The laboratory investigates complex phenotypes relevant to human diseases using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics/proteomics strategies. To achieve the most integrated view, the lab's research includes the use of computational and bioinformatic tools for data processing, mining, and integration.
The ability to investigate the repertoire of metabolites and/or proteins at individual/tissue/cell level and to identify their alterations induced by disease states, allows the characterization of molecular changes underlying the development and progression in a wide range of human diseases, to aid in the understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms, in the identification of new biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets.
Metabolic and protein trajectories as sentinel of health status
The integration of different metabolomics/proteomics approaches and bioinformatics resources allows the identification of metabolic and/or proteomic signatures able to monitor/predict biological system changes in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors (physiological and pathophysiological drivers, lifestyle habits) with potential for patients’ stratification, early diagnosis, prognosis or innovative therapies. Recently, the laboratory has been engaged in the field of healthy aging, investigating the presence of vulnerable metabolic traits that characterize frailty in elders and may suggest new opportunities for intervention through dietary modulations.
Nutritional biomarkers associated with disease risk
Identification of nutritional biomarkers related to food consumption, based on the application of metabolomics to study "metabotypes" and "nutritypes" in relation to health status. The laboratory's research includes the identification, by mass spectrometry, of novel, sensitive, and reliable biomarkers based on their bioavailability and related to the intake of certain foods and dietary habits, with particular attention to their relationship to healthy aging and the phenotypes that characterize frailty in the elderly.
Metabolic reprogramming
Elucidation of biomolecular mechanisms through identification of metabolome/proteome alterations that regulate disease processes in preclinical models, with a focus on metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and crosstalk with the surrounding environment. The identification and elucidation of these mechanisms are the basis for the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
