasingly focused on the role of innate immunity in heterotopic ossification, particularly in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Collaborating with leading centers of excellence, I aim to identify novel therapeutic targets for this rare and challenging condition.
I have authored 78 peer-reviewed articles, achieved an H-index of 39, and secured funding from prestigious organizations such as Fondazione Telethon, Fondazione Cariplo, and the European Community.
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1753-5346
Scopus ID: 7003321841
The outcome of my research activity is documented so far in 26 publications in peer-reviewed international journals (H-index: 14, 2,600 citations).
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4572-5692
I have been concentrating in particular to the analysis of the plasticity of the human genome; deciphering the role of repeated non-coding sequences in the functionality of the human genome; to the analysis of genetic-molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying human pathologies.
Since 2006 i’m President of the degree course in Medical Biotechnology of the University of Milan-Bicocca.
Since 2015 i’m scientific director for the acquisition of the double title of Master’s Degree in Medical Biotechnology and Master’s Degree signed between the Milan-Bicocca University and the French Universities: Université Paris Diderot – Paris 7 and Université Paris Descartes – Paris 5.
My current line of research focus on the study of miRNAs and lncRNAs in FSHD myogenesis.
Collaborations
“As a scientist i gather and use research and evidence, making a hypothesis and testing it, to gain and share understanding and knowledge.I don’t always succeed at avoiding apathy and bias, but I feel that the effort is worthwhile. Try applying this method to an issue you feel strongly about – usually, the stronger your opinion, the less you have questioned it. You may be surprised at how much you learn about the issue. If you are animated by this spirit, science will welcome your goals”
Research
Our group is working on the frontiers of new discoveries, linking basic and translational research in the field of hematopoietic and vascular cell biology