Antibody-based methods such as CLIP can detect direct interactions between microRNAs and their mRNA targets in cell populations with nucleotide resolution. However, these methods typically require millions of cells, and cannot be applied to study the single cells where the interactions occur.

Bacterial infections that cause cell damage and cancer.

Proteins with multiple membrane-segments (MS) initially insert into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells. Little is known how such proteins attain native functional structures. We study the ER membrane chaperone Shr3 that specifically facilitates the folding of all 18 members of the yeast amino acid permease family of proteins with 12 MS.

This project reflects a long-standing interest in eukaryotic cell motility, i.e. movements of intracellular structures and migration of whole cells. Profilin is a coordinator of the two principal force generating machineries behind virtually all cell motility as first revealed by us and therefore takes a special interest in our studies.

Eukaryotic genomes are folded into high-order chromatin domains, which intrinsically affects all DNA-dependent processes. We study how chromatin architectural proteins regulate gene expression during dynamic developmental processes.

We have several projects to study the effect of combined exposure to radiations and to radiation plus cigarette smoke. The investigations are relevant to radiation protections because environmental and medical exposures often involve mixed components but the biological action of combined exposures is not well characterised.

Importantly, A-MYB–TCFL5 axis regulates ~100 specialized genes that produce pachytene PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that guide PIWI proteins to cleave target transcripts.

Dosimetric approaches for protection of people in large-scale nuclear emergencies

To maintain body weight and metabolic homeostasis functional inter-organ communication with multiple endocrine players is crucial. In this project we explore the metabolic impact and consequences of induced cytokine signaling in metabolic disease progression.

Epigenetic patterns of histone modifications contribute to the maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression, but little is known about how such patterns are initially formed during early embryo development. We study this process in Drosophila.

We recently discovered that a novel testis-specific transcription factor TCFL5, expressed in pachytene stage of meiosis, collaborates with the transcription factor A-MYB via a set of interlocking positive feedback and coherent feedforward loops to regulate meiotic gene expression program.

Cells and organisms are differentially sensitive to ionising radiation. What influences the individual response to radiation? We study the role of genetic and environmental factors and try to identify biomarkers of radiation sensitivity and exposure.

The consortium will establish in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate new antiviral compounds active against SARS-CoV-2. The aim is to develop broad-spectrum antivirals that can be administered locally to the nose and/or lungs.

Neural stem cells generate millions of neuronal subtypes and many supportive cells to constitute the most complex organ, the brain. We aim to understand gene regulatory mechanisms that guide neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

We investigate how bacteria in the gut microbiota influence the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo – both in experimental models and in patients.

Molecular study of host-bacteria interactions during disease progression.

The role of normal flora and antimicrobial peptides during bacterial colonization.

Obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. This project investigates mechanisms of metabolic activation of adipose tissue as potential targets for obesity therapy.

Pathogen renders host more attractive to vector, increasing the risk of its transmission.

Amino acids are essential nutrients that serve as building blocks of proteins and some are efficiently metabolized for energy. Eukaryotic cells respond to extracellular amino acids by enhancing their uptake. We study the molecular mechanisms underlying this response and the role of amino acid metabolism in promoting virulent growth of human fungal pathogens.

Today, sequencing of DNA from ancient samples is a standard method in Paleogenomics, however, RNA is generally unstable due to the ubiquitous presence of RNases in the environment.

Stereotactic radiotherapy is a highly successful radiotherapy modality for specific types of cancer involving the delivery of the treatment in one (radiosurgery) or very few sessions.

The aim of the project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which snoRNAs regulate chromatin accessibility, gene expression and DNA repair.

SINFONIA project will develop novel methodologies and tools that will provide a comprehensive risk appraisal for detrimental effects of radiation exposure on patients, workers, carers and comforters, the public and the environment during the management of patients suspected or diagnosed with lymphoma and brain tumours.

We study the coagulation of hemolymph as part of wound healing and innate immunity.

The project aims at understanding the molecular mechanisms by which degradation of ncRNAs by the exosome contributes to the organization of the genome and to efficient DNA repair.

We study how gut microbes and factors in the mucosal environment communicate with immune cells; and how these interactions connect to immune maturation as well as to the development of immune-mediated diseases like allergy and asthma.

We study the immune reaction against tumors in Drosophila models.

Our main aim is to study the effects of bacterial phosphoantigens (HMBPP and IPP) on appetite. We introduced these into mice by gavage and followed the differences in weight gain and gene transcription from relevant tissues. An unexpected effect on male salivary glands focused our interest also on their effects on immune response.

Nonshivering thermogenesis emanates from the activity of the mitochondrial protein UC P1 in brown adipose tissue. We use novel model systems to advance the understanding of mammalian thermogenesis.

Gene transcription is essential for cell identity and its misregulation causes disease. This project explores the connection between transcription and chromatin modifications that make genes accessible to the transcriptional machinery.